California is potentially going to ban blackjack and baccarat games from non-tribal run card rooms in the state. Stemming from a lawsuit from local tribal nations, who claim they’re being run illegally, there’s now pushback from other citizens.
Under California law, “banked games” like blackjack are illegal to be run. Only tribes can run these games, with card rooms finding a loophole of making the player the bank to run them. After a bill was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it allowed tribes to take card room complaints to court.
Their lawsuit stated:
“Under the California Constitution, the California Penal Code, and well-established authority, California card rooms have no right to offer banked games and violate the rights of California Indian tribes by doing so.
“The Court should declare that these games are illegal under California law and enjoin Defendants from offering and profiting from them.”
California has 84 licensed card rooms as of 2025, but this new fight could shake up the entire industry in the state.
Major warnings over changes to card rooms in California
During a meeting run by the Bureau of Gambling Control, which hosted a variety of leaders and owners from the state, people expressed their opinions on the move. Those involved claimed that putting a stop to these two games could not only impact the economy, but also cause people to lose jobs as well.
One report from Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office claims that 12,000 jobs could be at risk if the ruling comes into effect. Another example was the city of Hawaiian Gardens, where the card room provides 60% of its funding, and the mayor warned that it could result in a disaster.
However, while the people have voiced their concerns and reports have been drummed up, various people from the industry have claimed that the reports don’t take into account other factors. It’s been questioned whether or not the reports take into account the use of other local businesses.
