The commercial cardroom sector in California is gearing up for significant operational adjustments after the recent endorsement of new gambling guidelines by Attorney General Rob Bonta. Industry advocates warn that these regulations may abolish blackjack-style games and threaten thousands of jobs statewide.
The regulations, proposed by Bonta and the Bureau of Gambling Control and authorized by the Office of Administrative Law on February 6, are set to take effect on April 1. Cardrooms have until May 31 to outline how they will adjust their games to align with the new rules. The initial proposal for these regulations was put forward in the spring of 2025. In a statement on February 9, Bonta asserted he adhered to all necessary protocols for public feedback and contributions.
“Before introducing these regulations, the DOJ conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders regarding the potential regulation of games,” Bonta stated, referencing that the regulations were submitted for evaluation on December 23, 2025. His office did not provide further comments afterward.
Industry representatives argue that the new rules would effectively phase out blackjack tables, thereby jeopardizing other card games, such as baccarat and pai gow, although poker would remain unaffected.
They contend that these changes contradict long-standing state law interpretations that have permitted player-banked games in cardrooms for many years. The California Gaming Association, representing 72 cardrooms, is preparing to file a lawsuit opposing these regulations.
Kyle Kirkland, president of the association and general manager of Club One Casino in Fresno, expressed deep concerns regarding the potential economic fallout. “If we lose 60% of our business or face major disruptions, we’ll need to seriously reconsider our operational strategy,” he remarked.
“Bonta is merely catering to tribal interests.” He anticipates that layoffs could reach up to 13,000 across an industry that directly employs around 20,000 individuals and supports another 10,000 vendors.
Keith Sharp, general counsel at the Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, indicated that his casino might reduce its workforce by nearly half, amounting to approximately 650 personnel. “We’ve been playing blackjack for decades, and now he (Bonta) has decided we can’t anymore,” Sharp lamented.
“A few affluent tribes aim to monopolize California’s gambling landscape. Consequently, we will have to lay off hundreds of employees.”
Local officials in areas like Hawaiian Gardens, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Compton, and Gardena held an emergency video meeting to grasp the financial implications. Hawaiian Gardens, the smallest city in Los Angeles County, generates around 60% of its $20 million general fund from the Gardens Casino.
Councilmember Victor Farfan voiced his alarm regarding the drastic budgetary repercussions. “I’m at a loss for words,” Farfan stated. “This decision will be catastrophic. It undermines the very foundation of our city, making it impossible for us to deliver essential services to our community.” He cautioned that bankruptcy protection under Chapter 9 might become necessary if revenues dwindle.
Cardroom workers and patrons voiced their worries. “This could drastically impact my life if layoffs occur since I’m a single parent,” shared Nary Chin, a dealer at Hawaiian Gardens.
“This place feels like family. I picked up English at the tables. Why alter something that’s already working well?” Diane Nguyen, a customer service representative, chimed in: “I’ve heard they’re planning to eliminate our blackjack tables, and that’ll hurt many of us,” adding, “If I lose this job, I don’t know what I would do. I’m constantly anxious.”
Tribal representatives have endorsed the regulatory clarification. James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, stated that the revisions tackle “fraudulent and illicit gaming operations in California.”
“The new regulations make it clear that the games and practices utilized by commercial cardrooms are against California law. Operating a business in contradiction to that law is illegal, period,” Siva asserted. “We hope the [state] Department of Justice will follow through with enforcing these regulations to ensure a well-regulated gaming environment that prioritizes consumer safety.”