One of the most exciting developments showcased at the summit was a new Internet payment system presented by ATM Direct. If all goes as planned, online gamblers will soon be able to deposit cash to the accounts of participating casinos using their ATM or debit card. The system could be up and running as soon as a few weeks.

Even better, players may be able to use the same system to withdraw winnings from casinos directly to their bank account. If all hurdles are cleared, the cash-out portion of the system could be available in 2 or 3 months.

The Interactive Gaming Council, the Net's primary online gaming association, is undertaking a new seal of approval program. Online casinos that are members of the IGC may apply for the seal. Before being awarded the seal, casino operators will likely have to undergo rigorous background checks and their games may be subject to testing. The IGC still has a number of bumps to work out in the program but we could start seeing seals in the next few months. The seal program will also include a dispute resolution mechanism.

The day when players can play casino games or place wagers via their mobile phone is fast approaching. Swisscom, the leading telecommunications company in Switzerland, presented their mobile network services to casino operators wishing to expand into mobile gambling. It's expected that mobile phones will be used primarily for sports and horse betting, but blackjack and other casino games will be available too.

In an upbeat presentation to conference attendees, Nevada's top gaming regulator, Brian Sandoval, acknowledged that "Internet gaming is here and is here to stay" and that the Nevada Gaming Commission is "considering [its] options."

Anthony Cabot, a leading lawyer in the field of online gaming, indicated that all major Nevada casinos are "planning their Internet strategies." But much still depends on what happens with the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act which is in the US House of Representatives.