City of Bell Gardens v. County of Los Angeles
Opinion
Opinion
Ortega, J.
We conclude the trial court properly enjoined defendants County of Los Angeles and the Sheriff’s Department of the County of Los Angeles from unlawfully interfering with the playing of pai gow, pai gow poker, and pan 9 at the Bell Gardens Bicycle Club, the California Commerce Club, the El Dorado Club, and the Normandie Club (the card clubs). We affirm the judgment and impose sanctions on appeal against the county.
Background
Pai gow, pai gow poker and pan 9 (the pai gow games) share a common betting format: The position of dealer rotates systematically among the players and each player has the opportunity to act as dealer for two consecutive rounds. The player/dealer makes the initial bet, and the other players bet against him. The player/dealer pays off winners and collects from losers, but only until the player/dealer wins or loses his initial wager. Thereafter, the round of play terminates even though there are remaining players at the table who have winning or losing hands. Accordingly, the player/dealer is not required to pay all winners, and the player/dealer may only collect from losers up to the amount the player/dealer wagered.