The California Gambling Control Commission (Commission), under the Gambling Control Act has jurisdiction over the operation, concentration, and supervision of gambling establishments (cardrooms), and over all persons or things having to do with the operations of gambling establishments in the State of California. There are approximately 100 cardrooms in current operation.

The focus of the Commission is to act as the regulatory body over gambling activities in the state, setting policy, establishing regulations, issuing licenses, serving as the adjudicator for license denials, and any other related items that may come before the Commission. The Commission's objective is to assure that licenses and permits are not issued to, or held by, unqualified or disqualified persons, or by those whose operations are conducted in a manner that is adverse to the public health, safety, or welfare.

In addition, under Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, the Commission is responsible for (1) administering the gaming device license draw process, (2) accounting for all gaming device license fees, (3) ensuring the allocation of gaming devices among California Indian tribes does not exceed the allowable number provided in the Compacts, and (4) various auditing functions. The Commission also serves as the Trustee for the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund and Administrator of the Special Distribution Fund. There are approximately 55 tribal casinos in current operation.