As Casinos in Nevada and around the US begin reopening, independent California cardrooms are remaining closed for now, according Joe Patterson, Executive Director of the California Gaming Association.
We are cautiously optimistic the state will release guidance and protocols in the next couple of weeks,” said Patterson this afternoon. “At that time, cardrooms will then know more on specific dates they will be able to re-open.”
There’s some 70+ cardrooms throughout the state, from the massive Commerce Casino – home to the world’s largest poker room – down to rooms with as few as 3-4 tables. Although many of the rooms use ‘Casino,’ in their name, they are only licensed by the state for card games.
One of those rooms, Towers Casino in Grass Valley, opened May 15 but the state DOJ issued orders to close back down after less than 36 hours.
“The cardroom industry has been working on re-opening health and safety protocols with various state and local regulatory officials,” added Patterson.
Dan is the founder of PokerLiveUpdates, a veteran poker tournament reporter who can be found wandering somewhat aimlessly through tournament arenas worldwide. As a founding member of FunTour2.0, he searches for the best in craft beer at all locations in the poker world.
