California Gambling Control Commission Review – Reputable Gaming Institution
There are several chapters in the state law where it clearly states what is allowed, what is forbidden, who can play, and which department keeps all gambling aspects in order. The whole process started in the 1990s with two bills – AB 2803 and AB 362. Based on Nevada’s state gaming commission, they helped with the creation of a state agency to license casinos and card clubs. That duty is now in the hands of the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC).
Even with the boom of online casinos in the USA, each state decides either to legalize it or not. That goes for every involved party, including the California Gambling Commission. The state of California does not validate online gambling at the moment. Even so, players can still access online casino sites. Keep in mind that according to the gambling commission, California defines placing bets on online platforms within the state lines as illegal. It may also attract penalties. Find all the CGCC details further in the article.
What Is the California Gaming Commission and Its Purpose?
Gambling control institutions watch out for a fair and safe relationship between casinos and players. Created in 1997 with the adoption of the Gambling Control Act, the California gaming commission works in that direction. It is responsible for establishing and following dedicated regulations. The CGCC also issues licenses and, together with the Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC), picks up on everything gambling-related in the state.
| 🗓 Established in | 1997 |
| 🚩 Location | 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 220 Sacramento, CA 95833 |
| 💎 Chairman | Jim Evans |
| ⭐ Executives | Stacey Baxter, Jason Pope, Alana Carter, Dolores Olivarez, Fred Castano, Niecesha Williams |
| ✅ Licensing Options | Cardrooms, Manufacturers and Distributors, Third Party, Vendors |
| 🎰 Popular Licensees | Land-Based Casinos, Indian Casinos |
| 💻 Official Website | http://www.cgcc.ca.gov |
Since online gambling is not present in any established policies, it is not under state regulations. If you decide to try online casino websites, keep in mind that they are not under California gambling control. Besides that, CA is the largest Indian gaming state in the nation. There are over 60 land-based Native American casinos working in collaboration with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The California gaming commission also takes part in protecting American players from gambling addiction. The partnership with the BGC within the Department of Justice (DOJ) expands their coverage, including more applications, background investigations, audits, and more.
California Gaming Commission – The State Laws
Things in California are a bit different when compared to the other states in the country. Its location near Nevada has provided all elements of becoming a gambler’s haven. Controlled by the California gaming commission, there are appealing land-based betting options such as Native American casinos, lotteries, and card houses. Even though the CGCC does not permit online gambling, there is one type of virtual betting allowed: Daily Fantasy Sports. Still, there are no specific gambling laws in California about it.
When it comes to brick-and-mortar gaming halls, in 1987, the US Supreme Court prohibited California from banning gambling at tribal casinos. That moment unlocked an era of land-based casinos in the area. Tribal casinos are the only options for locals and visitors to enjoy traditional games and slots. The state strictly follows the federal gambling laws on that matter plus the legal age range. We can say that the California Gambling Control Commission does a great job in that department.
California Gambling Control – The Concerned Parties
The CGCC has five members appointed by the Governor of the state and confirmed by the Senate. It executes jurisdiction and supervision over the gambling locations in California. The Commission works closely with the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund and administrates its gaming revenues. The California Gambling Commission also acts as a trustee of the Indian Gaming Revenue Sharing Trust and provision administer the Tribal State Gaming Compacts and the Gambling Control Act. The CGCC oversees about 89 card rooms licensed by them, plus 60 tribal casinos.
California Gaming Control Commission – Responsibilities
The state of California relies on that regulatory authority to monitor and regulate all games of chance offered on the territory. The California Gambling Commission also supervises all personnel working or related in any way with their business. When it comes to Native American establishments, there are some slight adjustments required by the state laws. Have a look at the primary responsibilities related to third-party providers, cardrooms, and tribal gaming:
- Providing a suitable environment for issuing registrations and licenses;
- Issuing work permits;
- Preventing any unqualified and unsuitable people from relating to any gaming activities;
- Acting upon certain restricted transactions: lending and ownership changes;
- Allowing gambling only in suitable locations;
- Granting approvals, permits, and licenses on appropriate T&C;
- Creating and implementing regulations according to the Gambling Control Act;
- Ruling on disciplinary actions, revocations, or denials concerning licenses.
These responsibilities cover tribal gaming as well, plus adding some more. They all are concerning the Tribal-State Association. Here, the CGCC acts like a trustee for RSTF and administrates the Special Distribution Fund, as mentioned earlier in the article. It looks out for following the rules about the allowable number of gaming devices on the territory of the Compact Tribes.
Gambling Commission California – Allowed Games
All visitors and local players can enjoy a strictly defined set of gambling options when on the territory of California, USA. Some games are available online but are not regulated by the Commission. The following list shows which games are regulated and available at brick-and-mortar establishments and which ones are not regulated and available online. As you may already know, online casinos are not regulated by the Gambling Commission of California.
- 🃏 Poker – not regulated online; CGCC and GBGC regulate and allow it in homes, card rooms and tribal casinos;
- 🏟️ Casino Games – not separately defined in the state of California; you can play them at unregulated websites;
- 🏇 Sports Betting – all kinds are available at unregulated online platforms; only horse racing is allowed and regulated on land;
- 🎰 Slots – no regulations apply when played online; both regulatory commissions monitor such machines in land-based casinos;
- ✋ Bingo – bingo games offline are regulated by the municipal governing authorities, which does not apply for online operators;
- ✍️ Lotto – lotto has the same rules as bingo, where online sites are not included in the regulatory bodies; when executed on land, California Lottery takes things in control.
FAQ on California Gambling Commission
We have presented the main aspects of the California Gambling Commission. Still, there might be some question marks popping up from time to time. In case that happens, do not hesitate to go through our FAQ section regarding the CGCC. You will find neatly arranged frequently asked questions and their answers reviewing the most important aspects of the Commission’s work. Here they are:
