Gambling

[wolfetundra]

I am unsure if I am posting in the correct forum or not. However, I could not find a forum that seemed best related to my subject.

I live in Shasta Co., California. I run a Blackjack (21) table out of my home for my friends. On occasion, my friends will bring someone with them. Table "rules" and "min/max bet" is clearly displayed. I only play as a "dealer" and we play with US currency for "keeps". Someone recently suggested I read up on "PC 337j". In doing so, I found some very interesting information.

In reference to Penal Code 337j;

Article e, section 1, it states "As used in this section, "controlled game" means any poker

or Pai Gow game, and any other game played with cards or tiles, or both, and approved by the Department of Justice, and any game of chance, including any gambling device, played for currency, check, credit, or any other thing of value that is not prohibited and made unlawful by statute or local ordinance."

However, it goes on to say in section 1 sub-section D, "As used in this section, "controlled game" does not include any of the following: Games played with cards in private homes or residences, in

which no person makes money for operating the game, except as a player."

Am I to understand that I am able to operate a Blackjack table with clearly visible "rules and min/max bet" out of my residence provided I personally do not recieve any moneys for running the table (playing as dealer ["house"])? Or does that mean I cannot be "paid" for being a dealer? The definition of "makes money for operating the game" is not clearly defined.

 

[Some Random Guy]

The definition of "makes money for operating the game" is not clearly defined.

As the dealer/house you are not a player and you are "operating the game". And at the end of the night if you have any ability to end up with more money than you started, that's called "making money".

The posted signs just provide more evidence for the police against you.

You are on precarious ground. Just one disgruntled loser will be all that it takes to get you in trouble.

 

[FlyingRon]

Correct, you can neither get paid for the dealer, nor accept money for the use of the house, or for providing amenities, NOR if you're operating the game as other than a player. If you are operating a casino-style black jack game as a dealer, you are not a player (the situation would be different if you had a game where the deal moved from player to player).

 

[wolfetundra]

That's what I was afraid of. Looks like chips are the only currency we'll be playing with. Thank you much for responding and for your input.