Zynga takes the first step toward real money gambling in the U.S.

Real money online gambling isn't legal in the United States (yet), but Zynga's banking on the idea that it will be, and has taken its first step toward becoming a legal online casino.

The company filed an application for what's called a "Preliminary Finding of Suitability" from the Nevada Gaming Control Board which, if granted, will allow players from within the state to bet on its games using real money.

This doesn't mean that Zynga will begin offering this service anytime soon. The company anticipates that the application process will take between 12 and 18 months to complete, and that's just to be qualified to apply for an actual gaming license.

It's a small step for the company, but an important one in its eventual goal of creating a business around real money gambling in the United States.

Zynga will begin operating real money gambling games in the UK early next year.

"As we’ve said previously, the broader U.S. market is an opportunity that’s further out on the horizon based on legislative developments, but we are preparing for a regulated market," the company said in a statement.