California tribes are going against a judge’s tentative decision to dismiss their lawsuit against non-tribal cardrooms offering casino-style games, arguing federal gaming law should not apply to games provided off-reservation
California’s long-running battle over who is legally allowed to run certain casino-style games reignited at the end of last week, when tribal casinos decided to fight off a recent court ruling that threatens to shut down their lawsuit against non-tribal cardrooms.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Lauri Damrell gave a tentative ruling to dismiss the case, saying the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA),which regulates gambling on tribal lands, takes precedence.
The Act “Should Not Stretch That Far”
The tribes consider it to be an act of misinterpretation. Their complaint targets cardrooms operating blackjack, baccarat, and other “banked” games off tribal land, which they claim are their exclusive right under California law.
“[The act] has not stretched that far and should not stretch that far,” said tribal attorney Adam Lauridsen. He argued that IGRA does not apply to non-tribal gambling properties, but to tribal casinos…