The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) has scheduled a meeting of the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The committee is established under Business and Professions Code Section 19817 to provide advisory recommendations to the Commission on regulatory policy, with a specific focus on integrity and problem gambling.

Meeting Attendance Information

The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and remote participation.

• In-Person Location: 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Hearing Room 100, Sacramento, CA 95833.

• Virtual Access: Zoom Meeting Link

• Phone Access: 1-888-475-4499 (Toll-free) | Meeting ID: 285 757 8614

Key Agenda Items

The agenda focuses on internal governance, regulatory controls for third-party providers, and administrative updates:

• GPAC Roles and Responsibilities: A review of the mission statement, adherence to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, and expectations for member conduct and responsiveness.

• Current Projects: Update and discussion on Third-Party Providers of Proposition Player Services (TPPPS) – Internal Controls, led by subcommittee members Kirill Yermanov and Michael Hill.

• New Discussion Items:

  • Third-Party Provider Employee Table Coverage.

  • Procedures for Lost or Damaged Employee Badges.

• Administrative Updates: An update on the Category G vacancy (Public Member with accounting/business background).

2026 Committee Composition

The committee consists of 10 members (expanding to 12 if pending legislation like AB 77 is finalized), split equally between the cardroom industry and the public.

Advisors: Lisa Wardall (Executive Director) and Jason Pope (Chief Counsel).

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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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.