Operator News
US – California’s cardrooms set for gradual table expansion
By Phil - 25 May 2023
Californian cardrooms with less than 20 gaming tables will be able to add up to 10 new tables over the next 20 years, following the signing off new legislation by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Cardoons should be able to add up to two new tables in the first year after the law takes effect and up to two more tables every four years following that.
Assemblymember James Ramos, who sponsored the bill, said: “I am happy to have brought the tribes and cardrooms together in a historic consensus that has resulted in the bipartisan AB 341 becoming law. I deeply appreciate Gov. Newsom’s support for AB 341, which will help ensure the vitality of the gaming industry by allowing for measured cardroom growth without overexpansion over the next 20 years.”
Keith Sharp, President of the California Cardroom Alliance, added: “This new law will provide smaller cardrooms and their communities the opportunity to grow over time and create new jobs and local economic benefits without over-saturating the gaming market.”
The bill was supported by 40 Californian tribes.
Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin said: The overwhelming support for AB 341 by state legislators, tribes and cardrooms aligns with the will of California voters who have consistently stood with Indian tribes in support of gaming on federally recognized tribal lands while opposing over-expansion of gaming across the state,” added
Kyle Kirkland, President of the California Gaming Association, said: “The California Gaming Association commends the leadership and support of the state legislative leaders in signing into law Assembly Bill 341 that recognizes California cardrooms are critical to many local economies and communities across the state as it preserves the good-paying jobs cardrooms provide and the tax revenues relied on by many cities. This legislation allows for an increase in tables for existing small cardrooms while reinstating a license moratorium that has helped provide stability in the industry for decades.”
