California Judge Halts New Rules Restricting Blackjack at Card Rooms
The injunction lets cardrooms keep offering traditional blackjack while two court cases continue, after the judge found state officials lacked authority to rewrite the rules.
- On Thursday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin granted a preliminary injunction blocking Justice Department regulations that would have banned traditional blackjack in California cardrooms, allowing the games to continue temporarily.
- The Bureau issued the rules earlier this year, but California cardroom operators argue the Bureau exceeded its authority, claiming only the California Gambling Control Commission holds power to set such standards.
- Economic analysis suggests the regulations could eliminate more than 50% of statewide revenue, costing an estimated $396 million. California Gaming Association President Kyle Kirkland said the ruling prevents "severe and unnecessary harm" to the industry.
- Tribal gaming interests, including the Shingle Springs Band and Miwok Indians, supported the regulations as consistent with existing law. Nick Bryson with the Shingle Springs Band expressed hope Attorney General Rob Bonta continues enforcement efforts despite the pause.
- The preliminary injunction lasts no more than 45 days, ending July 5. The court will hold further hearings on June 30 to determine whether the Bureau possesses regulatory authority over blackjack rules.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Judge Says Blackjack Can Stay in California. For Now
California’s cardroom operators got the reprieve they’ve wanted after Attorney General Rob Bonta banned blackjack in the state. On Thursday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin granted an injunction allowing California cardrooms to continue offering the game. The court stated that Bonta’s office had overstepped its authority with the ban, according to a California Gaming Association news release. The court also acknowledged the neg…
Courthouse News Service
Missoula CurrentJudge lets California cardrooms keep dealing blackjack
SAN FRANCISCO (CN) — California cardrooms facing dire changes to blackjack rules got dealt a good hand Thursday by a San Francisco judge. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin issued a preliminary injunction stopping Golden State officials from enforcing new rules on cardrooms. Those rules, in effect since April 1 but not expected to be enforced until June 1, prohibited traditional blackjack in cardrooms — changes operators and some …
Judge Slams Bonta Cardroom Crackdown, Blocks Regulations Threatening Thousands Of California Jobs
By Brian Hews Publisher | Follow X May 21, 2026 San Francisco judge halts regulations targeting blackjack-style games after finding likely overreach and potential economic devastation statewide. May 21, 2026 By Brian Hews A San Francisco Superior Court judge has dealt a major blow to Rob Bonta and his controversial crackdown on California cardrooms, issuing a preliminary injunction that blocks enforcement of regulations threatening thousands of …
California Cardrooms Saved For Now As Judge Blocks Bonta's Ban On Blackjack
A court has overruled Attorney General Rob Bonta, blocking his proposed measures to restrict California cardrooms. Bonta first proposed the restrictions, which include a ban on blackjack, last year. The California Gaming Association (CGA) challenged the legality of the new rules, filing a lawsuit against Bonta. On Thursday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin ruled Bonta's office "likely exceeded its authority by adopting regulatio…
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