Frequently Asked Questions

The Bureau of Gambling Control handles all application and fee intake. As such, please contact the Bureau of Gambling Control by emailing gamblingcontrol@doj.ca.gov or by phone (916) 830-1700.

Pursuant to CCR 12112, a person applying for Commission approval must submit the following to the Bureau of Gambling Control:

If the Applicant is submitting an Employee Category License

• A completed Application for Employee Category License, CGCC-CH2-04 (Rev. 11/21).
• Any applicable fees required by Section 12090, and the applicable background investigation deposit required by Title 11, CCR, Section 2037.
• Any applicable completed supplemental information forms, as follows:
• Key Employee or TPPPS Supervisor: Supplemental Information, CGCC-CH2-08 (Rev. 07/22).
• Commission Work Permit or TPPPS Worker: Supplemental Information, CGCC-CH2-10 (Rev. 07/22).
• An Authorization to Release Information, CGCC-CH2-13 (New 05/20).
• Submit one of the following:
• If the applicant is a State of California resident, a completed Request for Live Scan Service [California Department of Justice Form, BCIA 8016 (Rev. 04/2020)], including the ATI Number. The applicant is responsible for any fees necessary for the completion of this form; OR
• If the applicant is not a State of California resident, two copies of the Applicant Fingerprint Card, FD-258.
An Appointment of Designated Agent, CGCC-CH1-04, if applicable.

If the Applicant is submitting an Owner Category License

• Application for Owner Category License, CGCC-CH2-05 (Rev. 04/23).
• Any applicable fees required in Section 12090, and the applicable background investigation deposit required by Title 11, CCR, Section 2037.
• Any applicable completed supplemental information forms, as follows:
• Business Entity: Supplemental Information, CGCC-CH2-06 (Rev. 12/21).
• Individual Owner/Principal: Supplemental Information, CGCC-CH2-07 (Rev. 07/22).
• Trust: Supplemental Information, CGCC-CH2-09 (Rev. 12/21).
• Supplemental Information: Schedules, CGCC-CH2-11 (New 05/20).
• Request for Copy of Personal Income or Fiduciary Tax Return, FTB- 3516 (Rev. 08-2015) C1 PAGE 1.
• Request for Copy of Corporation, Exempt Organization, Partnership, or Limited Liability Company Tax Return, FTB- 3516 (Rev. 08- 2015) C1 PAGE 2.
• An Authorization to Release Information, CGCC-CH2-13 (New 05/20).
• If the applicant is a natural person, submit one of the following:
• If a resident of the State of California, a completed Request for Live Scan Service [California Department of Justice Form, BCIA 8016 (Rev. 04/2020)], including the ATI Number. The applicant is responsible for any fees necessary for the completion of this form; or,
• If not a resident of the State of California, two copies of the Applicant Fingerprint Card, FD-258.
• An Appointment of Designated Agent, CGCC-CH1-04.
• If the applicant is a natural person, then a completed copy of Spousal Information, CGCC-CH2-12 (Rev. 10/23). Please note if you are unmarried this form still needs to be completed.
• For entity applicants, additional applications may need to be submitted for individuals within that entity that meet the criteria set forth in Business and Profession Code Section 19853, in order for their application package to be deemed complete.

Ultimately, the Bureau of Gambling Control will review the application package and deem the application complete or deficient. They will then send the appropriate correspondence. Once the application is deemed complete, an acknowledgement letter will be issued.

If you have additional questions concerning the application completion process, please contact the Bureau of Gambling Control at (916) 830-1700.

The Gambling Control Act requires an Officer and/or Director who is required to apply for a license do so within 30 calendar days of appointment. The requirement to apply within 30 days does not invalidate the primary requirement that specifies Officers and/or Directors shall apply for and obtain a license pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19852(a). Although not required, it is encouraged that a temporary license be requested with the submission of the initial application package. Requesting a temporary license will allow for the applicant to meet the "obtain" requirement of Business and Professions Code section 19852(a) while the Bureau of Gambling Control is completing the full background investigation.

