“No gamble, no future,” mumbled one man as he raked in a large pot of winnings at the poker table, inadvertently expressing the economic and societal value of casinos in local communities today.

One such institution has contributed to Hayward’s economic and societal growth since its inception in the 1960s, offering residents a place to take chances, place their bets and tackle the many cards life throws their way.

The Palace Poker Casino, located on Mission Boulevard in Hayward started as a pool hall, one block down from its current location.

The casino was established under Richard Bousson and his partner, who was then replaced by Bousson’s wife Katherine after his death in 1968, who in turn became the sole proprietor of the business in the mid- to late-1980s.

Katherine Bousson had been running the Palace Casino until late 2011, when she passed away and her two daughters, Catherine Aganon and Pamela Roberts, split the ownership responsibilities.

Today, Aganon and Roberts run the casino, which consistently continues to be a bustling hub of activity, filled with players of all ages and backgrounds enjoying their poker games day and night.

While customer service and a friendly environment play a large role in keeping the Palace packed with regulars, the business’ diverse menu might be another draw, with selections ranging from lumpia, a Filipino dish, to classic spaghetti and meatballs, to Caesar salads and chicken fried rice, all available 24 hours a day.

The players, while incredibly diverse, share a common loyalty to the Palace.

“Ninety percent of our customers are regulars,” said shift manager Tony Cilibrasi. “They love the customer service, they enjoy playing. We have a lot of jackpots there, so it gives them more incentive to come play at our place.”

“We’re all friendly, and the good thing with us is since we’re small, we know 90 percent of our customer’s names, it’s more of a comfort feel,” said Cilibrasi.

A large, well-lit open room is jammed with poker tables back to back, underneath a cornucopia of cameras facing the floor. That all seems par for the course as far as casinos are concerned.

However, city laws regulate this casino looks and feels different from other casinos that might be found in Nevada or on an American Indian reservation, prohibiting activities such as smoking on the premises and the serving of alcohol.

While gambling is technically illegal in California, poker rooms like the Palace are allowed to operate because house money is not being risked; the Palace simply charges players for the services offered.

“We charge you to sit in your seat,” said Aganon. “We provide the license, we provide the chair, the table, the chips, the cards and the dealer. When you play, you’re playing against the other people playing cards at the table.”

Aganon continued, saying that depending on the game being played the Casino collects money based on a time interval, meaning every half hour customers need to pay the house to continue playing.

In a game like blackjack or baccarat, referred to as “banker’s games,” the house still cannot risk their own money, so there are institutions in all California card houses called “third party proposition players,” operated through what is known as a “bankers group.”

Those employed through the group are licensed by the state to work as bankers in card houses across the state and act as the house.

“They are a separate entity and they employ their own people,” said Aganon.

Despite a complicated system, things have been running smoothly, according to the owners.

While Aganon declined to reveal specific numbers, she said she believes that the revenue the casino pays to the city of Hayward is a fair amount, and they also pay taxes per table to the state.

She also stated that the Palace is the largest employer in downtown Hayward, with roughly 140 staff members on the payroll.

“It helps Hayward huge,” said Cilibrasi. “It brings customers from other cities, which help out the surrounding businesses, as far as gas stations, restaurants, bars. Honestly, I think it is necessary in Hayward,” said Cilibrasi.

While casinos can bring issues of irresponsible people with them, Cilibrasi feels like the Palace is different.

“We got a pretty easy going crowd, there,” he said.

“At one point in time, when my father first opened the casino, there were seven card rooms on Mission Boulevard,” said Aganon.

“We are the only card room that remains, and the reason that is, is because we only do things the right way. We run a very tight ship in our card room,” she continued proudly, making note that the casino’s tight policies are the reason they have been able to be successful and respected in the community for so long.