Iowa senator says Justice opinion clears way for online poker

A U.S. Justice Department opinion has fueled an Iowa push for online poker.

The Des Moines Register reports Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, said Tuesday the opinion would let Iowa join jurisdictions that have approved Internet gambling. They include Washington, D.C., and Nevada and possibly some foreign countries.

Last month a report by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission outlined how officials could create the regulatory framework to permit Internet poker played by Iowa residents.

Potential tax revenue was estimated at between $3 million and $13 million a year.

The Justice Department opinion says the federal Wire Act prohibits only sports betting over the Internet.

Danielson says he's preparing a bill to legalize Internet poker in Iowa and expects it get consideration this session.