The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. Hes back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, theres more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.
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The Fire Joker has returned, his blazing grin wider than ever. Hes back in control of the reels, where classic fruits and symbols light up under his fiery touch. But this time, theres more than just mischief in the air. The heat has intensified, the stakes are higher, and this scorching slot is cranked up to a full 100.

Compliance Updates

GAMING POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – NOTIFICATION OF SEATS WITH TERMS EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2024

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The Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) is a ten-member committee established pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19817 to provide advisory recommendations to the California Gambling Control Commission (Commission). Its membership, as appointed by the Commission, includes equal part appointments from the public as well as the cardroom industry.

The GPAC has the following five highlighted seats that have a term limit ending on December 31, 2024.

PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES:

Category A: An employee from the Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC), Department of Justice (1 seat)

Category B: A representative from an agency or nonprofit concerned with problem gambling and/or gambling addiction (1 seat)

Category F: A representative affiliated with local law enforcement from a local government where an approved ordinance allows legalized gaming (1 seat)

Category G: A professional with an accounting or business background and not currently affiliated with a California legalized gambling entity (1 seat)

Category H: A general member-at-large not currently affiliated with any California legalized gambling entity (1 seat)

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES:

Category C: A licensee, agent, or employee from a Third-Party Provider of Proposition Player Services (1 seat)

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Category D: A licensee, agent, or employee from an actively licensed cardroom with 25 tables or more in operation (2 seats; 1 seat vacant ¹)

Category E: A licensee, agent, or employee from an actively licensed cardroom with less than 25 tables in operation (2 seats; 1 seat vacant)

The Commission is currently accepting applications through November 1, 2024, from all eligible applicants for the GPAC seats in the following categories: C, D1, E1, G¹ and H.

The GPAC Application and Selection Process can be found on the Commission’s website at www.cgcc.ca.gov. Applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the application deadline (mid-November).

GPAC’s mission is:

The Commission is currently accepting applications through November 1, 2024, from all eligible applicants for the GPAC seats in the following categories: C, D1, E1, G¹ and H.

The GPAC Application and Selection Process can be found on the Commission’s website at www.cgcc.ca.gov. Applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the application deadline (mid-November).

GPAC’s mission is:

“Provide advisory recommendations to the California Gambling Control Commission concerning matters of controlled gaming regulatory policy and other relevant gambling related issues, with special attention to guaranteeing the integrity of gambling operations and to deal effectively with problem gambling.”

The GPAC currently meets every eight weeks. GPAC meetings will be held via Zoom through the end of 2025 whereupon meetings will have to be a combination of in person and via Zoom. Audio recordings of previous meetings can be found on the Commission’s website.

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The GPAC is an asset when addressing matters of importance for the cardroom industry. GET INVOLVED, whether through attending the GPAC’s public meetings, submitting an application for consideration of appointment to the GPAC, or by simply sending in comments for the GPAC’s consideration and discussion via the email address below.

“Provide advisory recommendations to the California Gambling Control Commission concerning matters of controlled gaming regulatory policy and other relevant gambling related issues, with special attention to guaranteeing the integrity of gambling operations and to deal effectively with problem gambling.”

The GPAC currently meets every eight weeks. GPAC meetings will be held via Zoom through the end of 2025 whereupon meetings will have to be a combination of in person and via Zoom. Audio recordings of previous meetings can be found on the Commission’s website.

The GPAC is an asset when addressing matters of importance for the cardroom industry.

Compliance Updates

Social Gaming Leadership Alliance: California Tribes Rise Up Against AB 831

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Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to protest Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831).

If passed, the bill would limit economic opportunities available to less wealthy tribes in the state by banning legitimate online social games using sweepstakes promotions. It would also eliminate more than $1 billion of existing economic activity generated by the industry in California, and close off a potential new revenue source for the state via sensible, modern regulation and taxation.

“AB831 is a flawed and rushed bill that lacks broad tribal consensus. As Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria have made clear, this bill would limit economic options available to tribes and worsen already fragile economic conditions. What California lawmakers should focus on instead is creating proper regulation that supports online social games, creates new revenue sources for the state and protects economic opportunities for all tribes,” said Jeff Duncan, Executive Director of SGLA and former Congressman.

The tribes’ protest focused on the following themes:

• Economic Disparity. Tribes in more geographically isolated areas often lack the scale and resources of wealthy, established gaming tribes. The policies proposed in AB 831 would eliminate digital commerce opportunities for economically disadvantaged tribes to partner with social gaming operators that could provide essential supplemental revenue streams to fund essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, food security, and social programs.

• Lack of Tribal Unity. The increasing number of tribes coming out in opposition to AB 831 highlights the growing divide amongst tribal nations when it comes to the legislation.

