Former California Prop Poker Players Eligible for $43M Settlement

California cardroom owners reached a $43.3 million settlement with state gaming regulators to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging regulatory fees were collected in excess of what was allowed. Former prop players are eligible for a piece of that settlement. The California settlement affects prop players and cardroom owners from Jan. 1, 2005, to May 12, 2020.

The suit alleged that the GCC imposed additional conditions on a renewal of the plaintiffs’ license renewal, which included prop players from Lucky Chances Inc. and others. The ruling said that “the majority concludes that the California Gambling Control Commission can impose discipline here, but not the discipline outlined in the regulation that lists the commission’s disciplinary options.” A final approval hearing in the case is set for Dec. 4. Those affected have 60 days from the final settlement to make a claim.

Poker players and commentators Bart Hanson and David Tuchman worked as props early in their careers. Other poker pros who have worked as prop players include Ted Forrest, Mike Matusow, and Chris Ferguson. The prop player settlement comes amid an ongoing legal battle between cardrooms and the Bureau of Gambling Control, which issued changes to blackjack games in February that would be allowed in the state.