Sacramento will likely see an increase in gambling tables at its cardrooms. Here’s why
Sacramentans will likely see an increase in gambling tables at the city’s cardrooms over the next 15 years.
The City Council’s Law and Legislation Committee approved updating the city ordinance on Tuesday to allow for two more gambling tables at each card club in 2025. Additional tables can be added every four years until a total of 10 new tables is reached.
The amendment now heads to the California Bureau of Gambling Control for further approval. It must return to the City Council for final passing.
The new ordinance would particularly benefit Sacramento’s two largest card clubs — Capitol Casino and Park West Casino Lotus. Both cardrooms operate 17 tables — the current maximum number of authorized tables. Each new table is expected to create 10 jobs for the cardrooms.
“A reasonable table increase is crucial to our long term stability and this incremental plan allows us to grow responsibly,” said John Park, founder of Park West Casino Lotus on Stockton Blvd.
Clarke Rosa, who runs Capitol Casino on 16th Street, said his business hasn’t increased its tables since 2012.
“That’s our only revenue source,” Rosa said. “Naturally, we’re a little bit behind on the cost of living increases that have gone on.”
John Mikacich, who owns Limelight Cardroom, said his smaller cardroom, which operates 10 tables, would not be affected.
“It wouldn’t be in use unless we move to a bigger facility someday,” Mikacich said.
The ordinance is expected to be approved without issues given that it stems from California’s 2023 Assembly Bill 311, which applies to cardrooms that operate fewer than 20 tables. Each new table will also result in a quarterly fee of $225 to the city of Sacramento.
The greater Sacramento region has increasingly grown as a gambling center since 2000, when California voters legalized tribal casinos with slot machines and table games.
El Dorado Hills Casino, located outside the city of Sacramento limits, is expected to open in 2025.
Councilmember Roger Dickinson recused himself from Tuesday’s vote, given that he received campaign funding from Rosa and Park.
This story was originally published February 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify the distinction between cardrooms and casinos.
