Tilting the odds in Larry Flynt’s favor Thursday, a federal judge gave life to the porn mogul’s fight to oust a California law that’s preventing the expansion of his gambling industry portfolio.

U.S. District Judge John Mendez denied the state’s attempt to dismiss the entire case, saying the broad enforcement of the anti-organized crime bill could amount to regulation of interstate commerce.

Enacted in 1986 by wary lawmakers hoping to keep the mob from opening legal cardrooms in the Golden State, the law prevents Californians holding gaming licenses from investing in out-of-state casinos.

But Flynt, who owns Hustler Casino and Larry Flynt’s Luck Lady Casino in Southern California, says the times have changed.