A man in San Francisco recently walked into a tobacco shop near Union Square and bought a $20 scratcher ticket. At first, he thought he’d won $2,000. But after looking again, he noticed there were six zeroes on the prize amount. He had actually won $2 million, the game’s top prize. Lottery officials say the man plans to use the money to pay off his mortgage. The ticket came from a store located right across from the Good Luck Café, making the moment feel even more fitting.
While this surprise win was being announced, the state was dealing with growing tension in its gambling industry. In early January, a new law went into effect that gives Native American tribes the power to sue cardrooms over certain types of games. The focus is on games like blackjack and pai gow poker, which are typically allowed only in tribal casinos under state agreements.
Cardrooms have found ways to keep these games going by using third-party dealers. However, tribes argue this breaks the rules, and with the new law in place, they’ve started taking it further. As this unfolds, some Californians are turning to online casinos offering similar games like Bovada. According to Viola D’Elia from Esportsinsider, these sites provide digital versions of poker, blackjack, and sports betting and continue to attract players across the state.
Senate Bill 549 has shaken things up, and whispers of lawsuits from tribal leaders are already buzzing through card rooms and hallways. If the courts back the bill, local clubs could have no choice but to ban blackjack and other house-banked games, which would nudge some casual players toward online sites and push the high-rollers straight into a casino bus.
If courts agree with the several tribes who have claimed that card-rooms are violating their rights, it could mean that some cardrooms may have to remove certain games or even shut down. Cities like Commerce or Hawaiian Gardens could suffer the most since they are dependent on the tax money received from these casinos. This is an age-old argument between industry players and lawmakers. While many harp on the social aspects of gambling, others see only the immense economic losses that over-regulation comes with.
In other states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, saying yes to regulated online casinos has resulted in massive revenue for them. Despite this, those states still ensure the industry has adequate safeguards in place for both players and operators. This does, however, raise an opportunity for traditional gambling to make a comeback. For example, it is clear that the lottery still remains a popular choice, especially after the news of the recent $2 million win that came as a surprise. The attractiveness of lottery tickets can be attributed to their convenience; highly accessible and affordable. For some, it is even part of their daily routine, and last-minute buys at the checkout counter.
However, what is for certain is that gambling is here to stay and will remain in the lives of many Californians. So, whether it is online, on land, or through the lottery system, people are looking for their next win, even if it is just a scratch away.
