California games (3CP, BJ, PG) banking - minimums???

Does anyone know what the rules are in California for banking these games????

I was at one in NorCal and had maybe $500 or so in front of me at the three card poker table. They kept offering if anyone else wanted to bank. So I finally said yes but then they said I couldn't because I did not have enough. What are the specifics on it?

They should have allowed you to bank, but many players will not play if you are banking because you bankroll wont cover a big win. CA 3 card poker sucks because there is no ante bonus for the tradeoff of seeing a dealers upcard, and sometimes if the dealer does not qualify your hand still has to beat their nonqualifier. Stay away from the card rooms.

NicksGamingStuff is correct that most players won't play against you if you don't have enough to cover their big win. In California you must always bet at least the table minimum, which is usually $5 or $10. They can't force you to put up more than that, and you have the right to play for those stakes, but you may not get anyone to play against you and would have to pass your turn.

I don't agree with Nicks that the CA version is a worse game - according to wizardofodds the odds are slightly better in CA than the average Nevada casino (see Three Card Poker rules Shackleford says player has a negative 4.38% in CA vs 5.32% in NV. If the info is current and Oceans 11 allows the player to win without beating the dealer when the dealer doesn't qualify, the odds are 2.49% better. Caveat: Look out for card clubs that charge you to play a hand - that cost will easily put you in high negative territory, especially if you are a low-limit player. There are card clubs that only charge the person taking the bank a fee - those are your best bet. Also look for the 200:1 payout on the royal flush - some places only pay 40:1 on any straight flush.