Online Gambling License in California

The official gaming commission for the state of California is the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC). The commission was formed to license card clubs and casinos operating within the state in the mid-1990s. This was under the legislation AB 2803 and AB 362, which were modeled after the State Gaming Commission of Nevada.

What is the California Gambling Control Commission?

The CGCC has five members appointed by the governor of the state. It works closely with the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund and administers its gaming revenues. The commission oversees the administration of the tribal-state gaming compacts and the Gambling Control Act. It also develops rules, performs audits, grants licenses, and manages different gaming funds.

The state’s regulatory bodies for horse racing and lotteries are the State Lottery Commission and the Horse Racing Board. Until July 2011, the CGCC had limited jurisdiction over some parts of bingo; after that, control was transferred to localities. As of May 2020, 86 regulated non-tribal gaming facilities (often known as cardrooms) in California are under the supervision of the California Gambling Control Commission.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the California Gambling Control Commission

The commission determines what is allowed and not allowed for gambling in California. Here’s what’s permitted in “The Golden State.”

Tribal casinos

According to the California Gambling Control Commission, as of January 2024, the state of California has ratified tribal-state gaming compacts with 76 California tribes and implemented secretarial procedures with four more tribes. There are 66 casinos in California, run by 63 tribes in this state. The 2012 Compacts vary in the amount of Class III gaming machines allowed, with certain tribes being allowed to operate over 2,000 machines.

Tribes that allow Class II gaming, which is usually bingo, are free to set their own gaming laws and rules through their tribal gaming commission without the intervention of the state. However, Class II gaming must adhere to federal law and the regulations of the National Indian Gambling Commission.

Cardrooms

In 1997, the Gambling Control Act was adopted, which allowed the California Gambling Control Commission to regulate California cardrooms. The commission is in charge of overseeing, concentrating, and running these rooms. Approved cardrooms may provide permitted card games like poker, where players compete against one another rather than the house. As of 2019, the state had 66 cardrooms in operation, plus an additional 21 that are licensed but not in use. In addition, cardrooms offer variants of popular card games like Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker, where players can alternately play the dealer hand against other players.

Horse racing

In 1933, a referendum approved by voters permitted wagering on horse races. In the state, the California Horse Racing Board governs pari-mutuel betting, racing, breeding, and track standards. Advance-deposit wagering providers allow online horse betting. Additionally, bettors can place wagers at racetracks and satellite wagering locations.

Cal Expo, Golden Gate Fields, Del Mar, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita are the five tracks where extended race meets take place all year long. Throughout the state, there are 27 satellite wagering establishments; the majority are at cardrooms and county fairgrounds. Sports betting and daily fantasy sports are, however, not regulated in California.

California Gambling Control Commission Regulatory Framework

Although California does not offer commercial casino gaming, several Native American tribes operate various levels of gaming activity within the state. Individual tribes and the state of California regulate the licensing of suppliers to gaming establishments. The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) represents the state’s interests during the state-tribal compacting process. Tribal commissioners oversee tribal casinos and ensure their operations comply with state compacts and local laws.

Although the CGCC handles regulation, it does not participate in law enforcement. The Department of Justice investigates and enforces these laws. The Gambling Control Act outlines these provisions.

To obtain a license, applicants must fill out and submit an application to the Commission along with a $500 non-refundable application fee. Staff members from the Justice’s Bureau of Licensing investigate applicants’ backgrounds to assess their suitability and check their criminal histories. The state registers manufacturers and distributors of gambling equipment. Additionally, individual tribes verify that applicants meet the requirements for licensing.

FAQs about the California Gambling Control Commission