Nevada and Delaware didn't exactly open the floodgates for other states to seriously pursue online poker, but that makes sense. Nevada is viewed as a different entity than other states. It's a gaming state, and for a gaming state to expand its gambling options isn't going to be trendsetting. As one of the smallest and least populous states, Delaware doesn't command the spotlight.

This time is different. When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed the online gambling bill into law last week, political leaders in other states were taking notice.

If there is a state that is going to begin a chain reaction of Internet poker spreading across the country, it's New Jersey. In a few years, perhaps New Jersey will be better known for giving us online poker than Jersey Shore.