Protesters have organized to vocally oppose Senate Bill SB 549, also known as the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act.
Over 100 people, including elected representatives and cardroom employees, were in Sacramento to campaign against the law. Proposed legislation Enabling California tribes to sue cardrooms. The bill is currently in the General Assembly, allowing tribes to – which was recently adopted by gambling giant FanDuel – They allege their rights are being violated because they are privileged to enjoy Las Vegas-style gambling in the Golden State.
Chants from protesters could be heard, including “We don’t mind 549,” while others displayed banners with messages such as “No objection to SB 549!” and “This is a bad bet for California.”
Local politicians, including mayors and civic representatives, gave speeches warning of how the bill could harm cardrooms in California, and adversely impact jobs in the state.
Marcel Rodarte, executive director of the California Contracts Cities Association, said at the protest, “SB 549 is a bill that will negatively harm many of our cities that have cardrooms in their communities. Cardrooms are an integral part of our cities because they provide jobs.”
Strict warning on job loss
“Our two cardrooms have been the backbone of our community as they will provide vital tax services that our City uses to fund important public services that allow us to provide a better quality of life for our residents and communities,” City of Gardena Mayor Tasha Cerda said.
“Our cardroom employs over 1,200 residents and people from surrounding communities. That’s over $47 million in wages annually.”
The California Gambling Association issued a dire warning, stating that as many as 32,000 jobs could be lost if SB 549 passes. This could force cardrooms to downsize or close them entirely, which is why there is such strong opposition.
At the center of the legal dispute is the format of some card games, whether the facilities function as a “home” or “bank,” and potential violations of tribes’ rights.
Image Credit: Via Ideogram
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