California Gambling Control Commission Holds December Meeting, Approves Key Licensing Actions Across Statewide Cardrooms and Tribal Casinos
The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on Thursday to address a packed agenda of licensing matters, compliance extensions, and suitability findings across the state’s gaming industry. From cardroom ownership transfers to tribal key employee license renewals, the Commission’s decisions will shape the operational landscape of California’s regulated gambling sector heading into 2026.
Key Actions Taken by the Commission
Transaction Compliance Period Extension Approved for Commerce Casino
The Commission approved a request from California Commerce Club, Inc. to extend the transaction compliance period related to the sale between the Edgar E. Pankey and Elizabeth S. Pankey Trust (seller) and the Peter and Mona Pankey Trust (buyer). The extension was granted with contingencies, requiring the transaction to close within 180 days or by a Commission-approved extension. Failure to meet the conditions will result in automatic disapproval.
Paso Robles Central Coast Casino Withdrawal Request Addressed
For applicant Ovsep Ayrapetian, the Commission approved the request to withdraw the cardroom owner license application with prejudice—a move indicating potential regulatory concerns. The Commission also opted to take no action on the initial license application, effectively closing the file.
Proposition Player Services Licensing Decisions
The Commission evaluated multiple Third-Party Proposition Player Services license applications:
- Phuong-Anh Kim Do of The Independent was granted a conditional renewal through August 2027 pending an evidentiary hearing.
- Jacob Greene of Acme Player Services was approved with a condition to provide proof of efforts toward resolving outstanding debts.
- Michelle Barentsen of Players Edge Services was referred to an evidentiary hearing, a sign of further scrutiny needed before a final decision.
- Randy Lenar of Players Edge Services was approved for renewal, with a previous condition regarding a Failure to Appear (FTA) fine now removed.
Tribal-State Compact Licensing and Suitability Findings
The Commission processed a significant number of Initial and Renewal findings of suitability for tribal casino employees across more than two dozen gaming facilities statewide, including:
- Agua Caliente Casinos (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City)
- Graton Resort & Casino
- Red Hawk Casino
- Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort
- Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
Notably, AGS, LLC, a gaming resource supplier, received no action on its initial suitability finding, which may indicate pending review or lack of sufficient documentation.
Consent Calendar Approvals
The Commission unanimously approved consent calendar items spanning agenda items 12 through 19. These included:
- Initial and renewal licenses for key employees and third-party proposition players
- Commission work permits for staff at casinos such as Casino Merced, Towers Casino, and Empire Sportsmen’s Association
- Dozens of tribal key employee initial and renewal suitability determinations
The scope of approvals across the consent calendar demonstrates the Commission’s ongoing commitment to maintaining oversight over personnel integrity within California’s gaming establishments.
Looking Ahead
With hundreds of licensing decisions and regulatory actions on the record, this meeting underscores the CGCC’s central role in ensuring transparency, compliance, and integrity within California’s evolving gambling industry. As tribal and non-tribal operators prepare for a new year, the outcomes of this meeting will play a critical role in staffing, ownership structures, and operational continuity.
For more information, full agenda details, and future meeting schedules, visit the California Gambling Control Commission website at cgcc.ca.gov
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