Timm Quinn is the CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, where he has been employed for over 20 years. He is a fourth-generation Stocktonian with a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Mr. Quinn’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stocktonia.
As CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, my responsibility is to champion the businesses, workers, and economic drivers that keep our city thriving. Stockton’s long-term success depends on supporting the industries that provide jobs, generate local revenue, and invest in our community’s future. That means promoting policies that strengthen (not undermine) our ability to grow and compete.
Unfortunately, that progress is at risk.
Recently approved regulations from the California Attorney General dramatically reinterpret the state’s longstanding gaming laws, prohibiting entire categories of games that cardrooms have legally offered for decades. These regulatory changes are now being challenged in the courts, but if allowed to stand, licensed cardrooms, like Stockton’s own Kings Card Club, are at risk of losing 50% of their business or even closing their doors. These changes dismantle longstanding, law-abiding businesses and will deal a serious blow to local economies across California, including here in Stockton.
As the voice of Stockton’s business community, I urge Attorney General Bonta and state leaders to fully consider the real-world consequences of these regulations and the harm they pose to local communities that rely on these businesses
Kings Card Club, Stockton’s licensed cardroom, is a premier example of responsible operation, civic contribution, and community partnership. A quick look at their involvement in Stockton shows the depth of their commitment: Stockton Chamber Community Champion, Back the Badge BBQ supporter, Pixie Woods contributor, partner to The Children’s Home, Toys for Tots participant, Hmong/Muien New Year supporter – the list goes on. Their philanthropic footprint touches nearly every corner of our diverse community.
In just November and December of 2025 alone, the Chamber is proud of Kings Card Club for its unbridled support of our military veterans. For Veterans Day 2025, they generously contributed restaurant gift cards, offered exclusively to veterans in gratitude for their service to our country, at our Veterans Day event. This stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to those who have worn the uniform. In addition, Kings Card Club graciously catered our December 2025 Veterans Hiring Fair, creating a warm and welcoming environment that helped facilitate 10 veterans receiving job offers for the holidays. Their partnership strengthens our community in meaningful and lasting ways.
Stockton is one of California’s Big 13 cities, but we don’t always get the resources that big cities get. Stockton has been working hard to recover from economic downturns like the 2008 recession that pushed us into bankruptcy, and more recently, the lasting effects of the pandemic.
Through all the challenges, local establishments like Kings Card Club have remained stable employers and revenue generators. They have helped sustain our restaurant and entertainment sectors – industries critical to Stockton’s economic recovery.
The importance of Kings Card Club extends beyond filling the City’s general fund. What truly sets them apart is the way they continually show up for Stockton. In one of the most diverse cities in the nation, Kings reflects our community. They hire locally. They support local organizations. They serve because it strengthens Stockton, not because they seek recognition. Kings Card Club operates under rigorous oversight and maintains full compliance with state regulations. Rather than penalizing businesses with proven records of accountability, the state should be lifting up responsible operators who exemplify best practices.
This issue is bigger than business. It is about preserving Stockton’s ability to shape its own economic future, based on what our residents and businesses need, not what outside interests want. In Stockton, we know what it means to rebuild. We know what it means to fight for every inch of progress.
Protecting Kings Card Club and cardrooms throughout California means protecting jobs, city services, and community support that we simply cannot afford to lose. That’s what is at stake.And that’s exactly what the Stockton Chamber of Commerce will continue to stand for.