In 1984, the Legislature enacted the "Gaming Registration Act," which required the Attorney General's office to provide uniform, minimum regulation of California card rooms.

In March 2000, the voters of California passed Proposition 1A which amended the California Constitution to permit Class III (casino-style) gaming on Indian land, provided that such activities are authorized by a tribal ordinance and conducted in conformity with a gaming compact entered into between the tribe and the state.

The tribe and the state share a joint interest in ensuring that tribal gaming activities are free from criminal and other undesirable elements.

The licensing and enforcement staff of the Bureau monitor the conduct of gaming operations to ensure compliance with state gambling laws and conduct in-depth background investigations of the qualifications of applicants for state gambling licenses, work permits, and registrations.

Suitability is determined by several factors including the applicant's honesty, integrity, general character, reputation, habits, and financial and criminal history.