Existing law, the Gambling Control Act, establishes the California Gambling Control Commission, which is responsible for licensing and regulating various gambling activities and establishments. Existing law requires the Department of Justice to investigate any violations of, and to enforce, the act. Existing law also vests the department with the responsibility to investigate violations of prohibitions against specified gambling activities, as enumerated in the Penal Code, including, among others, prohibitions against (1) lotteries, (2) certain games played with cards, dice, or any device, for money, and (3) slot machines.
This bill would clarify that the department's authority to investigate suspected criminal violations of the aforementioned prohibited gambling activities enumerated in the Penal Code includes suspected violations that occur outside of a licensed gambling establishment. The bill would require the department, upon completion of an investigation that identifies evidence of illegal gambling conducted outside of a licensed gambling establishment, to refer the findings to the appropriate local district attorney or the Attorney General and assist those prosecutorial agencies by providing investigative reports, expert testimony, and any other necessary support to ensure diligent prosecution. The bill would require the department to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies and other relevant entities to share information regarding suspected illegal gambling operations and provide training and resources to ensure consistent enforcement of gambling laws across the state. To the extent that this bill would increase the duties of local law enforcement agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would require the department to prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature containing specified information on investigations and prosecutions of illegal gambling activities occurring outside of licensed gambling establishments. The bill would require the department to develop and implement public awareness campaigns to educate the public on the illegality and risks of participating in unlicensed gambling activities.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Statutes affected:
SB 451: 19826 BPC, 19827 BPC
02/18/25 - Introduced: 19826 BPC, 19827 BPC