California Cardrooms Can Continue Blackjack After Judge Rules Against Bonta

California’s private cardrooms can continue offering blackjack and other table games after San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin ruled last week that Attorney General Rob Bonta overstepped his authority. Judge Richard Darwin determined that Bonta’s Bureau of Gambling Control did not have the legal authority to issue statewide rules severely restricting games at cardrooms.

The ruling followed a temporary order Darwin issued in May.

California’s tribal casinos have spent years and tens of millions of dollars appealing to courts, voters, the Legislature and regulators to restrict cardroom blackjack operations. The tribes contend that cardrooms have violated state laws prohibiting anyone but tribal casinos from offering house-banked table games including blackjack.

Kyle Kirkland, president of the California Gaming Association and a Fresno cardroom owner, said the case concerned whether the attorney general could bypass the Legislature.

“The court delivered a clear answer: they cannot,” Kirkland stated. Bonta’s office said in an email that officials were disappointed in the ruling and are reviewing their options. Cardroom operators said the decision proves their business model is legal and ensures taxes from blackjack revenues will continue to support local government services and jobs.

James May, spokesperson for the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, did not return an interview request.