It is hard to believe that cardrooms in California and tribal gaming groups can agree on anything after Pro 26 and Prop 27, last years. But AB341, a measure to extend the recently expire moratorium on California’s cardroom expansion, was almost universally supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB341 into law.
Technically, the previous moratorium that was in place for 25-years as part of 1997 Gambling Control Act expired on January 1, this year. The retroactive extension takes effect Jan. 1, to ensure that no new cardrooms are opened in the state.
The law allows for the additions of a small number of tables every 4 years. Currently, there are two tables added.
Assemblyman James Ramos was the only Native American in the state to introduce the bill. However, the bill received just one no vote from both the Assembly as well as the Senate. Ramos released the following statement regarding his legislation:
“I’m happy that I brought tribes and cardrooms to a historic consensus, which resulted in AB 341 bipartisan becoming law. I am grateful to Gov. Newsom’s support of AB 341 will help to ensure the vitality and viability of the gaming industry, by allowing measured growth in cardrooms without overexpansion for the next 20 years.”
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chairman James Siwa /strong> explained to PlayUSA why this unusual situation was such a victory for everyone involved: California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman James Siwa explained PlayUSA the reasons why this unusual situation is a win for all involved:
This was a unique opportunity for the tribes and cardrooms who agreed to work together on this. This bill, which touches on so many aspects of the gaming industry, was passed with a majority. I believe that shows how hard these groups worked and that the bill is really a good piece legislation.
Although this was a moment for unity among stakeholders in California there are still a number of contentious issues, notably legalizing sports betting. It is unlikely that Californians will be able to come together on this topic after the bitter fight over the voter referendum. However, the moment shows that early discussions with all stakeholders could produce a solution that everyone can agree upon.
