Long Beach, CA Gambling & Gaming: Card Room Licensing (2026)

Chapter 5.69, Amusements, treats public cardrooms alongside bowling alleys, billiard halls and arcades. Section 5.69.010(D) defines a "public cardroom" or "public card table" as any place where the public assembles to play card games of skill or chance "for enjoyment or amusement purposes only," adding that "wagering or the exchange of money or anything of value is strictly prohibited." Section 5.69.050(A) makes operating one without authorization illegal: no person may carry on a public cardroom "without first obtaining either a permit from the City Council or a Conditional Use Permit issued by the Planning Commission or the City Council on appeal." The application process under § 5.69.060 requires a form filed with the Director of Financial Management, a nonrefundable investigation fee set by Council resolution, a City-department background investigation completed within 60 days, and a public hearing before the City Council, which may approve only if it finds the applicant and interested parties are "law abiding persons" who will operate lawfully and that "the public peace, welfare and safety will not be impaired." Section 5.69.090 bars anyone under 18 from playing cards at a public cardroom unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or an adult at least 25, on premises where the ABC license permits minors.

Permits are non-transferable to a new owner or location (§ 5.69.080) and can be suspended, denied or revoked for noncompliance under § 5.69.100, with a one-year bar on reapplying after revocation or denial (§ 5.69.110).