The Hayward Rotary Club will meet next Monday, Aug. 11 at noon at 1074 B St. and hear from speaker and club member Rich Box on gaming in California and its long history in Hayward. He is general manager of Palace Poker Casino in Hayward, which used to have 12 card clubs and now has just the one. It is the largest private employer in downtown Hayward.
Legal forms of gambling in California include cardrooms, Indian casinos, the California State Lottery, sports betting, and parimutuel wagering on horse races.
The 85 tribal casinos generate nearly $20 billion annually, making it the second highest in the country after Nevada. California cardrooms generate more than $2 billion in economic activity and the California Lottery generates more than $9 billion.