Bradenton, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/03/2011 -- In recent developments, internet gambling was legalized in the District of Columbia making this US jurisdiction to be the first to allow the same. As per the reports, a Greece based company Intralot would operate the gaming. The gaming would however be available to gamblers making bets within DC.

Legalization of the games has been proposed and approved and the move contradicts the 2006 federal law that effectively prohibited internet gambling.

If the gambling experts are to be believed, the law created gray areas consequently opening the door for the expansion in to the multi billion dollar industry.

Michael A. Brown – D.C. councilman who had authored the provision came up with his conservative estimate which indicates that the district would earn roughly $13-$14 million through financial year 2014. D.C. anticipates tapping those millions to aid offset budget cuts and also help the social services programs, said Brown.

As per Brown, “Anytime you’re cutting budgets and you want to save some programs, you’re looking for different pieces from different pots and you hope that you get to the number that restores those budget shortfalls and that’s what we’re trying to do with this,” Brown said.

Gambling receiving green light from the government has come as great news for the new poker players. However, D.C. would have permissions to offer other games requiring skill & chance as well. The lottery officials would then decide which all games to permit.

The best part about the online poker games is that they allow computer users to deposit money into an account. The online poker games also allow the players to place wagers against other players just as it is in real gambling.

“Assuming it’s implemented it would become a part of our lottery program and could generate additional resources for the District of Columbia as we continue to support ourselves,” says Mayor Vincent Gray.