- California cardrooms are suing to block new regulations that would effectively ban blackjack-style games starting April 1.
- The rules could cut hundreds of millions in revenue from both cardrooms and the cities that depend on them.
- With no state-regulated online casino market, California players may have few options if the games disappear.
SAN FRANCISCO - California cardrooms are taking new state regulations to court over rules that would effectively eliminate blackjack-style games from their floors.
Earlier this month, the California Gaming Association, the California Cardroom Alliance, and Communities for California Cardrooms filed two lawsuits in San Francisco Superior Court, requesting a judge to stop the regulations before they take effect on April 1.
Attorney General Rob Bonta approved the laws, which prohibit cardrooms from using the terms "blackjack" or "21" in game names and from offering any game with a target score of 21.
These are the authorized companies that assist cardrooms in operating their most well-liked table games. According to the state's own economic evaluation, the regulations may destroy almost half of all cardroom jobs in the state and reduce income by about $464 million yearly.
Cities Are Feeling the Pressure
The financial damage would not end at the entrance of the cardroom. Cardroom taxes are a major source of funding for public libraries, police, and fire departments in cities including Commerce, Hawaiian Gardens, and San Jose.
The city receives approximately $30 million annually from Commerce Casino, which makes up over 40% of its whole budget. To counteract what would be a large revenue loss, municipal leaders have put an emergency sales tax bill on the June 2026 ballot.
Where Do Players Go From Here?
Players are genuinely worried about where the action will go next because there are less possibilities for legal online blackjack.
There are a few simple options available to players searching for legal blackjack sites in California because the state does not have a state-regulated online casino market.
Some might travel to tribal locations like San Manuel Casino or Pechanga Resort Casino, both of which are legally permitted by state law to provide classic house-banked games. Others may choose to use offshore sites like Bovada or BetOnline.
Before the deadline in April, courts are anticipated to make a decision regarding the request for an injunction.