Business and Professions Code section 19852 requires licensure of each person identified in the statute, without regard to whether they may have already been licensed by the Commission in another capacity or category. For example, the position of a director and a corporate officer are considered separate persons under the Gambling Control Act, even if they are filled by the same individual. Accordingly, the individual must obtain a license as both a director and a corporate officer.

Any change in ownership or management as reflected on the owner category licensee's license certificate requires a new application and Commission action to change the license certificate. Be sure to check all the boxes that apply to an applicant's relationship to the owner category licensee in Section 1 of the Individual Owner/Principal: Supplemental Information Form. It is also important to note that additional requirements may exist depending on the cardroom's specific business structure, including required timelines for notification and licensure.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2024, legislation became effective that authorizes the Commission to adopt regulations to waive application requirements (such as the requirements to submit supplemental forms and a background investigation deposit), for any applicant who possesses a state gambling license in good standing as determined by the Commission. Regulations must go into effect before the Commission can provide such waivers. The Commission is currently working on proposed regulations. To ensure you receive the latest information on any proposed regulatory action, please sign up for the Commission's rulemaking mailing list here.

Every officer, manager, member, or owner, as well as any person who receives, or is to receive, any percentage share of revenue earned by the owner from gambling activities, pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 19852(f) and (h). This may include the spouse of the applicant, unless the applicant can justify that the ownership is sole and separate property. If a sole and separate property has not been substantiated, the spouse's application must be submitted for the Limited Liability Company's application to be deemed complete.

The trustee and, at the discretion of the Commission, any beneficiary and the trustor of the trust, pursuant to Business and Professions Code sections 19852(d), (e) and (h).

YES, pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19852.

Every general and limited partner of, and every trustee or person, other than a holding or intermediary company, having or acquiring a direct or beneficial interest in, that partnership owner, pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19852(d) and (h). This may include the spouse of the applicant, unless the applicant can justify that the ownership is sole and separate property. If a sole and separate property has not been substantiated, the spouse's application must be submitted for the Partnership's application to be deemed complete.

YES. A completed Spousal Information form is required to be submitted with every owner category license renewal application even if the applicant is not married. However, should the applicant determine that certain fields on the form do not apply, the applicant can write 'N/A' (not applicable) on the form, sign, and submit.

Guidance for documenting a sole and separate property interest can be found HERE.

If the Board of Director position does not have ownership in the gambling enterprise, then the spouse is not required to apply for licensure. However, as a Board of Director is an "Officer" and is required to apply for an Owner Category License, a Spousal Information Form (CGCC-CH2-12) is still required for your application to be deemed completed. If the Board of Director does not have ownership interest, they can submit the Spousal Information Form with the mark "N/A" across the front page to meet the form submission requirement.

The Associated Owner Category Licensee is the TPPPS/Gambling Establishment an applicant is employed by.

NO. A form is only required if you wish to appoint a Designated Agent.

YES. As stated in the Supplement Information form, you are required to disclose any and all criminal convictions regardless of the date of the conviction, no matter how old the conviction is. For more information regarding the criminal history portion of the Supplemental Information Form, please reference the Commission's educational video titled "Criminal Convictions Background Overview" found HERE.

YES. As stated in the Supplement Information Form, you are required to disclose any and all criminal convictions regardless if the conviction has been reduced, expunged or dismissed. For more information regarding the criminal history portion of the Supplemental Information Form, please reference the Commission's educational video titled, "Criminal Convictions Background Overview" found HERE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify the circumstances and status of all crimes. A traffic violation, even those where only a ticket was received, may be a misdemeanor conviction. If unsure, an applicant should err on the side of over disclosing. For more information regarding the criminal history portion of the Supplemental Information Form, please reference the Commission's educational video titled, "Criminal Convictions Background Overview" found HERE.

YES. If you've held the interest within the last 10 years. The supplemental form requires applicants to list any non-gaming related business entity within the last 10 years.

YES. If an applicant does not have a currently valid license, then they must disclose all information requested on the application and supplemental, even if it was previously disclosed to the Bureau.

YES. If you were terminated from an employer within the last 10 years, you are required to disclose the termination and provide a clear statement for the reason for leaving.

