How to Open a Card Room in California
There are numerous poker rooms throughout the state of California. A poker room is an establishment running poker table games that is
open to the public.
Through the California Gambling Control Commission, a private citizen can apply and, if approved, open a poker/card room in California.
Currently, there is a moratorium on card rooms until the year 2020, therefore no new card room licenses are being issued.
A General Outline of the Steps.
1.- Apply for a Gambling Establishment License from the California Gambling Control Commission. All prospective owners must apply and pass an extensive background check conducted by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Gambling Control. The Bureau’s website states, “suitability is determined by a number of factors including but not limited to the applicant’s honesty, integrity, general character, reputation, habits, and financial and criminal history. Once this step is completed the application is scheduled for the next Commission meeting at which time a decision will be made to approve or deny the application”.
2.- Check local ordinances in your area to ensure no laws will be broken by opening a poker room.
3.- Obtain poker and Cal game approval from the Bureau for each game you wish to spread.
Each game must be individually approved by the Bureau before operations may begin. The Bureau will also check local ordinances to ensure operating a card room does not conflict with any local laws.
4.- Purchase necessary equipment and furniture. Hire employees. Set up the card room.
5.- Direct all employees to apply and be approved for a work permit. The Bureau of Gambling Control states that “any person employed in a gambling establishment as a dealer, secretary, waiter or waitress; floor, security, count room, cage, collection, surveillance or data-processing personnel; appropriate maintenance personnel; or any person whose employment duties require or authorize access to restricted gambling establishment areas must obtain a work permit. The work permit will be issued by the local jurisdiction or the Commission.” Once all work permits, licenses, and approvals are in place, the card room can begin operations.
The link to the State of California Department of Justice web site
http://oag.ca.gov/gambling/card
Each game must be individually approved by the Bureau before operations may begin. The Bureau will also check local ordinances to ensure operating a card room does not conflict with any local laws.
4.- Purchase necessary equipment and furniture. Hire employees. Set up the card room.
5.- Direct all employees to apply and be approved for a work permit. The Bureau of Gambling Control states that “any person employed in a gambling establishment as a dealer, secretary, waiter or waitress; floor, security, count room, cage, collection, surveillance or data-processing personnel; appropriate maintenance personnel; or any person whose employment duties require or authorize access to restricted gambling establishment areas must obtain a work permit. The work permit will be issued by the local jurisdiction or the Commission.” Once all work permits, licenses, and approvals are in place, the card room can begin operations.
The link to the State of California Department of Justice web site
Cardroom Insider 