The Normandie Casino, the oldest card room in California could close its doors—maybe forever—due to convictions for money laundering of several members of the Miller family, who own the venerable institution, which is located in Gardena, Southern California.
In January four members of the family pleaded guilty to helping to launder $1.38 million for big spending players who wanted to avoid reporting their winnings.
Several weeks ago the California Gambling Control Commission, one of two agencies in the Golden State who oversee gambling, revoked the license for the card club, which has been in operation since the 1940s and owned by the Millers since 1947.
The commission gave the family four months to find an acceptable buyer before the club will be shuttered. That deadline is approaching. There are reports that Larry Flynt is contemplating buying the property, which is a few blocks from his Hustler Casino.
To complicate matters, it may be that the casino is operating at a loss due to increased competition. In April the casino announced that it would lay off 380 employees.
Card rooms operate at a competitive disadvantage to Indian casinos because they can only offer card games, not other table games or slots.
