The California Gambling Control Commission has issued a new Precedential Decision that addresses licensure requirements for funding sources of Third-Party Providers of Proposition Player Services (TPPPS).

The decision, formally titled Precedential Decision 2025-01, was adopted on August 21, 2025, and is now available on the Commission’s Precedential Decisions page

along with all prior precedential rulings.

This latest decision provides further clarity on licensing obligations and regulatory expectations for individuals and entities involved in funding TPPPS operations—a key aspect of maintaining integrity and oversight in California’s regulated gambling industry.

Stakeholders and members of the public can stay informed by subscribing to receive notifications when new Precedential Decisions are under consideration or adopted. The Precedential Decisions Subscription Signup Form, along with other subscription options for Commission meeting agendas, newsletters, and rulemaking updates, is available on the Commission’s website.

For questions or additional information, contact the Commission at (916) 263-0700 or via email at [email protected]

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Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.

Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage

The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.

Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved

The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.

Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions

Among key licensing matters:

• 500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.

• Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.

• Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.

Key Employee Licensing Actions

The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:

• Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.

• Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny

The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.

Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.

Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals

Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:

• HCAL, LLC

• JCM Global

• Konami Gaming, Inc.

• PDS Gaming, LLC

Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.

Notable Withdrawals and Denials

In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.

A Broader Look Ahead

With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.

The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened its latest public meeting to deliberate on a broad range of licensing, regulatory, and suitability matters concerning individuals and entities engaged in California’s gambling and tribal gaming industries. The comprehensive session covered over a dozen agenda items and featured detailed reviews of employee licenses, work permits, third-party proposition services, tribal gaming suitability, and supplier renewals.

Key Highlights from the April 2025 Commission Meeting:

1. Initial and Temporary Key Employee Licenses

The Commission evaluated the initial applications of Louis Garcia and Bounlek Syvilay, with differing staff recommendations. Garcia’s case was recommended for referral to an evidentiary hearing due to concerns related to illegal gambling. Syvilay, on the other hand, received a conditional approval pending regular updates on delinquent tax obligations.

2. Work Permit Renewal Denials

The renewal work permit for Charlene Gonzales was recommended for denial by Commission staff.

3. Third-Party Proposition Player Services Licenses

Applications from entities like KBCH Consultants, Inc. and Players Edge Services were reviewed. Jared Francis (KBCH) received a conditional recommendation, requiring proof of debt resolution, while Jarrel Guieb (Players Edge) was recommended for straightforward approval.

4. Gaming Resource Supplier Suitability Findings

Several major suppliers received approval for either initial or renewal findings of suitability under California’s tribal-state compacts, including:

• Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

• Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology America, Inc.

• HCAL, LLC (Caesars Entertainment)

• IGT (International Game Technology)

• Interblock USA, L.C.

• Surveillance Systems Integration, Inc.

These approvals, spanning expiration dates through 2027, reflect ongoing compliance and operational integrity.

5. Key Employee Suitability Findings for Tribal Casinos

Dozens of applicants across tribal gaming properties received either initial or renewal findings of suitability. Highlights include approvals for employees at:

• Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

• Jamul Casino

• Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino

• Agua Caliente Casinos (multiple locations)

• Sycuan Casino and Resort

• Graton Resort & Casino

• Thunder Valley Casino Resort

• Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel

These decisions reflect the Commission’s continued oversight of individuals holding influential roles in tribal casino operations throughout California.

6. Third-Party Employee Licensing – Extensive Review

The Commission reviewed an extensive list of initial and renewal applications for third-party proposition player services employees across several operators including:

• Blackstone Gaming, LLC

• Knighted Ventures, LLC

• Progressive Gaming, LLC

• F2 TPS, LLC

• L.E. Gaming, Inc.

Hundreds of individual applications were evaluated, with most receiving recommended approvals through 2027.

7. Commission Work Permits and Renewals

Work permit renewals for cardroom employees at venues such as Casino Merced, Empire Sportsmen’s Association, and Napa Valley Casino were also considered and approved.

8. Tribal-State Compact Supplier and Key Employee Hearings

Default decisions were discussed for applicants who did not respond or attend scheduled hearings. These included applicants for tribal-state compact key employee findings and third-party proposition player licenses. No staff recommendations were issued for these hearings.

9. Authorized Table Requests

Stars Casino submitted a request regarding the number of authorized tables. The staff recommended that the Commission take no action at this time.

10. Consent Calendar Approvals

The Commission recommended approval of multiple consent calendar items, with exceptions noted for select applicants.