Poker CrazePoker Craze in in

CaliforniaCaliforniaAaron Wong

Special Agent SupervisorDivision of Gambling Control

CA DOJ(916) 263-5392

Aaron.wong@doj.ca.gov

Gambling in California

• Authorized by Penal Code Sections 330 and Authorized by Penal Code Sections 330 and 337j337j

• 330 P.C. restricts certain type of gambling330 P.C. restricts certain type of gambling

• 337j P.C. allows controlled games at licensed 337j P.C. allows controlled games at licensed facilitiesfacilities

• 337j (e)(2)(D) P.C. exception for home games337j (e)(2)(D) P.C. exception for home games

• Currently 94 licensed cardroomsCurrently 94 licensed cardrooms

• 55 Tribal casinos where poker is considered 55 Tribal casinos where poker is considered as Class II and regulated by NIGCas Class II and regulated by NIGC

Poker’s RebirthPoker’s Rebirth

• World Series of PokerWorld Series of Poker

• World Poker TourWorld Poker Tour

Poker’s RebirthPoker’s Rebirth

• Celebrity Poker TournamentsCelebrity Poker Tournaments

• Chance for $1 to $7 Million Cash PrizeChance for $1 to $7 Million Cash Prize

• Instant Stardom with Little InvestmentInstant Stardom with Little Investment

• Just be Able to Say “I’m All In!”Just be Able to Say “I’m All In!”

Illegal Gambling SitesIllegal Gambling Sites

• Bars, Pool HallsBars, Pool Halls

• Churches, Bingo HallsChurches, Bingo Halls

• Schools, PTA’s Schools, PTA’s

• Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce

• Police AssociationsPolice Associations

• Any Other CharitiesAny Other Charities

• Private ResidencesPrivate Residences

Other Illegal Gambling Other Illegal Gambling ActivitiesActivities

• Casino NightsCasino Nights

• Monte Carlo NightsMonte Carlo Nights

• Sober Grad NightsSober Grad Nights

• Gaming Devices (Slot Machines)Gaming Devices (Slot Machines)

• BookmakingBookmaking

• Pool SellingPool Selling

• Illegal Lotto and LotteryIllegal Lotto and Lottery

RemedyRemedy

• Strict Enforcement of the LawStrict Enforcement of the Law

• Ignore the Illegal Gambling ActivitiesIgnore the Illegal Gambling Activities

• Change Law to Allow for Charities to Change Law to Allow for Charities to Conduct Casino Night Events Using Conduct Casino Night Events Using Bingo Administrative Format (AB 839 Bingo Administrative Format (AB 839 – Torrico)– Torrico)

• No Exception for Non-Charity GroupsNo Exception for Non-Charity Groups