Judge Protects California Blackjack Games; Strikes Down Ban

California card rooms have a long tradition, and thanks to a judge’s ruling, California blackjack games will remain part of that.

California Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin struck down the Golden State’s recent changes to games in its card rooms. Under new rules from attorney general Rob Bonta, California blackjack games would have been required to change their formats, making them almost a different game entirely.

But Darwin ruled that the attorney general does not have the power to change approved games. California blackjack games have long been approved, and power to change blackjack remains with the California Gambling Control Commission. Bonta’s office, in conjunction with the Bureau of Gambling Control, does not have the ability to prohibit or redefine games, per Darwin’s ruling.

The ruling reverts California blackjack games to their previous rules, allowing them to resemble traditional blackjack. It’s also a setback for California’s tribes, which hold exclusive rights to casino table games. The tribes had sought to restrict cardroom offerings, but Darwin’s ruling puts that on hold.

What Restrictions Did California Blackjack Games Face?

In short, the rules required California’s card rooms to revamp blackjack and eliminate traditional features. The CBGC had planned to eliminate natural blackjacks, eliminate busting and set a winning point that was not 21.

Additionally, the games would have been forbidden from referring to “blackjack” or “21” in the name. Previously, these had been workarounds to advertise to customers what they were playing.

Under the rules announced in February, California’s card rooms had until April 1 to stop offering games that violated the old rules. They then had submit a plan for compliance to the CBGC by May 31.

How Do California Blackjack Games Comply With the Law?

Per California law, only tribal casinos are permitted to offer slot machines and table games against the house. But California card rooms used multiple options to work around the existing rules. One common format was “California Blackjack”, which already was a different game. In this game, players compete against each other trying to get closer to 22, and no busting is possible.

With traditional blackjack games, California cardrooms used third party player proposition services. That meant bettors were technically playing against another player, a workaround that kept the games legal.

The tribes had opposed that action for years, believing the game was too similar to traditional blackjack. The CBGC’s actions in February were meant to provide a check on that, with new rules written to protect the the tribes. Instead of creating a new California Blackjack, the state essentially wrote that new games couldn’t be called blackjack.

But Darwin’s ruling makes clear that only the California legislature has that power. To restrict card rooms, legislators would have to file a bill.

Will California Blackjack Games Face a New Ban?

Probably not in 2026. The California legislature returns to session in August for its final month in Sacramento. This period is mostly used to finish up existing bills, not write new ones. Even if a new bill were written, it would have to reach the floor by Aug. 14 and reach Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk by Aug. 31.

If a new bill is coming, it will likely begin the process after Dec. 7, when the California legislature starts its new session.