California Bans Blackjack, Threatening L.A. Card Clubs

Card clubs and cities dependent on gambling revenue are fighting the new regulations that would eliminate blackjack games.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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California's Office of Administrative Law has approved new rules that would ban card rooms from offering blackjack, a move that card club operators say threatens the financial viability of their industry and could lead to thousands of job losses. The changes aim to close a legal loophole that allowed card clubs to offer blackjack and other banked games, which are supposed to be exclusive to Indian casinos. Card clubs are vowing to pursue legal remedies, arguing the regulations will devastate their businesses and the communities that rely on their tax revenue.

Why it matters

The proposed blackjack ban represents a major escalation in the long-running conflict between tribal casinos and the card room industry in California. It could have significant economic impacts, especially for cities like Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce, and Bell Gardens that are heavily dependent on card room tax revenue. The changes also highlight the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding gambling in the state.

The details

The new regulations from California's Department of Justice would prohibit card rooms from offering blackjack and other banked games, where players compete against the house. Card clubs have been getting around this restriction by using designated outside dealers, but the state is now cracking down on that practice. Card club operators argue this will destroy their financial viability, leading to mass layoffs and a major hit to local tax bases.

  • The new rules are set to take effect in April 2026.
  • Card clubs have until the end of May 2026 to submit a compliance plan.

The players

California Gaming Association

The trade group representing California's card room industry, which has vowed to pursue legal action against the new regulations.

Keith Sharp

An attorney representing Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, who says losing blackjack could result in the loss of up to 300 of the casino's 1,300 jobs.

California Nations Indian Gaming Association

The trade group representing California's tribal casinos, which has praised the new regulations as an "important step in combating unscrupulous and illegal gaming" in the state.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General, whose office introduced the proposed regulations.

Hilda Solis

The Los Angeles County Supervisor who expressed concerns about the impact of the new rules on card rooms in the county.

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What they’re saying

“The proposed regulations destroy the financial viability of the California cardroom industry, jeopardize thousands of working families and harm dozens of California communities.”

— Kyle Kirkland, President, California Gaming Association (Letter to Attorney General Rob Bonta)

“If it lost its blackjack customers, it would probably have to lay off as many as 300 of its approximately 1,300 employees.”

— Keith Sharp, Attorney, Gardens Casino (Los Angeles Times)

“Justice delayed can sometimes still be justice too.”

— Victor Rocha, Chair, Indian Gaming Association (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide by the end of May 2026 whether to allow card clubs to continue offering blackjack while they pursue legal challenges to the new regulations.

The takeaway

The proposed blackjack ban highlights the high stakes involved in the long-running battle between California's tribal casinos and card room industry. The economic impacts could be severe for some communities, raising questions about the state's approach to regulating gambling and balancing the interests of different gaming operators.