• Violation of Tribal Sovereignty. AB 831 contains broad criminalization language that would impose criminal penalties on those who “support directly or indirectly the operation, conduct, or promotion of an online sweepstakes game.” As written, AB 831 also applies to tribal nations. Extending State criminal jurisdiction into Indian Country violates federal law and is an encroachment on tribal sovereignty.

“For communities long overlooked and geographically isolated, digital commerce is not a luxury – it is a lifeline. AB 831 would sever that lifeline. Tribal members gather at the State Capitol today to ask lawmakers to stand for tribal equity, sovereignty, and economic justice by voting NO on AB 831,” said Eric Wright, Tribal Administrator of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation and CEO of Kletsel Economic Development Authority, the tribe’s economic development arm.

“We were proud to join with other tribes at the Capitol in Sacramento to tell lawmakers that eliminating legitimate, regulated digital enterprise will only deepen the disparities our people face, erode our tribal self-sufficiency, and contradict California’s stated commitment to equity and inclusion for all tribal nations. We call on California legislators to reject AB 831 and instead advance inclusive policies that support digital innovation, economic diversification, and tribal self-determination. The future of our communities depends on it,” Buffey Bourassa, Secretary of the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, said.

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“This bill has moved forward without meaningful consultation with our tribes, and it threatens to even further entrench a two-tiered system that benefits wealthy gaming tribes while marginalizing more rural nations like ours. We urge California lawmakers to reject AB 831 and stand firmly for tribal sovereignty, equity, and economic justice,” said Dennis Ramirez, Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria.

Previously, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, and Big Lagoon Rancheria have sent letters to state legislators, including President pro Tempore Senator Mike McGuire and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Anna Caballero, voicing their opposition against AB 831 and the harm the bill would cause their tribes.

AB 831 was introduced as a last-minute “gut-and-amend” bill in July. The members of these tribal nations and others are urging California lawmakers to reject AB 831 and instead pursue policies that expand economic opportunity, respect tribal sovereignty, and preserve access to popular forms of digital entertainment for all Californians.

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Compliance Updates

Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”

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Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”

 

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department” or “ADG”) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the United Kingdom, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the ‘Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,’ currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to ‘Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home.’

According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.

As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.

“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”

Why This Operation Is Illegal

Arizona law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorized (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33). There is no exception for so-called “sweepstakes.” Raffles may only be conducted by Arizona charitable, tax-exempt organizations (A.R.S. § 13-3302(B) & (C)), and personal profit is prohibited. Only individuals 21 years of age or older may legally participate in gambling in Arizona.

Because this operation is accessible to users under the age of 21, is conducted for personal gain, and is not conducted by a qualified nonprofit, it violates Arizona law. Additional potential felony violations include:

  • Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
  • Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
  • Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317

Furthermore, foreign-based platforms, such as Raffall, do not adhere to Arizona or U.S. gambling laws, leaving consumers without essential protections.

Consumer Protection Advisory

As illegal online gambling activity continues to rise, the Department urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming, whether online or in-person. Regulated gaming provides important consumer protections, ensuring fair play and fair drawings, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.

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If you purchased entries in this illegal gambling operation:

  • Stop participating immediately and do not buy additional entries.
  • Contactyourbank or credit card company to dispute the charges or request a chargeback. Your financial institution is the best avenue for seeking a refund.
  • Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
  • If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
  • IdentityTheft.gov (English)
  • RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish)

Important: The Department cannot assist with refund requests or individual disputes against unlicensed platforms. Consumers must work through their financial institutions to protect themselves and/or retain legal counsel. They may also file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.

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Compliance Updates

MGCB Orders Four Offshore Online Casinos to Cease Operations in Michigan

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to four unlicensed online casinos—Betty Wins, Orbit Spins, Pacific Spins Casino, and Yabby Casino—all operated by Tech Zone Inc., a company registered offshore in the Union of Comoros.

The enforcement action is part of the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protect Michigan residents from illegal gambling platforms that lack oversight, player safeguards, and responsible gaming protections.

“These offshore operators lure players with flashy ads and promises of big winnings, but in reality, they put consumers at serious financial and personal risk. We will continue to take strong action against unlicensed sites to ensure gambling in Michigan is legal, fair, and secure,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of MGCB.

Under Michigan law, only MGCB-licensed operators are authorized to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Tech Zone’s four brands were found to be illegally targeting Michigan residents, violating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and sections of the Michigan Penal Code.

“Illegal operators may use familiar branding or social media ads to appear trustworthy. But if the site isn’t licensed by the MGCB, it isn’t safe. We encourage all players to check before they bet,” Williams said.

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