On Tuesday, a panel of online casino executives said that the future of casino is on internet gambling regardless if it is approved in the state or federal level. In addition, a lawmaker from New Jersey predicted that there may be a ballot question in 2012 to ask his constituents whether the state Constitution should be amended to make online casinos legal.

During the East Coast Gaming Congress, the executives of several online betting organizations said that the Internet gives the casino (and gambling industry in general) a chance to grow bigger. However, they also said the possibility of a federal law allowing it is still a long shot considering the federal raids on gambling sites conducted recently.

Jan Jones of the Caesars Entertainment said that we cannot stop the internet. The government may put protection and regulate it, but the Internet will continue to exist. The president of the Online Gaming Association in the U.S., Melanie Brenner, said that there are currently at least 10 million people who play poker online.

The members of the panel forecast an $80 billion annual revenue should online casino (gambling) is legalized.

Richard Bronson, U.S. Digital Gaming chairman, said that a federal law allowing online casinos is very unlikely. He, however, added that he is thinks individual states will soon begin allowing online gambling.

New Jersey was so close to becoming the first ever state to approve of online casino within its borders. However, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill and voiced concerns on its legality. The people of New Jersey said that if their legislators really want to legalize online casino, they should make a move on the amendment of the state Constitution first and let the people decide.

Jones said that if we let this opportunity pass, we are letting go of a huge potential for growth in the casino industry.

Tiger Woods wished to play in the first FedEx Cup playoff event with the hopes that it won’t be his last.

Woods officially entered The Barclays last Thursday that will start on Aug. 26. It would be the first of four playoff events that will conclude the Tour Championship and a $10 million prize to the winner of the yearlong FedEx Cup competition.

Woods is No. 108 in the standings and is eager to go further down the list. Of course, that would depend on the outcome this week at the Wyndham Championship. Only the top 125 players are included for The Barclays which will be held at Ridgewood Country Club.

Woods didn’t play in Ridgewood’s last 2008  tournament. He missed the FedEx tourney due to his knee surgery. It’s the only time that he did not claim the $10 million prize since the game began in 2007.

Now, his goal is just to get to as many playoff events as he can.

Right after The Barclays, the top 100 will precede the second round, the Deutsche Bank Championship outside Boston, which will end on Labor Day. That will be the final event before U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin will pick his four wild-card picks.

Woods will play, and Pavin said that Woods is on top of the list.

Players are divided at The Barcleys based on their standing in FedEx Cup. Pavin is currently on No. 107. However, he’s not sure whether to play Ridgewood due to a summer schedule of four majors in a five-week stretch.