Politicians in Iowa have taken a major step toward legalizing online poker. Earlier this week, the state’s Democrat-controlled senate approved a measure which would legalize an intra-state version of the game, carrying the day with a vote of 29-20.

Known in political circles as Senate Study Bill 3164, this piece of legislation would allow individuals to go into a licensed Iowa casino and register for an online poker account. They would then be able to enjoy the game in the comfort of their own homes, competing against other such users in their state. Participants would need to be at least 21 years of age and would be required to pass a legal screening process.

Though this success is encouraging, talks are about to enter difficult territory. Next up is the Iowa House of Representatives, which is currently under Republican control. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. Governor Terry Branstad, a member of the same political party, has stated his openness to the measure, should it reach his desk.

Money will likely prove to be one of the deciding factors. According to iGaming Business, legal internet poker could raise as much as $13.2 million in tax revenues each year for lawmakers. The state-licensed casinos would be in line for an even greater profit, with estimates ranging from $30 million to $60 million gross.

Additional income always sparks debate in political circles. In this case, things didn’t take long to get heated up. During the bill’s floor debate, one senator attempted to introduce an amendment which would have utilized all of the potential profits to address a deficit in a local road tax fund. This attempt was shot down by a vote of 22-27, however.

In the event that the bill is signed into law, the next move would belong to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The group would be charged with the creation of an online infrastructure, through which licensed casinos would run the game itself.