The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened its latest public meeting to deliberate on a broad range of licensing, regulatory, and suitability matters concerning individuals and entities engaged in California’s gambling and tribal gaming industries. The comprehensive session covered over a dozen agenda items and featured detailed reviews of employee licenses, work permits, third-party proposition services, tribal gaming suitability, and supplier renewals.

Key Highlights from the April 2025 Commission Meeting:

1. Initial and Temporary Key Employee Licenses

The Commission evaluated the initial applications of Louis Garcia and Bounlek Syvilay, with differing staff recommendations. Garcia’s case was recommended for referral to an evidentiary hearing due to concerns related to illegal gambling. Syvilay, on the other hand, received a conditional approval pending regular updates on delinquent tax obligations.

2. Work Permit Renewal Denials

The renewal work permit for Charlene Gonzales was recommended for denial by Commission staff.

3. Third-Party Proposition Player Services Licenses

Applications from entities like KBCH Consultants, Inc. and Players Edge Services were reviewed. Jared Francis (KBCH) received a conditional recommendation, requiring proof of debt resolution, while Jarrel Guieb (Players Edge) was recommended for straightforward approval.

4. Gaming Resource Supplier Suitability Findings

Several major suppliers received approval for either initial or renewal findings of suitability under California’s tribal-state compacts, including:

• Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

• Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology America, Inc.

• HCAL, LLC (Caesars Entertainment)

• IGT (International Game Technology)

• Interblock USA, L.C.

• Surveillance Systems Integration, Inc.

These approvals, spanning expiration dates through 2027, reflect ongoing compliance and operational integrity.

5. Key Employee Suitability Findings for Tribal Casinos

Dozens of applicants across tribal gaming properties received either initial or renewal findings of suitability. Highlights include approvals for employees at:

• Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

• Jamul Casino

• Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino

• Agua Caliente Casinos (multiple locations)

• Sycuan Casino and Resort

• Graton Resort & Casino

• Thunder Valley Casino Resort

• Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel

These decisions reflect the Commission’s continued oversight of individuals holding influential roles in tribal casino operations throughout California.

6. Third-Party Employee Licensing – Extensive Review

The Commission reviewed an extensive list of initial and renewal applications for third-party proposition player services employees across several operators including:

• Blackstone Gaming, LLC

• Knighted Ventures, LLC

• Progressive Gaming, LLC

• F2 TPS, LLC

• L.E. Gaming, Inc.

Hundreds of individual applications were evaluated, with most receiving recommended approvals through 2027.

7. Commission Work Permits and Renewals

Work permit renewals for cardroom employees at venues such as Casino Merced, Empire Sportsmen’s Association, and Napa Valley Casino were also considered and approved.

8. Tribal-State Compact Supplier and Key Employee Hearings

Default decisions were discussed for applicants who did not respond or attend scheduled hearings. These included applicants for tribal-state compact key employee findings and third-party proposition player licenses. No staff recommendations were issued for these hearings.

9. Authorized Table Requests

Stars Casino submitted a request regarding the number of authorized tables. The staff recommended that the Commission take no action at this time.

10. Consent Calendar Approvals

The Commission recommended approval of multiple consent calendar items, with exceptions noted for select applicants.

An investigation by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) into VGW Luckyland Inc. – a subsidiary of the Australian-based VGW Holdings Ltd. – revealed that VGW Luckyland Inc. was operating illegal online gaming. Delaware officials concluded that VGW misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes while enabling players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash winnings. These types of real-money games offered to Delaware residents by an unlicensed entity violate the Delaware Constitution, the Delaware Penal Code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012.

With the support of the Delaware State Lottery, DGE issued a cease-and-desist order to VGW. Effective April 2, 2025, Delaware residents can no longer participate in VGW Luckyland’s unlicensed online gaming platforms.

The DGE and Delaware Lottery emphasize the importance of legal and responsible gaming practices to protect residents. Unregulated gaming poses significant risks, including limited withdrawal options and potential exposure to cybercrime, identity theft, and fraud. Officials caution that unauthorized online gaming has become a prime target for schemes where cybercriminals attempt to steal not only your money, but personal information, bank account details, and other personal information. Gaming on these unregulated sites can expose players to serious risks such as unauthorized transactions, identity theft, or other types of fraud. Unlike regulated Delaware Casinos, these illegal platforms don’t follow any oversight or consumer protection rules.

Some of these unregulated websites can give the false impression that they are legitimate by copying the branding of Delaware Casinos. They may employ tactics such as using similar-sounding names, matching logos, and lookalike URLs to appear legitimate. This can make it harder for consumers to tell a legal platform from a fake one.