On March 4, 1946, President Harry Truman joined Winston Churchill for a train ride from Washington D.C. to Missouri, where Churchill was to give his famous "iron curtain" speech that would shape American foreign policy for decades. One might suspect that they passed the time during their long journey discussing geopolitics, world economics, or any number of issues that faced the free world in the aftermath of World War II. But the truth is that the two men, along with their cadre of advisers, blew off some steam and passed the time playing poker.

Millions of Californians also regularly play poker, and like everything else, poker gameplay is migrating online. California is an innovator in all things computer-related, with one major exception: online poker. The U.S. Department of Justice recently changed its policies and now allows states to legalize online poker. Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have legalized online poker, but Californian has failed to take action.

The status quo is a lost opportunity. Although online poker is illegal in California, foreign-based games accept California customers. The profits flow entirely out-of-state, often to games that are poorly regulated and policed.

In 2013, Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association testified before Congress that Americans spent nearly $3 billion on illegal, unregulated offshore gaming sites in 2013. And the market research company PokerScout estimated that the legalization of online poker in California has the potential to generate up to $263 million a year. This is why legalization proponents assert that California would realize significant revenue for merely regulating and legitimizing an industry that Californians already participate in but send their dollars overseas.

Opponents have four concerns. The first is that because gaming budgets are finite, online play would reduce visits to local "brick-and-mortar" gaming and hospitality establishments. The second concern is that small- and medium-sized operators would be unable to participate in the market, meaning that only big businesses would benefit. The third concern is that online poker would foster money-laundering and cheating. The final concern is that it could result in minors gambling, using the anonymity of the Internet.

Can policymakers address these concerns and secure much-needed revenue for California? I think so, and I am prepared to introduce legislation that does just that. Here's how it would work:

Somewhat paradoxically, the best practices for the innovative world of online poker would involve brick-and-mortar businesses and borrow from established business practices. Just like opening a bank account, the only way to open an online-poker account in California would be to present yourself in person at a "branch" and be "validated" by showing two forms of identification. Under this proposal, qualified existing gaming establishments, even those which don't operate a poker website, could serve as initial validators, as long as they meet stringent security criteria. Initial deposits would occur in person, although subsequent ones could be made online. A similar rule would apply for cash-outs above a certain amount or frequency.

This system would elegantly solve the concerns opponents raise. It would greatly reduce the likelihood of a minor being accepted into the system. It would also weed out potential money-launderers, like those who walk in with suitcases of $100 dollar bills. And, it would allow local brick-and-mortar establishments, most which are too small to operate an online-poker site, to nevertheless profit from online poker, and would guarantee them some foot traffic. But most significantly, it will also greatly discourage cheating and other illegal schemes. If a gambler had just completed an elaborate cheat, would he want to show up in person and present himself to a security professional to collect his winnings?

California has led the world in computer and Internet innovation, and there is no good reason why we can't continue to lead with a sensible online-poker framework, one that, somewhat ironically, borrows from time-tested business practices. California has long been a state of paradoxes, but this opportunity can improve our government finances. We shouldn't pass it up.

And in case you were wondering, President Truman was the big winner in that poker game on that historic train ride, taking Churchill for $250. Poker is one of America's traditional pastimes. Let's ensure California can benefit from it.

This is a reprint from utsandiego.com. to view the original, click here.