After California approved restrictions on cardroom games on February 6, 2026, the California Gaming Association (CGA), the California Cardroom Alliance, and Communities for...
California rules in favor of cardrooms in blackjack battle
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin has granted a preliminary injunction to California cardrooms, blocking the state from applying restrictions on blackjack-style games and player-dealers.
The ruling came in on May 21, 2026, as the court effectively blocked Attorney General Rob Bonta’s new regulations, which were set to come into force on June 1, 2026. Under the court decision, California cardrooms will be allowed to continue offering blackjack games while the lawsuits are in progress.
Judge Darwin commented:
“I find that petitioners are very likely to prevail on their argument that in issuing the new regulations, the Bureau of Gambling Control acted in excess of its jurisdiction. The law in California is clear: an agency like the Bureau possesses only those powers that have been granted to it by statute. Any act by an agency not authorized by the relevant enabling legislation is beyond its jurisdiction and void.”
The California Gaming Association, which represents the state’s cardrooms, also shared that the court has agreed that the new regulations would harm cardrooms and their communities.
However, the favorable outcome for the cardrooms is only temporary, as the injunction was granted for 45 days, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 30, 2026.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved restrictions on traditional player vs. bank card games in California, marking one of the biggest changes in gaming regulations in...
