Legislation

Important Information

2025 Legislation

Governor Signs Senator Archuleta’s SB 451 To Strengthen California’s Illegal Gambling Enforcement Of Casitas

October 31, 2025
Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) is pleased to announce Governor Newsom’s signing of SB 451, legislation that clarifies that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) has authority to investigate suspected criminal violations of prohibited gambling activities, including those occurring outside of licensed gambling establishments.

Important Information

2024 Legislation

Communities for California Cardrooms, along with many others across California, stands firmly against Senate Bill 549 (SB 549), also known as the Tribal Declaratory Relief Act of 2023.

SB 549 is a bill that, if passed, will allow a tribe to sue California cardrooms, potentially altering the landscape of the gaming industry as we know it. This could lead to costly legal battles for cardrooms and may ultimately disrupt the vibrant gaming culture that thrives in our state. This is not just about cardrooms; it’s about protecting the social and economic fabric of our local communities that benefit from the presence of these establishments.

Here are some reasons why we oppose this bill:

Legal Precedent: SB 549 invites legal action from sovereign tribes against the State of California, challenging laws that have been regulated and upheld for decades, diminishing the state’s authority.
Separation of Powers: The bill undermines the doctrine of separation of powers by shifting control from the executive branch, where gaming in California is regulated, to the judicial system, potentially disrupting the balance of authority and due process.
Financial Impact: It would put the financial burden of litigation on cardrooms that are operating under the current legal framework, potentially leading to financial distress or closure of these community-centric businesses.
Constitutional Concerns: SB 549 would offer tribes unique rights to challenge laws in state courts—rights that are not currently extended to the citizens of California. This unequal treatment raises constitutional questions concerning due process and equal protections.

We believe in fair competition and the rule of law. We stand for our community’s right to enjoy the entertainment provided by cardrooms without the threat of unfounded legal action. The current legal framework has served our community well, and any changes to it should be approached with caution and due respect to all stakeholders involved.

We urge you to join us in opposing SB 549 to protect the rights and interests of cardroom operators and patrons alike. Together, we can ensure the continued vitality and integrity of the gaming community in California.

Opposition Information

Why we Oppose SB 549

SB 549 is sponsored by the same wealthy tribes that sponsored Prop 26, with their singular effort to eliminate all competition. Voters, courts, and the Legislature have rejected their attempts to eliminate legal California cardrooms, which have operated in California for over fifty years.

The sponsors of SB 549 want a gaming monopoly, which means:

Suing Californian Citizens

Opening the door for foreign nations to sue Californian citizens, undermining our state’s autonomy and legal framework.

Removing Your Rights

Removing the State Legislature’s authority and the rights of California citizens to be able to sue.

Loss of Jobs

Loss of tens of thousands of good-paying cardroom jobs as a result of litigation costs that impact business.

Loss of Needed Tax Revenue

Loss of needed tax revenues for the under-resourced communities that pay for public safety, parks, senior services to name a few.

Ignoring The Voters

Ignoring the will of voters by allowing tribes to sue without proof of harm, placing undue financial burdens on law-abiding businesses.