Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee said the city welcomes a recent court decision that struck down statewide gambling regulations affecting California cardrooms, according to a July 2 statement from the city.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin ruled June 30 that Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Bureau of Gambling Control, a division of the California Department of Justice, exceeded its authority when it adopted regulations restricting certain cardroom games statewide.
The regulations were expected to affect about 72 licensed cardrooms throughout California, including the Lake Elsinore Casino, according to the city. The rules targeted blackjack-style games and other cardroom offerings.
The court found that the bureau lacked authority to impose statewide restrictions on the games, finding such policy changes must be made through the state Legislature.
“As the Court recognized, these types of decisions have significant consequences for local communities, jobs and municipal services,” Magee said. “The ruling affirms what California cardrooms, local governments, employees and communities have argued throughout this process: the Bureau is responsible for enforcing California’s century-old gaming laws—not rewriting them.”
Magee said the Lake Elsinore Casino has been part of the community for decades, contributing jobs, tax revenue and local economic activity, and supporting local families.
“The casino has invested in Lake Elsinore, partnered in community events and contributed to the vitality of our local economy,” he said.
Magee said that local businesses deserve regulatory certainty.
“Businesses should be able to invest, hire employees, and plan for the future without the threat of sudden policy shifts driven by political agendas rather than legislative process,” Magee said. “As Mayor, I believe decisions that impact thousands of jobs and critical local revenues should be made transparently through California’s elected Legislature, where all stakeholders have the opportunity to be heard.”
The City of Lake Elsinore said it remains committed to supporting responsible businesses that create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
