It seems that the California Bureau of Gaming Control doesn’t take too kindly to discrimination.
On January 18, the Bureau released a statement that rejected “ladies only†poker tournaments because they violate the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Not only will such events not be allowed to discriminate in admittance prices or services offered, but they can no longer advertise tournaments as ladies only, since men must be admitted.
PokerNews ran an article about it, noting that the Bicycle Casino and Commerce Casino do allow men to enter the events and will change their advertisements to remove the word “only†when referring to the ladies tournaments.
The WPT, which recently launched its Ladies League, said, “The intention of WPT Ladies is not to prohibit or promote against male players from joining, playing or receiving equal prizing in WPTL tournaments, but rather to encourage the growth of women in poker and provide opportunities to test their skills in the tournament environment.â€Â
Curious to see how this all plays out – if men will start entering these ladies events to make a point or if they will leave the ladies alone.
See the entire Bureau of Gambling Control press release by clicking below:
It has come to the attention of the Bureau of Gambling Control that some gambling establishments conduct \”ladies only\” poker tournaments that exclude men from participating, or admit them on different terms from those accorded to women. It is the Bureau\’s view that such tournaments may violate California\’s anti-discrimination laws.
Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil code sections 51 and 51.5), businesses may not discriminate in admittance prices, or services offered to customers based on the customers sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, martial status, or sexual orientation. \”Ladies Only\” tournaments or any other promotional events that fail to admit men and women to advertised activities on an equal basis regardless of sex are unlawful. It may also be unlawful under the Unruh Act to advertise tournaments as \”ladies only\” even if men are in fact admitted.
The Bureau will approve only those events that include the following features: the event will be open to all customers, the promotional gifts will be given equally to all participants, the fees and prices will be the same for all event participants, any discounts will not be based on gender or another personal characteristics protected by the Unruh Act, and the events promotional materials do not advertise gender-based discounts or imply a gender-based entrance policy or any other unlawful discriminatory practice.
Gambling establishments should take notice that pursuant to Business and Professional Code section 125.6, violations of the Unruh Act are cause for discipline under the Gambling Control Act.