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Yuba City, CA Gambling & Gaming: Card Room Licensing (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Licensing authority: Chief of Police
Citywide cap: 1 license per 5,000 residents
Annual license fee: $225
Bond required: $1,000 cash or surety
Closing hours: 2:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Violation penalty: Misdemeanor

Summary

Card rooms in Yuba City need a Police Department license under Municipal Code Chapter 15, capped at one license per 5,000 residents, with a $225 annual fee, $1,000 bond, and closing hours from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Operating without a license is a misdemeanor.

The number of licenses issued shall be limited to one for each 5,000, or fraction thereof, of the residents of the City as determined by the last Federal census, or as determined by the latest population estimate of the Department of Finance of the State; provided, however, all persons having card table licenses on May 19, 1975, shall be issued a card room license upon the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Section 5-15.03, Section 5-15.06, and Section 5-15.07 of this chapter on or before July 2, 1975.

View official code

Full Breakdown

citizens may hold a license, and the Chief can deny an applicant who is not of good moral character. 08 caps the total number of licenses citywide at one for every 5,000 residents (or fraction of that) based on the latest federal census or state Department of Finance estimate, though anyone already holding a card table license on May 19, 1975 was grandfathered in. 07 requires a $1,000 cash or surety bond posted with the Finance Director to guarantee chips are redeemed for cash. Employees who manage or supervise games need their own $1 work permit.

11 bars minors and intoxicated patrons from card rooms, bars serving alcohol unless the premises holds a state ABC license, and limits play to table stakes only. 13 requires the premises to stay unlocked and accessible to police inspection at all times games are underway.

Violations & Fines

Operating a card room without a license, or violating any card room regulation such as allowing minors, serving alcohol without an ABC license, exceeding table stakes, or staying open past 2 a.m., is a misdemeanor under Section 5-15.15. The Chief of Police may also suspend or revoke a license or work permit under Section 5-15.14 for noncompliance, false statements on an application, a felony conviction, or maintaining a disorderly house connected to the card room, such as prostitution or drug activity; denials and revocations can be appealed to the City Council within ten days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many card rooms can operate in Yuba City?

Yuba City Municipal Code Section 5-15.08 caps card room licenses at one for every 5,000 residents (or fraction thereof) based on the latest federal census or state Department of Finance estimate, so the total allowed grows only as the city's population does; anyone already licensed before May 19, 1975 was grandfathered in regardless of the cap.

What does a card room license cost in Yuba City?

The annual license fee is $225 under Section 5-15.09, payable in advance to the License Collector, plus a $1,000 cash or surety bond posted with the Finance Director under Section 5-15.07 to guarantee that chips are redeemed for cash. Employees who manage or supervise games also need a work permit costing $1 per year.

What hours can a Yuba City card room stay open?

Section 5-15.12 requires every licensed card room to cease operations and close between 2:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. daily. Outside those hours the premises must also remain unlocked and unbarred while games are underway, so Yuba City police officers can enter and inspect at any time.

Can the city deny or revoke a card room license?

Yes. The Chief of Police can deny a license if the applicant lacks good moral character or would exceed the population-based cap, and can revoke or suspend an existing license for rule violations, false statements, a felony conviction, or disorderly-house activity like prostitution or drug dealing at the premises, per Section 5-15.14. Denials and revocations can be appealed to the City Council within ten days.

Sources & Official References

[1]Yuba City Municipal Code, Chapter 15 - Card Rooms

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All Yuba City rules

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