The prestigious Los Angeles Daily News, known for its extensive coverage of news and events in the Los Angeles area and beyond, has taken a strong stance against a controversial bill that has been causing a stir in the state. In an editorial published on August 20th, the editorial board of the newspaper condemned SB 549, a bill introduced by State Senator Josh Newman earlier this year, which seeks to grant California’s gaming tribes the ability to sue cardrooms.
Described as the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act, SB 549 aims to address a legal technicality that currently prevents tribes, recognized as sovereign nations, from engaging in legal disputes in the judicial system. Under current laws, tribes are the only entities authorized to offer certain house-banked card games and slot machines in California, following the passage of Prop 1A in 2000.
Cardrooms, on the other hand, operate on a different model by utilizing third-party player proposition services to facilitate table games that mimic those offered by tribal casinos. SB 549 would empower tribes to challenge the legality of these games in court, potentially leading to injunctions that could compel cardrooms to cease offering them.
“The politics here are fairly simple,” the Los Angeles Daily News editorial board stated. “The tribes seek to consolidate their control over the lucrative gambling market in California, while cardroom operators and local governments stand to lose revenue as a result of these legal battles. It’s the everyday Californian who just wants to enjoy some card games that will ultimately suffer the consequences.”
The timing of the newspaper’s editorial is significant, as SB 549 has been making significant progress in the legislative process. Having already cleared the senate in May 2023, the bill has swiftly advanced through the assembly this summer, culminating in a second reading on August 20th and an upcoming third reading.
As the debate over SB 549 continues to unfold, the implications for California’s gaming industry and the broader legal landscape remain uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
