Tribal operators and card rooms in California have been at each other's throats for years, but a new bill might finally tip the scales in favor of Native American gaming establishments.
After the Appropriations Committee approved SB 549 with a 14-0 vote, a new bill has been submitted to the legislature.
The "Tribal Nation Justice Act" would essentially allow California tribes to sue card rooms offering blackjack and poker games, which are considered exclusive rights of the tribes and their gaming establishments.
With the new bill, tribes are closer to shutting down card rooms
Kumeyaay Indian Attorney General Tuari Bigknife welcomed the passage of the bill and expects it to move forward this week, possibly being signed by Governor Gavin Newsom before August 31.
Overall, the tribes are satisfied with the Biden administration, and Democrat Newsom himself is considered a sympathizer of tribal gaming affairs.
As for the actual chances of the bill passing this week, House Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and other legislative members support the bill, meaning there are virtually no obstacles to clear if it comes to a vote.
Bigknife himself seems confident that the bill should be voted on during the remaining legislative session and clear the last remaining hurdles. This could be a new chapter in the saga of player-banked games, a "loophole" that tribes have been resisting for years.
Essentially, card rooms collaborate with third-party player services, placing players in the role of the banker, thus under existing California legislation, no one but the tribes can operate such gaming options, hence bearing no liability.
For years, tribes have tried to force card rooms to close, but to no avail, as courts mostly deemed the complaints lacked legislative basis. Tribal representatives have begun exploring legislative angles to eliminate any ambiguities and prove such venues are illegal.
After the California Gambling Control Commission established specific rules in 2023, they have had some success, which will prohibit player-banked games in card room venues. However, SB 549 might be just what tribal operators need to win.
Business operations require tribes to remain restrained
However, as Native American operators succeed, card rooms are not standing by idly. California Gaming Association President Kyle Kirkland stated that SB 549 is unnecessary legislation that runs counter to national interests.
Card rooms employ 30,000 workers in California, and closing them would immediately cause economic damage. Kirkland also noted that the state is facing a huge deficit gap, and threatening businesses to exacerbate economic difficulties is not constructive.
However, the California tribes are right. According to the state constitution, they are granted exclusive rights, but changes must be made, and eventually, Native American tribes should be allowed to operate Las Vegas-style resorts under contracts with the state, bringing stable income to the state.