An employment agreement is an agreement between an employee and the employer for the purposes of laying out the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties. If no agreement exists, please indicate "N/A" on the supplemental information form.

YES. Even though your TGA is aware of your information, you still need to answer all questions on the Supplemental Information Form completely and accurately.

You may find a live scan location in your area HERE. Please keep in mind that fees vary from location to location.

YES. All applicants who are residents of the State of California are required to submit a Live Scan along with your renewal application. If an applicant is a not a resident of the State of California, then two applicant fingerprint cards are required. Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and the subsequent automated background checks and responses. The forms for a Live Scan are on the Commission's "Forms" page HERE. Live Scans are performed at the Department of Justice's approved locations found HERE. Fingerprint cards have a similar purpose but utilize forms provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and require the assistance of the Bureau of Gambling Control.

YES. Each applicant for an owner category license and their spouse must submit a completed Request for Live Scan Service.

Business and Professions Code section 19857, subdivision (b) requires that prior to issuance of a license, the Commission must be satisfied that an applicant does not have any associations that pose a threat to the public interest or the effective regulation of controlled gambling, or that enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices and activities in the conduct of controlled gambling or the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto.

The Commission may consider a spouse's criminal history in determining whether an applicant for an owner category license has any associations that negatively impact their suitability for licensure.

The California Gambling Control Commission does not regulate Bingo. As a result you will need to inquire with your local jurisdiction.

Bingo is regulated and enforced by local law enforcement.

Yes, AB 341 reestablished a moratorium on the establishment and expansion of cardrooms until January 1, 2043.

Specifically, AB 341 reinstated the following provisions from the previous moratorium that expired on January 1, 2023:

• Prohibits local jurisdictions and their voters from authorizing legal gambling that was not authorized prior to January 1, 1996, or amending a local gambling ordinance to expand cardroom gambling beyond the level authorized on January 1, 1996.
• Prohibits the Commission from issuing a gambling license for any gambling establishment that was not licensed to operate on December 31, 1999, unless an application to operate that establishment was on file with the Bureau prior to September 1, 2000.

Although the provisions of AB 341 became effective on January 1, 2024, the bill effectively made the moratorium retroactive to the expiration of the previous moratorium on January 1, 2023, through the following provisions:

• Invalidates and preempts any amendment to or adoption of a local ordinance on or after January 1, 2023 resulting in an expansion of gambling that was not authorized as of December 31, 2022 or otherwise authorized, as specified.
• Prohibits the Commission from approving an application for a gambling license for a gambling establishment that was not licensed to operate on December 31, 2022, that is pending before the Commission as of January 1, 2024.
• Invalidates a gambling license for a gambling establishment that was not licensed to operate on December 31, 2022, and that was issued between December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2024.

The Commission does not have a list of cardrooms for sale. Click HERE to view a list of current cardrooms with active licenses as well as the cardrooms that hold an active license, but currently are not in operation.

AB 341, which became effective on January 1, 2024, authorizes local jurisdictions to amend an ordinance that applies only to cardrooms that operate fewer than 20 tables. These cardrooms may increase their maximum number of tables by up to 10 additional tables above the number of tables operated by the cardroom on January 1, 2023, but only up to two additional tables in the first year after the ordinance takes effect, and up to two additional tables every four years thereafter.

Before submitting a request for additional tables, consult your local jurisdiction's gambling ordinance to ensure that the request for additional tables does not violate the limits set by the ordinance. The Commission is unable to grant approvals to applicants who are not in compliance with state, federal, and local laws. Please note that pursuant to AB 341, any amendment to or adoption of a local ordinance on or after January 1, 2023 resulting in an expansion of gambling that was not authorized as of December 31, 2022 or otherwise authorized, as specified, was invalidated and preempted effective January 1, 2024.

If the request for additional tables complies with all local, state and federal laws, submit a completed Cardroom Business License: Gaming Tables (CGCC-CH7-07, Rev 02/21) form to the Bureau of Gambling Control (Bureau). All forms can be found on the Commission's website HERE.

Once the Bureau has completed its review, the request will be sent to the Commission for review. Commission staff will schedule the request to be heard at a public meeting by the Commissioners, who will consider and act on the request.

