With online poker now legal in Nevada, and UltimatePoker.com currently legally able to offer the game to those within the state’s borders, I predict, in the end, the big winner in the online poker bonanza will be Facebook (FB), but for this to come to pass, poker must spread beyond just Nevada.

First of all, casino gambling is legal in many states. Poker is considered a game of skill, and embraced as such even by many who might frown upon games of chance.

Poker offers politicians a new way to increase revenues without having to enforce new obligatory taxes (always unpopular). As each new state approves it in some form, it will become easier and easier for state legislatures to approve the game without putting their necks on the chopping block to their conservative constituency. “See, they did it too! We just don’t want to lose the revenue and tax you more” will be their explanation.

“New Jersey, which has approved “full-blown casino gaming” legislation, is the next state on the company’s (Ultimate Poker) list for expansion. Then you have Delaware that’s also approved it. And there’s about 10 other states that are looking at it and are very serious about the legislation.”

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