button in SafariCalifornia Cardrooms Dodge ‘Blackjack Ban’ After Judge’s Ruling
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A judge in the San Francisco Superior Court has temporarily blocked enforcement of California's controversial "blackjack ban," a move that cardrooms warned could have led to widespread job losses and major loss of tax revenue across the state.
The proposed regulations, introduced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, would have effectively outlawed blackjack-style games in California cardrooms. But on Thursday, Judge Richard Darwin issued a preliminary injunction, ruling that Bonta's Bureau of Gambling Control had overstepped its authority.
While the ruling is only temporary, it allows Californians to continue playing some of the state's most popular table games as a legal challenge brought by the California Gaming Association moves forward.
What is the Proposed 'Blackjack Ban'?
Last year, the office of Attorney General Rob Bonta proposed two new regulations for California cardrooms that, if enacted, would have effectively wiped out blackjack-style games and dramatically changed the role of player-dealers.
Under the proposed blackjack rules, cardrooms would only have been permitted to spread "blackjack-style" games if they removed both the traditional bust mechanic and any target point total of 21, effectively stripping blackjack of its defining features.
The regulations also targeted the use of player-dealers, requiring the role to be carried out by someone physically seated at the table. Many cardrooms currently rely on third-party proposition player companies, commonly known as "props," to fulfill that role on behalf of the house.
An analysis commissioned by Bonta's own office projected losses of roughly $396 million if the rules had come into force as planned on June 1. Tribal casinos, which operate under a different legal framework, were expected to gain around $198 million as players shifted their action away from cardrooms.
Regulations Face Fierce Oppostion
The California Gaming Association has been one of the most vocal opponents of the proposed changes, warning they could trigger significant job losses and slash tax revenue generated by cardrooms across the state.
“These regulations were driven by pressure from powerful tribal gaming interests that have long sought to eliminate lawful competition from California’s cardrooms,” said California Gaming Association President Kyle Kirkland.
"Our games support thousands of middle-class jobs and generate critical revenue for communities across California."
“Cardrooms have lawfully operated the games targeted by these regulations for decades. Our games support thousands of middle-class jobs and generate critical revenue for communities across California. Instead of protecting those communities, Attorney General Bonta chose to advance regulations that threaten local economies, public safety funding, and the livelihoods of thousands of Californians.”
The preliminary injunction is currently set to remain in place until July 5, with a further hearing scheduled for June 30.
