Evoluzione del settore dei giochi della California nel 2025: scontri in tribunale e espansione dei casinò nativi americani
In the heart of California, a legal storm is brewing between Native American tribes and privately owned cardrooms, challenging the status quo of the state's gambling landscape. The turmoil stems from Senate Bill 549, a legislation signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, which grants California's federally recognised tribes the right to file lawsuits against cardrooms operating "banked" card games like blackjack and pai gow poker [1].
Seven casino-owning tribes have already filed a lawsuit in early 2025, claiming that these games violate their exclusive gaming rights historically granted by California voters. However, the legal disputes have not slowed down the economic growth of the casino industry. In fact, the ongoing battles are part of a broader conflict between tribes and commercial gambling operations, including competition over mobile sports betting and other gambling expansions [2].
The stakes are high for local economies, as many cities rely heavily on taxes from cardrooms. A tribal victory could jeopardize these critical funding resources, potentially affecting local public services like police and fire departments. Hawaiian Gardens and Commerce, for instance, depend on cardroom tax revenues for essential services, with the latter accounting for nearly half of its budget [1].
Despite the legal disputes, California's casino industry is experiencing innovation and expansion. New casino projects are incorporating energy-efficient architecture and renewable energy systems, reflecting a focus on sustainability. The Scotts Valley of Pomo Indians, for example, are planning a $700 million casino resort in Vallejo, which was recently approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior [1].
Meanwhile, California's Native American casinos have launched mobile apps, targeting a younger, tech-savvy audience. Beyond gaming venues, these casinos are becoming popular tourist destinations, offering spas, luxury restaurants, and live entertainment [3]. Some cardrooms, such as Commerce Casino and Hawaiian Gardens Casino, have been conducting these games with state approval for decades [4].
The political fight over SB 549 led to the defeat of three out of four targeted candidates in the 2024 elections, highlighting the intensity of the battle. Tribes and cardrooms have spent millions of dollars lobbying lawmakers, with Hawaiian Gardens Casino investing over $9 million in lobbying efforts in 2023 [1].
However, not all tribal casino projects are smooth sailing. The Koi Nation, a small tribe in Northern California, plans to build a $600 million casino in Sonoma County, but faces opposition from other tribes and state officials due to questions about their historical ties to the proposed site [5].
As the legal disputes continue, California's gambling industry is undergoing significant changes. In 2025, the industry is experiencing a period of uncertainty and transformation, with ambitious tribal casino projects and the potential impact on local economies at stake [6].
[1] California's Native American tribes sue cardrooms over banked card games. (2025, February 10). Retrieved from https://www.californiaglobe.com/news/californias-native-american-tribes-sue-cardrooms-over-banked-card-games/
[2] California tribes and commercial gambling operators clash over gaming rights. (2024, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-10-15/california-tribes-commercial-gambling-operators-clash-over-gaming-rights
[3] California casinos offer more than just gambling. (2023, July 20). Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/california-casinos-offer-more-than-just-gambling-16509875.php
[4] Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' casino plans face opposition. (2022, December 15). Retrieved from https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/12/15/scotts-valley-band-of-pomo-indians-casino-plans-face-opposition/
[5] Koi Nation's $600 million casino plan faces opposition. (2024, February 10). Retrieved from https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/10288404-181/koi-nation-s-600-million-casino
[6] California's gambling industry faces significant changes. (2025, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.california.com/news/californias-gambling-industry-faces-significant-changes