Contact the Bureau of Gambling Control by emailing gamblingcontrol@doj.ca.gov or by phone (916) 830-1700.

A person (or entity) can enter into a Purchase Agreement to purchase a cardroom business or a portion of the business. This requires that the interested party submit to the Bureau of Gambling Control the proper documentation along with all of the appropriate fees. The Purchase Agreement/Transaction must be approved by the Commission. For additional information you may contact the Bureau of Gambling Control at (916) 830-1700.

Yes, you can with limitations. The relocation must be investigated by the Bureau of Gambling Control and subsequently approved by the Commission prior to resuming operations in a new location. You need to complete the following form: Notice of Relocation (CGCC-CH7-02, Rev. 01/21) which can be found on the Commission's website HERE.

Not at this time. Pursuant to AB 341, there is a moratorium on the expansion of gambling until January 1, 2043.

Contact the Bureau of Gambling Control by emailing gamblingcontrol@doj.ca.gov or by phone (916) 830-1700.

The Bureau of Gambling Control is the agency responsible for ensuring compliance. Please call (916) 830-1700 for assistance.

You may submit your request in writing by contacting your assigned Bureau of Gambling Control Licensing Analyst. If you do not know your assigned analyst, please email gamblingcontrol@doj.ca.gov or call (916) 830-1700.

You can view the current conditions place on your license on the Commission's website HERE.

First, work with your hiring agency on the requirements for obtaining a Commission Work Permit. The Commission is responsible for issuing Commission Work Permits in jurisdictions where the local jurisdiction (city and/or county) does not issue them. Applications for Commission Work Permits (CGCC-CH2-04, New 05/20 & CGCC-CH2-10, New 5/20) can be found on the Commission's website HERE: For more information regarding submitting an application, please reference the Commission's educational video titled, "Understanding the Application and Background Process" found HERE.

Meeting dates are posted on the Commission's website on the Commission Meetings webpage. You may request to receive the meeting agenda notices via electronic mail by subscription on the Commission's website HERE. In addition, you may submit your request by calling (916) 263-0700, faxing to (916) 263-0452 or writing to the Commission at the following address:

California Gambling Control Commission
2399 Gateway Oaks Dr. Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95833-4231

a) You may contact the Commission by emailing Licensinginfo@cgcc.ca.gov or calling the Commission's Licensing Line at (916) 263-6292 to confirm attendance or request further information. In addition, if you are represented by a Designated Agent, you should speak to the Designated Agent prior to the Commission Meeting.

b) You are encourage to attend the Commission Meeting that your application is scheduled to be considered. Non-attendance may result in a delay of action on your application if further information is needed or requested by a Commissioner.

You and/or your Designated Agent will be notified in writing of the outcome of the Commission Meeting.

Yes, you and/or your designated agent will receive written notification from the Commission with the date and time that your application will be considered.

The Commission livestreams its public meetings via Zoom, which can be accessed here. Participants are automatically muted, and are encouraged to refrain from using their video camera in order to preserve bandwidth. Participants may activate their microphone and camera if they are addressing the Commission.

While the Commission strongly encourages the public to participate in the meetings via Zoom, the Commission also makes the meeting locations available to the public, should they choose to attend and participate in person.

Should participants choose to attend the meetings in person, we encourage them to attend at the Sacramento office instead of the satellite locations, where space will be extremely limited. The Sacramento office's hearing room is located at:

2399 Gateway Oaks Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833

The satellite locations are listed on the meeting agenda, but be sure to check their location before attending, as the location may change from one meeting to the next due to the availability of the satellite locations. The Sacramento office location is the main venue and will always be at the same address.

Below is a sample of the agenda with the locations:

For information on filing a complaint, please click HERE.

a) If your matter has been referred to a GCA evidentiary hearing, you will be contacted by Commission Legal staff about scheduling your evidentiary hearing at the contact number and/or address you provided.

b) If your matter has been referred to an APA evidentiary hearing, you will be contacted by the Indian Gaming and Law Section (IGLS) for further information and scheduling.

c) For more information regarding and additional pre-hearing, hearing, and post-hearing FAQs, please visit the Commission's Administrative Hearings webpage.

