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.

With more than 75 uncovered stalls available year-round at its equestrian facility, the CORE Arena, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is offering the stalls. for free to any horses that need to be temporarily rehomed due to the devastating wildfires in Southern California.

The 10 ft. x 10 ft. stalls are adjacent to the venue’s large dirt arena where owners can exercise their horses daily.

The Plaza will also offer complimentary feed, waterlines, clean up, and trailer parking onsite.

“The wildfires in California have been devastating, and when we learned how they are displacing horses, we saw a unique opportunity to help the animals and their owners who may have limited options to rehome them as they rebuild,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

The California Gambling Control Commission will hold a meeting on June 20, 2024, to consider various applications and renewals related to cardroom owner licenses and other gambling-related licenses. The agenda includes significant items such as:

1. Initial Cardroom Owner License Consideration:
   • Commerce Casino: California Commerce Club, Inc.
     • Recommendation: Approve the initial application through March 31, 2025.
2. Renewal of Cardroom Owner Licenses:
   • Artichoke Joe’s Casino:
     • Recommendation: Approve a 90-day extension through September 30, 2024, with existing conditions.
   • Capitol Casino:
     • Recommendation: Approve the renewal application through March 31, 2026.
   • Casino 99:
     • Options:
       1. Approve renewal through December 31, 2025.
       2. Approve renewal with additional conditions.
       3. Refer to an evidentiary hearing and issue an interim license.
       4. Deny the renewal application.
     • Recommendation: Option Three.
   • Jalisco Pool Room:
     • Recommendation: Approve renewal through June 30, 2026, with existing conditions.
   • Mike’s Card Casino:
     • Recommendation: Approve a 60-day extension through August 31, 2024, with existing conditions.
3. Requests and Other Considerations:
   • Bell Jackpot Casino: Request to withdraw application.
     • Recommendation: Approve the request without prejudice.
   • Empire Sportsmen’s Association: Cancellation of Temporary Work Permit.
     • Recommendation: Cancel the permit.
   • Acme Player Services, LLC: Retraction of hearing referral and renewal application.
     • Recommendation: Retract the referral and abandon the renewal application for specified members.
4. Third-Party Proposition Player Services Employee License Renewals and Approvals:
   • Various applications for initial and renewal licenses were considered with recommendations to approve through specified periods.