A new ban on blackjack is set to start April 1 in California because of recently-approved state regulations that stand to benefit Native American casinos but could hurt licensed card rooms, including Fresno’s Club One Casino and Clovis’ 500 Club Casino.
Club One owner Kyle Kirkland told The Fresno Bee on Wednesday that the ban could mean a drop in revenue that dramatically reduces his business’ tax contributions to the city of Fresno’s General Fund that average about $1 million annually. It could also eventually mean fewer jobs at Club One and 500 Club, he said.
“You’re talking about 500-600 working families in the county of Fresno immediately impacted by this,” said Kirkland, who is also president of the California Gaming Association.
