California Governor Gavin Newsome has signed and enacted Senate Bill 549, which gives tribal casinos the right to sue the state’s card rooms.
For years, CA Indian casinos have been grappling with the belief that the state is unlawfully offering card games, siphoning off hundreds of millions in revenue from tribal communities across California. With the enactment of SB 549, casinos now have the power to seek justice through legal means, allowing a judge to determine if the state is indeed violating the state’s gambling laws.
Tribes claim that voters in California gave them exclusive rights to host blackjack and Pia Gow poker games, and since they are sovereign governments, they lack legal standing to sue. There are currently 80 card rooms in the state of California.
Several cities have already spoken out against SB 549, stating that the loss of revenue from card rooms could affect funding for local police, fire, and other city resources. San Jose City Councilmember Sergio Jimenez told the media that card rooms generate $30 million a year in revenue for the city.
Other card rooms across the state have expressed that the industry’s total earnings only comprise 10% of annual earnings tribal governments make from gambling each year.
How Many Tribal Casinos Are In California?
According to the American Gaming Association, 87 tribal casinos currently operate in the state. The casinos generate approximately $34 billion in economic impact for the state’s tribal communities.
While casinos are currently restricted to tribal lands, several tribes advocate for legislation permitting off-site casinos. Given that tribal lands are not always in prime locations for attracting tourists, introducing off-site casinos could potentially lead to a significant boost in casino revenue.
Are Online Casinos Legal In California?
While the state of California does not permit its tribal casinos to operate online, offshore casinos have been catering to the state for the past two decades. These online California casinos offer a wide range of games, often with more variations and larger rewards programs than their domestic counterparts, making them a popular choice among gaming enthusiasts.
Popular gaming options include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, slots, video poker, specialty games and more. Some online casinos offer live table games via video/audio feed. You can also find more casino banking options online, including popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more.