Normandie Casino license suspensions could mean end of California’s first card room
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The oldest card club in the state of California may soon close its doors due to money-laundering convictions faced by the owners. Weeks ago, the California Gambling Control Commission revoked the licenses of the Normandie Casino owners indefinitely but allowed for a four month reprieve for the completion of a pending sale of the venue located on Vermont and Rosecrans avenues. Felony convictions in the state disqualify individuals from being able to hold a gaming license.
Since 1947, the Normandie Casino has been owned by the Miller family and it was opened as the first card room in the state, known as the Western Club in the beginning. Back in January of this year, the four individuals who owned the casino, all from the Miller family, pled guilty to federal charges that revealed they had helped launder $1.38 million for high rollers by not reporting the large transactions.
The latest reports in this case show the Millers now have just a short time frame to find a buyer for the casino or the business could be closed. The finances of the privately held casino are unclear but it seems they have been on a steady losing streak. The casino was able to operate successfully for many years, until competition began to enter into the equation.
Back in April, the Employment Development Department of California was notified by the Miller’s that 380 permanent layoffs were pending. According to the dailybreeze.com, Larry Flynt is considering purchasing the property as it is located just down the street from the Hustler Casino, however, this has not been confirmed.
Card rooms like the Normandie are only allowed to have table games and cannot legally have slot machine gaming. Due to this fact, the card rooms have been unable to handle competition from commercial casinos as well Indian resorts.
