California Gambling Control Commission Takes Key Licensing and Regulatory Actions at October Meeting

The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened its regular public meeting on October 23, addressing a range of licensing, regulatory, and compliance matters related to tribal and commercial gambling operations across the state.

Key Approvals and Recommendations

1. Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Distribution
The Commission approved the Quarterly Revenue Sharing Trust Fund Report for distributions to eligible Indian tribes for the period ending September 30, 2025.

Cardroom Licensing and Transactions

Commerce Casino – California Commerce Club, Inc.

• The Commission approved an initial cardroom owner type license for Gina Malkasian, valid through March 31, 2027.

• It also approved the repurchase of shares from The Haig Papaian Jr. Trust with conditions requiring transaction closure within 180 days and written confirmation.

Paso Robles Central Coast Casino – Ovsep Ayrapetian

• The Commission recommended denial of the initial license application.

Crystal Casino – Celebrity Casinos, Inc.

• The Commission approved a property interest transfer from Mark Kelegian to Shelly Kelegian, contingent on transaction completion within 180 days.

• A set of strict licensing and stock certificate conditions was imposed, including mandatory legal legends and compliance confirmations.

Oaks Card Club – Oaks Club Room, L.P.

• The Commission approved the assignment of ownership interest from John Tibbetts to the Tibbetts Trust, contingent on closing and written compliance with required conditions.

Cardroom License Renewals

Bruce’s Bar and Casino – John Gallo

• The Commission issued an interim renewal license through October 31, 2027, with strict pre-opening compliance requirements, including city licensing, security plans, and proof of ownership status.

Hollywood Park Casino

• Approved an interim renewal license through April 30, 2027.

Parkwest Casino Lodi – Lodi Cardroom, Inc.

• Approved a 120-day extension through February 28, 2026, and removed conditions relating to Fortiss, LLC’s administrative services agreement.

Key Employee Licensing

Renewal Applications

• The Commission reviewed and approved multiple Tribal Key Employee license renewals, covering over two dozen California tribal casinos, including Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, Thunder Valley, Graton Resort & Casino, and others.

Initial Key Employee Applications

• Charlisha Mart (Table Mountain Casino Resort) was approved through April 2026.

Davis Her‘s renewal application was denied due to unresolved financial obligations.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services

New Licenses and Renewals

• New and renewal licenses were approved for workers and supervisors across several service providers, including Blackstone Gaming, Knighted Ventures, Players Edge Services, and others.

• Notably, Anthony Barron’s initial application was denied.

Additional Casino Approvals

Parkwest Casino 580

• The Commission approved a request to increase authorized gaming tables from 10 to 16, and formally abandoned a pending 2017 request.

Conclusion

The CGCC continues to enforce strict oversight on California’s gaming operations, ensuring transparency, compliance, and responsible growth in both tribal and cardroom sectors. The next meeting is expected to further address renewal processes and regulatory advancements.