If your application has been denied, you will receive a written decision that discloses your appeal options. These include request reconsideration of the decision within 30 days of service under Title 4, CCR section 12064, as well as seeking review with the court under Business and Professions Code section 19870(e).

Please email to licensingverifications@cgcc.ca.gov or send a fax to 916-263-0452. All inquiries must include a completed Authorization to Release Information form. Commission staff will complete verification requests within five (5) business days from receipt.

To search the license database please click HERE.

The Index of Rulemaking Files found on the Regulations page of the Commission's website includes a summary of each of the Commission's past regulatory actions.

The Commission's current regulations may be accessed through the Regulations tab of the Commission's website. There is also a link on that page to the publication, California Gambling Law; Regulations and Resource Information, published by the Commission.

The Commission maintains mailing lists of interested parties who have asked to receive information on regulatory actions, including; regulation workshop invitations, regulation hearing notices, and other rulemaking (regulation) information and documents. The rulemaking lists are NOT used for mailing regular Commission meeting notices, agendas or minutes. If you are not already on one of the Commission's rulemaking mailing lists and wish to be added, you can sign up by entering the applicable information on the Rulemaking Mailing List Email Subscription page of the Commission's website.

The Commission encourages anyone who wishes to participate in the rulemaking process to participate. You may submit written comments relevant to a specific regulation proposal during the written comment period by letter or e-mail. There is a link on the Proposed Regulations page of the Commission's website that may be used to submit comments by e-mail. You may also attend and participate at any public meeting. All upcoming rulemaking meetings, workshops, hearings and informational links for proposed regulations can be found on the Commission's Home Page, or this information may be accessed through the Regulations tab.

Please see the "Responsible Gambling Forms" found HERE. The forms contain instructions and contact information. For more information, please click HERE.

Self-restriction is an agreement to have restricted access to specific gambling establishments, or to the issuance of credit, check cashing, or marketing, from a particular licensed cardroom. Self-Restriction periods are dictated by individual cardrooms and can vary from cardroom to cardroom. All Self-Restriction forms are kept and maintained in the individual cardrooms. For more information, please click HERE.

Self-restriction is an irrevocable, voluntary agreement to have restricted access to specific gambling establishments, or to the issuance of credit, check cashing, or marketing, from a particular licensed cardroom. Self-exclusions can be removed by submitting a Self-Exclusion Removal Request form found HERE. For more information, please click HERE.

Send to: California Gambling Control Commission
                 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 220
                 Sacramento, CA 95833-4231

Payable to: California Gambling Control Commission

Financial and revenue information for individual cardrooms and Tribal casinos is confidential and protected by law and the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts; therefore, Tribal financial information cannot be disclosed to the public. (Also see: Gambling Control Act 19819, 19821)

An applicant can't work without a valid license or temporary license. If the applicant would like to work while they are going through the background investigation, they must request and receive a temporary license first. For more information regarding badges, please reference the Commissions' educational video titled "Badge Requirements", found HERE.

Yes, an applicant's application will still proceed and undergo a background investigation if they have been denied a temporary license unless the applicant requests, and is approved by the Commission, to withdrawal their license application. However, the applicant may not work in a capacity that requires licensure while they are waiting for their regular license to be considered by the Commission for approval.

Tribal Key Employees should work directly with their Tribal Gaming Agency to ensure the appropriate information is submitted to the Bureau of Gambling Control timely.

Yes, even though your gaming office is aware of your information, you still need answer all questions on the Supplemental completely and accurately.

A Gaming Resource Supplier Finding of Suitability allows a business to provide products and services to a California Tribal Casino. A Manufacturer or Distributor of Gambling Equipment Registration allows a business to distribute, sell, lease, inspect, test, repair, refurbish or store gambling equipment in California or for use in California.

A Gaming Resources Supplier (as referred to as a vendor) should send their initial application to the Bureau after obtaining a gaming license from at least one California Tribal Gaming Agency and conducting at least $25,000 within a 12-month period in business with that agency.

You can view the current conditions place on your license on the Commission's website HERE.