Several states, including Nevada and New Jersey have launched state licensed and regulated online poker initiatives for their state's residents and visitors. Where the federal government has drawn the line in the sand is when it comes to sports betting, which they decided was subject to the federal wire act. The DOJ went on to declare that each individual sate could determine their own fate when it comes to online casino and poker gambling entertainment without violating US federal laws. This allowed the potential for the development of state regulated and legally sanctioned online casino and poker gambling. One of the first victories was when the Department of Justice determined that the Federal Wire Act does not apply to poker games or casino games.
The online gambling landscape in the United Sates can be very confusing, and there have been some distinct victories and set backs that have combined to dramatically alter the online poker industry.