Judge decides DOJ lacked authority to impose statewide regulations

Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin ruled that the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Gambling Control did not have the authority to enforce statewide regulations on California card rooms, handing small cardroom cities a significant legal victory.

The decision comes months after the state DOJ imposed cardroom regulations that would have restricted Blackjack-style games and third-party dealer roles. California’s licensed cardrooms support thousands of jobs statewide and generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually for local governments. Small cities, such as Hawaiian Gardens, Compton, Bell Gardens, and Commerce were anticipating massive budget deficits due to these regulations.

“For years we have been speaking out against cardroom legislation and regulations that would devastate our communities,” said Matthew Maldonado, executive director of AFSCME District Council 36. “The judge’s ruling is a big relief for our communities that rely on the revenue from cardrooms to provide vital public services. Working families can breathe a little easier knowing that their jobs and the essential services they rely on are not at risk.”

Hopefully, Tuesday’s ruling will put an end to the attacks on cardrooms. AFSCME District Council 36 will continue to monitor regulations devised to advance the interests of powerful gaming tribes at the expense of working families.