The city is closer to allowing its cardrooms to offer more gaming options
The casino industry in Sacramento, California, is set to expand following a decision by the City Council’s Law and Legislation Committee to support an increase in gambling tables. The committee approved an ordinance update that would allow local card clubs to add two tables in 2025, with additional tables permitted every four years until a total of 10 new tables is reached.
The proposal, which still requires approval from the California Bureau of Gambling Control and a final vote from the full City Council, is expected to bring economic benefits to the area. The expansion primarily affects Capitol Casino and Park West Casino Lotus, the city’s largest card clubs, both of which currently operate at the maximum 17 tables. Each new table is projected to create 10 jobs, providing a boost to employment in the industry.
Casino operators have voiced support for the measure, emphasizing the need for gradual growth to maintain financial stability. John Park, founder of Park West Casino Lotus, described the table increase as essential for long-term sustainability. Clarke Rosa, who operates Capitol Casino, pointed out that his business has not been able to add tables since 2012, making it difficult to keep pace with rising costs.
The ordinance stems from California’s Assembly Bill 311, which applies to cardrooms with fewer than 20 tables. Smaller venues, such as Limelight Cardroom, are unlikely to be affected by the change. Each newly added table will also generate revenue for the city, with a quarterly fee of $225.
Sacramento’s gambling industry has steadily grown since tribal casinos were legalized in 2000, and with the anticipated opening of El Dorado Hills Casino in 2025, the region is expected to see continued expansion in the gaming sector.
