- Proposed regulations would ban blackjack at California card rooms while tribal casinos remain unaffected.
- Card rooms could lose $464 million annually, threatening 18,000 jobs and billions in economic activity across the state.
- Operators claim tribal casinos are using political pressure to eliminate competition and create a gaming monopoly.
FRESNO, Calif. - California card room operators and employees are mounting fierce opposition to proposed state regulations that would effectively ban blackjack-style games at their establishments.
Under the proposed regulations from the California Department of Justice, 86 state-licensed card clubs would no longer be able to offer banked games like blackjack, in which players compete against the house. These games would continue to be available at tribal-owned casinos, which are subject to separate rules.
Statewide Economic Consequences
Kyle Kirkland, president of Club One Casino in Fresno and the California Gaming Association, said the regulations would be fatal for card rooms. Card rooms currently employ 18,000 people statewide, generating $730 million in wages and contributing $3 billion to overall economic activity.
A Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessment estimates card rooms could lose $464 million, while tribal casinos would gain $232 million. The state projects 364 full-time jobs lost per year over the next decade. In Fresno County alone, card rooms provide 476 direct jobs and create $128.5 million in total economic impact.
Those seeking legal blackjack have historically found options at establishments like Club One and the 500 Club Casino, which use complex systems of player-bankers to operate modified blackjack games legally approved by previous administrations.
Political Pressure and Community Impact
Kirkland argued that tribal casinos are pressuring state officials to eliminate competition through political contributions and lobbying efforts. The proposed regulations redefine blackjack as the game of 21, which has been banned in California since 1885, despite decades of approval from previous administrations.
Protesters gathered outside Attorney General Rob Bonta's Fresno office in October, including union members and card room employees. Shavon Moore-Cage of AFSCME Local 36 warned that a 50% revenue loss would force closures.
Cities like Hawaiian Gardens, where one casino generates 68% of sales tax revenue, would face devastating budget cuts affecting youth programs, senior services and public safety.
Legal blackjack in California faces an uncertain future as the rulemaking process continues, with final regulations potentially taking effect by late 2026.