In a surprise move, the government of the Kane County district of Illinois, part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, repealed a ban on video gambling. The ban was put into place in December of last year, when the board voted 12-11 to keep video poker and video blackjack machines from being allowed at bars, restaurants, and truck stops.

The new vote decided 17-7 to lift the ban. Illinois state law allows video blackjack universally, but also allows individual counties to “opt out”. The decision seems to be financially motivated – more gaming machines means more tax revenue pouring into state coffers.

Video gambling machines are not unlike online blackjack and poker games. Players enter money, make wagers, and receive payouts when they win. The big difference is that when playing online, multi-player games are available, letting blackjack fans join in on massive tournaments with other gamblers from around the world.

Online gambling in the US, despite popular opinion, is not illegal. There are some bumps in the road when it comes to funding accounts, but these are minor issues. US players who would like to try their hand at internet blackjack can sign up at one of these excellent online blackjack casinos.