California’s commercial cardroom industry is preparing for operational changes following the approval of new gambling regulations by Attorney General Rob Bonta that industry representatives say could eliminate blackjack-style games and disrupt thousands of jobs statewide.
The rules, submitted by Bonta and the Bureau of Gambling Control and approved by the Office of Administrative Law on Feb. 6, take effect April 1. Cardrooms must report by May 31 how they plan to modify their games to comply. The proposed regulations were first introduced in the spring of 2025. In a Feb. 9 statement, Bonta said he followed all required procedures for public comment and input.
“Prior to their introduction, DOJ held numerous meetings with stakeholders to discuss potential regulation of games,” said Bonta, noting the regulations were sent for review on Dec. 23, 2025. His office declined further comment.
Industry leaders contend the rules would end blackjack-style tables and undermine other card games, including baccarat and pai gow, while leaving poker unaffected.
They argue the changes conflict with longstanding interpretations of state law that have allowed player-banked games in cardrooms for decades. The California Gaming Association, which represents 72 cardrooms, is preparing to file a lawsuit challenging the regulations.
Kyle Kirkland, president of the association and general manager of Club One Casino in Fresno, said the potential business impact is severe. “If 60% of my business goes away, or is disrupted, we seriously have to think about what the reboot is for our business,” said Kirkland.
“What Bonta is doing is pandering to the tribes.” He estimates layoffs could approach 13,000 across an industry that directly employs about 20,000 workers and supports another 10,000 vendors.
Keith Sharp, general counsel at the Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, said his property may cut nearly half of its 1,300-person workforce. “We’ve been playing blackjack forever, and now he’s (Bonta) decided we can’t,” said Sharp.
“A handful of people, wealthy tribes, want to control all gambling in California. They want to monopolize the industry. As a result, we will lay off hundreds of people here.”
Local officials in cities including Hawaiian Gardens, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Compton, and Gardena convened an emergency video conference to assess fiscal consequences. Hawaiian Gardens, the smallest city in Los Angeles County, derives about 60% of its $20 million general fund from the Gardens Casino.
Councilmember Victor Farfan warned of severe budget implications. “I’m at a loss for words,” said Farfan. “This decision will be devastating. It shakes at the very foundation of our city. We will not be able to provide essential services for our community.” He added that bankruptcy protection under Chapter 9 could become necessary if revenues collapse.
Cardroom employees and patrons expressed concern. “This will affect my life a great deal [if layoffs happen] because I’m a single mom,” said Nary Chin, a dealer at Hawaiian Gardens.
“This is like family here. I learned how to speak English at the tables. Why do we need to change when everything is going so well already?” Diane Nguyen, a customer service representative, said: “I heard they want to take away our blackjack tables. That’s going to hurt a lot of us,” adding, “If I lose this job, I don’t know what I’d do,” and “I’m always stressed.”
Tribal representatives have supported the regulatory clarification. James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, said the changes address “unscrupulous and illegal gaming in California.”
“The regulations further clarify that games and practices employed by commercial card rooms are indeed prohibited under California law. Running a business contrary to that law is an illicit business, period,” said Siva. “We hope that the [state] Department of Justice will now enforce these regulations so California can ensure a well-regulated gaming industry that is safe for consumers.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/17/117632-california-cardrooms-warn-of-mass-layoffs-as-new-doj-regulations-threaten-blackjackstyle-games
