

California
California Gambling Control Commission Unveils Strategic Plan for 2024 to 2027
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) has officially released its strategic plan for the period of 2024 to 2027, marking a significant step towards modernizing its operations and enhancing stakeholder relations.
The plan was announced by Stacey Luna Baxter, Executive Director for the CGCC, highlighting its focus on modernization, communication, continuous internal education and the development of educational resources for stakeholders.
The strategic plan serves as a guiding roadmap through 2027, detailing key strategic goals aimed at fostering positive engagement with stakeholders, modeling fiscal responsibility and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the plan underscores the importance of cultivating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
One of the notable aspects of the plan is its inclusive approach, where every employee of the CGCC will contribute directly to its anticipated successes over the next four years. The CGCC prides itself on its team of dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced staff committed to executing the strategic goals and objectives. This collective effort is expected to be the driving force behind the successful implementation of the strategic plan.
In line with the goal of enhancing stakeholder engagement, the CGCC invites stakeholders to review the plan and provide their feedback. This initiative is part of the CGCC’s effort to ensure that its resources are transparent, informative and beneficial to the public. Stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions by emailing the CGCC at Comments @ CGCC .ca .gov.
Baxter expressed immense pride in the strategic plan and the efforts put into its development. She looks forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve the set goals, which align with the CGCC’s mission of ensuring integrity and justice in the controlled gambling industry through effective regulations and the fair application of the law. This strategic move represents a significant commitment to advancing the gambling regulatory landscape in California over the coming years.
California
California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Suitability Applications in April 2025 Meeting
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:
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Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
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Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology America, Inc.
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HCAL, LLC (Caesars Entertainment)
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IGT (International Game Technology)
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Interblock USA, L.C.
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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:
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Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
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Jamul Casino
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Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino
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Agua Caliente Casinos (multiple locations)
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Sycuan Casino and Resort
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Graton Resort & Casino
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Thunder Valley Casino Resort
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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:
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Blackstone Gaming, LLC
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Knighted Ventures, LLC
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Progressive Gaming, LLC
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F2 TPS, LLC
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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.
The post California Gambling Control Commission Reviews Licensing and Suitability Applications in April 2025 Meeting appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
California
Plaza Hotel & Casino offering free stalls to temporarily rehome horses affected by the California wildfires
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 post Plaza Hotel & Casino offering free stalls to temporarily rehome horses affected by the California wildfires appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
California
Notice and Agenda for California Gambling Control Commission Meeting

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:
- Initial Cardroom Owner License Consideration:
- Commerce Casino: California Commerce Club, Inc.
- Recommendation: Approve the initial application through March 31, 2025.
- Commerce Casino: California Commerce Club, Inc.
- 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:
- Approve renewal through December 31, 2025.
- Approve renewal with additional conditions.
- Refer to an evidentiary hearing and issue an interim license.
- Deny the renewal application.
- Recommendation: Option Three.
- Options:
- 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.
- Artichoke Joe’s Casino:
- 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.
- Bell Jackpot Casino: Request to withdraw application.
- 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.
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