California Bill Allowing Tribes to Sue Cardrooms Gets Unanimous Support

The California Assembly has taken a significant step in addressing long-standing disputes between Native American tribes and cardrooms by passing SB549, the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act, with a unanimous 62-0 vote.

Key Provisions of SB549

• Grants tribes legal standing to challenge the legality of card games offered by cardrooms, such as blackjack and baccarat.

• Seeks judicial clarity on whether these games, operated by third-party proposition player service providers (TPPPS), violate the California constitution.

• Aims to protect tribal exclusivity over certain gambling operations guaranteed under existing compacts.

Legislative Support and Perspectives

• Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, co-author of the bill, emphasized that SB549 doesn’t take sides but ensures tribes can access justice.

• Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan underscored the bill’s civil rights aspect, saying tribes deserve their day in court.

• Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, initially hesitant due to the economic role of cardrooms, voted in favor after acknowledging the bill’s fairness.

Tribal and Industry Reactions

• Cardrooms, key economic contributors for many cities, strongly opposed the bill, fearing job and revenue impacts.

• For tribes, SB549 is a compromise — as Assemblymember James Ramos, the first Native American in the legislature, noted, it reflects tribes’ readiness to pursue resolution through the courts.

• The bill’s passage highlights a shift toward judicial rather than political resolution in California’s gaming disputes.

The bill now heads to the Senate for final approval before the legislative session ends. If passed, SB549 will empower tribes to bring their claims before state courts, potentially reshaping the legal and economic framework of gambling in California.