After poker enthusiasts in the state of Texas said that they would be willing to pay to have poker legalized, it appears as if they are one big step closer to realizing their legal poker dream.

According to the Dallas Morning News, a reworked bill by state rep. Jose Menendez, which was introduced in November, has "passed out of the House committee that oversees gambling issues" by a vote of 6-3.

What that means is that local communities in Texas will be able to decide via voting whether poker will be legal or not.

"The vast majority of communities in Texas will hold successful elections allowing Texas Hold'em at specific locations," explained Poker Players Alliance Texas state director Mike Lavigne.

"This is a smart way to allow local control over what will quickly become an economic development issue."

Poker in the state is perfectly legal, so long as the house doesn't turn a profit.

"If cities voted to legalize poker, the state would be able to issue poker licenses to establishments, and allow them to collect fees on poker hands and game buy-ins," said the Dallas Morning News.

"The poker operators would be taxed based on their revenue, money that would be returned to the state."