Gambling Control Act.

Existing law, the Gambling Control Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of various legalized gambling activities and establishments by the California Gambling Control Commission and the investigation and enforcement of those activities and establishments by the Department of Justice. Existing law requires every person who, either as owner, lessee, or employee, deals, operates, carries on, conducts, maintains, or exposes for play any controlled game, or who receives, directly or indirectly, any compensation or reward, or any percentage or share of the money or property played, for keeping, running, or carrying on any controlled game, to apply for and obtain from the commission a valid state gambling license, key employee license, or work permit. Existing law requires the commission to hold a meeting that is conducted in accordance with specified evidentiary rules, similar to a hearing, in order to deny an application or grant a gambling license to an applicant. This bill would instead allow the commission to take action to deny or approve an application at a commission meeting and would require a hearing only if requested by an applicant, upon denial of an application or if the application is approved with limits, restrictions, or conditions. Existing law allows an applicant to request a withdrawal of their application at any time prior to a final action by the Department of Justice. This bill would instead allow an applicant to request a withdrawal of their application at any time prior to a final action by the commission.