In a bid to settle a contentious and long-standing dispute between California Indian tribes and cardrooms, the California Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC) has introduced proposed regulations that could significantly alter the landscape of the state’s gambling industry. 

California Cardrooms to Undergo Major Changes as Blackjack Faces Ban

Under the proposed rules, any form of blackjack, including player-banked versions, would be expressly prohibited in cardrooms across the state. The regulations also mandate that player-banked games rotate the dealer position at least twice every 40 minutes, a change meant to address concerns raised by tribal communities regarding the rotation of the bank between third-party proposition players and regular players at the table.

Although the regulations prohibit traditional blackjack, they do allow for a modified version of the game where players aim to get closest to a target point, similar to 21. However, unlike blackjack, players cannot exceed the target point, and the winner is determined based on proximity to the target, regardless of whether the player’s card total exceeds the specified number. These modified games cannot use the term “blackjack” or incorporate the number 21 in their names.

The proposed changes come in response to a protracted dispute over house-banked games between California Indian tribes and cardrooms. Tribal communities have exclusive rights to offer house-banked games in the state, a privilege that excludes other gambling establishments from offering games involving a “bank” or “percentage,” specifically referencing the game of “21.”

BGC Seeks Public Feedback Amidst Brewing Legal Battle between Cardrooms and Tribes

The BGC has invited public feedback on the proposed regulations until October 26. While the fate of these regulations remains uncertain, it is evident that the proposed changes could have a profound impact on California’s gambling landscape, leading to further debates and discussions among stakeholders in the coming months.

At the same time, in July, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee passed a bill, SB 549, allowing Indian tribes to sue cardrooms, aiming to resolve a longstanding conflict. California’s cardrooms use third-party proposition players (TPPPs) who act as banks in games. The bill enables tribes to file a one-time lawsuit, asserting that cardrooms’ games breach the state constitution. 

Tribes have a three-month window starting January 1, 2024, to sue. The move comes after years of dispute, with tribes claiming cardrooms’ banked games infringe on tribal casinos’ exclusivity. Cardrooms opposed the bill, arguing the approved games should not be subject to lawsuits, and that they cannot countersue competitors under this arrangement.

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In a significant move last week, the Washington State Gambling Commission voted 3-2 to increase the maximum bet size in cardrooms from $300 to $400. This marks the first increase in betting limits in more than a decade, allowing players to wager larger amounts while playing card games in these establishments.

Back in 1997, Washington made the decision to legalize house-banked cardrooms, creating social environments where players could enjoy card games while also indulging in food and drinks. Over time, the wagering limits in these cardrooms have undergone several adjustments, with the most recent increase raising the limit to $400.

The decision to raise the betting limits was not without controversy. Commissioners Julia Patterson, Bud Sizemore, and Alicia Levy supported the increase, citing the original intent of the Legislature to allow these neighborhood casinos to thrive. Bud Sizemore, a Washington Gambling Regulator Commissioner, expressed confidence in the rationale and legislative authority behind the decision.

On the other hand, Commissioners Sarah Lawson and Anders Ibsen opposed the proposal, arguing that the increase did not align with the primary purpose of cardrooms, which was to primarily focus on selling food and drink while offering social card games as a means to boost sales.

The tribal operators were among the strongest opponents of the increase. They pointed to a provision in the cardroom regulations that emphasized the importance of social card games serving as a “commercial stimulant” to increase food and beverage sales. The federally recognized tribes, whose casinos currently have wager limits of $500 and higher, argued that the new regulation violated this provision.

Maverick Gaming, an operator of gaming facilities and owner of 23 out of the 38 house-banked cardrooms licensed in Washington, had initially petitioned for a higher increase to $500. They sought the hike to cope with rising operating costs and to level the playing field with tribal casinos, which had higher betting limits. Despite their request being reduced to $400, Maverick Gaming welcomed the decision, seeing it as a victory for their efforts to engage with regulators.

The higher betting limits are expected to provide a major boost to cardroom operators, including Maverick Gaming and others. These establishments are likely to benefit from increased revenues as players now have the opportunity to place larger bets while enjoying card games in a social environment.

The new rule will take effect 31 days after being filed with the code reviser. As cardroom operators gear up for the changes, it remains to be seen how this increase in betting limits will impact the dynamics of the gambling landscape in Washington State.

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Americas Cardroom, a US-themed online poker site, will celebrate International Women’s Day with a special charity tournament. As announced by the company, it will donate funds raised during the event to the United Breast Cancer Foundation.

Poker enthusiasts can join Americas Cardroom in celebration of the occasion and compete for a $10K guaranteed prize pool. The tournament has an entry fee of $55, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.

In addition, Americas Cardroom has decided to make the event even more appealing by providing entrants with an additional $55 tourney ticket. Players can use this second ticket to enter any future $55 tournament hosted by the company.

Americas Cardroom added that the prize pool will be paid out to players. The company will, meanwhile, match the total prize pool and will donate it to the United Breast Cancer Foundation.

A Twitch Live Chat Will Boost Engagement

Katie Lindsay and Ebony Kenney, Americas Cardroom team pros, and Nikki Lomo and Caitlin Comesky, prominent poker celebrities, will bolster engagement during the tournament by hosting a live chat on Twitch.

In addition to discussing the ongoing event and the latest developments, the women will also speak about the importance of raising awareness of the dangers of breast cancer and how important is for women to conduct self-exams at home.

Kenney noted that this wouldn’t be the first time the poker company has organized a tournament for Women’s Day. Last year’s event, she said, was a resounding success. Because of that, Kenney is excited to be a part of the celebrations once again. She said that there is nothing that beats playing poker with friends while supporting a good cause.

Playing poker with some badass friends of mine while also supporting a good cause?! Yes, sign me up! I am honored to be a part of the positive and intentional movement happening for women in poker.

Ebony Kenney

Lindsey added that she still fondly remembers the last time Americas Cardroom teamed up with the United Breast Cancer Foundation.

It was so wonderful working with the United Breast Cancer Foundation for our last charity event and I’m super excited to be able to do it again with another great group of women.

Katie Lindsay

Nikki Lomo and Caitlin Comesky also released statements on the upcoming tournament, saying that they feel honored to be part of the initiative and join so many talented and inspiring women.

In February, Americas Cardroom ran two satellite events, providing four full poker vacation packages for a Super High Roller Series in Vietnam this March.

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