California Judge Blocks New Blackjack Rules, Saving Cardrooms Millions

A California judge has granted an injunction to California cardrooms, preventing blackjack rule changes from going into effect. The state’s cardrooms would have lost as much as $68 million in revenue, according to the state’s Department of Justice. The California Gaming Association (CGA) estimated the new changes would eliminate 50% of cardroom jobs.

San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin granted the temporary restraining order on May 21. The order for the changes, mainly to blackjack games, was issued by the Bureau of Gambling Control. It is under the state Justice Department, with the Office of Administrative approving the changes in February.

The proposed rule changes would alter the game of blackjack in California significantly in nearly 75 cardrooms across the state. Venues could no longer use the word “blackjack” or “21” game titles. No more automatic wins if dealt a blackjack (an ace and a 10-value card). No more “busting.” A winner is determined by being the closest to the “target point count” compared to the player-dealer. Backing the game (acting as player-dealer) must be given to at least two other players every 40 minutes or the game ends. Third-party providers can’t operate as the bank consecutively.