More than 1,050 Californians have signed a petition calling on state Attorney General Rob Bonta to withdraw proposed regulations they say would cripple the cardroom industry and harm local economies, according to the Coalition to Protect Cardroom Communities.
The rules, introduced in May 2025, would add new restrictions to about 80 licensed cardrooms that already operate under some of the country’s strictest gaming oversight standards. Community leaders warn the measures would devastate local economies, eliminate thousands of middle-class jobs and undermine city budgets.
Cities, workers, small business owners and patrons argue the regulations go too far, tipping the balance of the state’s gaming landscape toward Tribal casinos and illegal, unregulated gambling operations. They also question why such sweeping changes are being advanced.
“The state’s own review says these new rules would hurt cardrooms,” said Frank Patalano, a patron at Stones Gambling Hall in Citrus Heights. “I go to Stones because it’s close to where I live, to see familiar faces, grab food, and play a few games. It’s part of my routine and Stones is part of our community.”
“These rules wouldn’t just push out cardrooms for no good reason, they’d hurt the people who work there and the cities that rely on the revenue cardrooms bring in to support local services,” he said. “Nothing is wrong with the way things are now. We don’t need more rules that regulate cardrooms out of existence.”
The petition follows four statewide protests held outside the Attorney General’s offices, where cardroom employees, local officials and community members voiced concerns that the regulations would create a gaming monopoly. Advocates have also pointed to campaign contributions from Tribal casino interests as an issue.
The petition signers join the newly formed Coalition to Protect Cardroom Communities, which includes cardroom workers, residents, business owners, business organizations and community advocates. The group said it expects to enlist thousands more Californians who believe the proposed rules unfairly limit access to local entertainment venues.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/12/12/116760-californians-urge-attorney-general-to-withdraw-proposed-cardroom-rules
