(California) — The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act makes it illegal to finance gambling transactions through credit cards and banks in the U.S. but is the state of California about to re-introduce online poker to its people?

According to a report in the Capitol Weekly (Californian government and political paper) a group of disgruntled online poker players and a California politician are looking into bring 'net poker back to the Golden State.

Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) and the Poker Players of America (not to be confused with the Poker Players Alliance) are proposing a bill that would both conduct a study on the UIGEA and explore if there is a loophole in it that would allow for legalized online poker in California.

"Our understanding of the law is that so long as the player and server (hosting the online game) are in California, it would be legal," Levine told the Capitol Weekly.

"But that’s what we are trying to find out."

If the state is allowed to offer online poker services there is the question about how profits would be divvied up. The state would obviously get part of the proceeds but what about others?

Indian tribes, Card clubs and whatever entity would run the online poker sites would all want part of the cut as well.

On the plus side, players would be able to play safely.

"If you’re gambling in California with one of these offshore sites, and they just decide not to pay you, you’re out of luck," explained Levine.

"If you play legally, then there is recourse."

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