Thousands Join Cardroom Protest Over Rob Bonta Gaming Proposal

A new proposal from Attorney General Rob Bonta has drawn sharp backlash from workers and union groups who warn it could devastate local gaming communities. Hundreds of cardroom employees and labor representatives are preparing to protest outside of Bonta’s office on October 20, voicing concern over what they call an “attack on their livelihoods.”

Good to Know

• The proposal could remove blackjack-style games from California cardrooms.
• Union leaders say more than 5,000 jobs could be at risk statewide.
• Local mayors from Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and other cities plan to attend the protest.

At the center of the controversy is Bonta’s proposal to “effectively ban blackjack-style games and severely limit player-dealer games in California cardrooms.” According to his office’s own Standard Regulatory Impact Assessment (SRIA), the move could wipe out half of all cardroom jobs and revenues.

Union organizers say the consequences would go far beyond gaming tables, cutting off a key source of tax revenue that supports essential public services. “The proposal could cost more than 5,000 living-wage jobs and millions in local tax revenue that fund police, fire, senior, and youth programs in cities like Commerce, Compton, Bell Gardens, Hawaiian Gardens, Gardena, and Inglewood,” read the media release promoting the protest.

Local leaders have already pledged their support. Hawaiian Gardens Mayor Dandy De Paula and Compton Mayor Emma Sharif are both expected to join demonstrators, who plan to deliver “thousands of signatures” urging Bonta to withdraw or revise the proposal.

The state’s cardroom sector has long served as a major employer in smaller communities across Los Angeles County, where gaming revenue funds essential programs. Critics argue that the proposal would disproportionately affect minority and working-class residents who rely on those jobs.

Meanwhile, labor tensions are also unfolding outside of California. In Indianapolis, employees at Horseshoe Casino began striking on October 17, saying management refused to recognize Teamsters Local 135 as their bargaining representative.

The vote to unionize had been delayed because of an ongoing government shutdown, prompting Teamsters 135 to suggest a neutral third party to conduct the vote as scheduled. Management rejected the offer, leading to a walkout.

Workers formed a picket line outside the casino, saying they remain committed to fighting for “strong union representation.” The standoff has intensified attention on labor rights within the gaming industry nationwide, as casino workers from California to Indiana push for greater job protection and fair recognition.

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