RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 523, 541, 543, 549 AND 565 ]
Table Game Equipment, Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat, Blackjack and Three Card Poker Amendments; Temporary Regulations
[40 Pa.B. 6943]
[Saturday, December 4, 2010]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under its general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A (relating to temporary table game regulations) enacted by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1) (Act 1) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1302A(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority), amends temporary regulations in Chapters 523, 541, 543, 549 and 565 to read as set forth in Annex A. The Board's temporary regulations will be added to Part VII (relating to Gaming Control Board) as part of Subpart K (relating to table games).
Purpose of the Temporary Rulemaking
This temporary rulemaking amends Chapter 523 (relating to table game equipment) to clarify a previous amendment and amends the rules of Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat and Three Card Poker in response to requests received from certificate holders.
Explanation of Chapters 523, 541, 543, 549 and 565
The Board has received numerous requests for optional side wagers on games that are currently approved for play.
In the temporary rulemaking published at 40 Pa.B. 6095 (October 23, 2010) (Fiscal Note 125-133), the Board amended § 523.10(l) (relating to exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques) regarding the acceptance of value chips as personal gratuities to allow for the acceptance of value chips in exchange for food and beverage served on the gaming floor. In § 523.10(l), language was added to clarify that only cocktail servers who are serving on the gaming floor from nonfixed locations may accept value chips in exchange for food or beverage served to patrons on the gaming floor. Nonfixed locations would be the gaming floor but would not include the bars, restaurants or grab-and-go locations.
In Chapters 541 and 543 (relating to Minibaccarat; and Midibaccarat), the Dragon Bonus Wager was added as an optional side wager. The requirements for table layouts were added in §§ 541.2(c)(6) and 543.2(c)(6) (relating to Minibaccarat table physical characteristics; and Midibaccarat table physical characteristics). The rules of the side wager were added in §§ 541.8(a)(4) and 543.8(a)(4) (relating to wagers) with the payout odds added in §§ 541.13(d) and 543.13(d) (relating to payout odds; vigorish).
Also in Chapter 543, § 543.9 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand) has been amended to eliminate a dealing inconsistency between Minibaccarat and Midibaccarat. This temporary rulemaking clarifies players in Midibaccarat do touch the cards, which is unlike Minibaccarat where players are not permitted to touch cards. The language regarding dealing procedures when players are not allowed to touch the cards was therefore removed.
In the temporary rulemaking published at 40 Pa.B. 6520 (November 13, 2010) (Fiscal Note 125-134), the Board amended § 549.20 (relating to Royal Match 21 Wager), regarding Blackjack. In § 549.20(g), a pay table was added to accommodate the Royal Match 21 Wager on electronic Blackjack which pays out on the Crown Treasure Bonus at odds of 1,000 for 1.
In Chapter 565 (relating to Three Card Poker), the Six Card Bonus Wager was added to Three Card Poker. The requirements for table layouts were added in § 565.2 (relating to Three Card Poker table physical characteristics), the card rankings for the wager were added in § 565.6(d) (relating to Three Card Poker rankings) and the procedures for the completion of play when a player places a Six Card Bonus Wager were added in § 565.11 (relating to Procedures for completion of each round of play). Section 565.11b (relating to Six Card Bonus Wager) is added to provide the dealing procedure for the wager. The payout odds were added to § 565.12 (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
Affected Parties
This temporary rulemaking will allow certificate holders additional options on how to conduct table games at their licensed facilities.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth
The Board does not expect that the amendments in this temporary rulemaking will have fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies. Internal control procedures submitted by certificate holders regarding table games rules submissions will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions
This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Eventually, host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding that is mandated by Act 1.
Private sector
This temporary rulemaking will give certificate holders some additional flexibility as to how they conduct table games. The addition of an optional side wager may increase the wagers in Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat, Blackjack and Three Card Poker.
General public
This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder elects to offer additional side wagers, it will have to submit updated rules submissions for approval and update gaming guides offered to the public to reflect the additional wagers available.
Effective Date
This temporary rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comments
While this temporary rulemaking will be effective upon publication, the Board is seeking comments from the public and affected parties as to how these temporary regulations might be improved. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this temporary rulemaking within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation #125-136.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this temporary rulemaking is Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, at (717) 265-8356.
Regulatory Review
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A, the Board is authorized to adopt temporary regulations which are not subject to sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201—1208), known as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL), the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. §§ 745.1—745.12) and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (71 P. S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 2 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A, the temporary regulations are exempt from the requirements of the Regulatory Review Act, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.
(2) The adoption of the temporary regulations is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming).
Order
The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(1) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 523, 541, 543, 549 and 565, are amended by adding § 565.11b and by amending §§ 523.10, 541.2, 541.8, 541.13, 543.2, 543.8—543.10, 543.13, 543.14, 549.20, 565.1, 565.2, 565.6, 565.7, 565.11 and 565.12 to read as set forth in Annex A, with ellipses referring to the existing text of the regulations.
(2) The temporary regulations are effective December 4, 2010.
(3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the Board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(4) The temporary regulations are subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the Board.
(5) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
GREGORY C. FAJT,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 125-136. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 523. TABLE GAME EQUIPMENT § 523.10. Exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques.
* * * * * (l) Employees of a certificate holder may be authorized to receive value chips as personal gratuities. Additionally, cocktail servers and other employees who are serving food and beverage on the gaming floor from nonfixed locations may be authorized to receive value chips in exchange for food and beverage purchased and served to patrons on the gaming floor. Employees of a certificate holder who are authorized to receive value chips as personal gratuities may redeem the value chips at the cashiers' cage or at another secure location, as approved by the Board, prior to leaving the licensed facility. Value chips redeemed at a noncage employee redemption site shall be exchanged on a daily basis with the cashiers' cage in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. Each certificate holder shall submit to the Board for approval internal controls to ensure the proper exchange and accounting of the value chips received as personal gratuities and for the purchase of food and beverage on the gaming floor.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 541. MINIBACCARAT § 541.2. Minibaccarat table physical characteristics.
* * * * * (c) The layout for a Minibaccarat table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
* * * * * (6) If a certificate holder offers the Dragon Bonus Wager:
(i) A separate area designated for the placement of the Dragon Bonus Wager.
(ii) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds for the Dragon Bonus Wager. If the payout odds are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds for the Dragon Bonus Wager shall be posted at each Minibaccarat table.
* * * * * § 541.8. Wagers.
(a) The following wagers shall be permitted to be made by a player at the game of Minibaccarat:
(1) A wager on the Banker's Hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Banker's Hand has a Point Count higher than that of the Player's Hand.
(ii) Lose if the Banker's Hand has a Point Count lower than that of the Player's Hand.
(iii) Be void if the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand have the same Point Count and either:
(A) Be returned to the player.
(B) If the licensee charges vigorish in accordance with § 541.13(g) (relating to payout odds; vigorish), be charged a vigorish equal to 25% of the wager.
(2) A wager on the Player's Hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's Hand has a Point Count higher than that of the Banker's Hand.
(ii) Lose if the Player's Hand has a Point Count lower than that of the Banker's Hand.
(iii) Be void and be returned to the player if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal.
(3) A Tie Bet which shall:
(i) Win if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal.
(ii) Lose if Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are not equal.
(4) If offered by a certificate holder, a Dragon Bonus Wager on the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand, or both, which shall:
(i) Win if the selected hand is:
(A) A Natural and the other hand is not a Natural.
(B) A Natural 9 and the other hand is a Natural 8.
(C) Not a Natural and has a Point Count that exceeds the Point Count of the other hand by four or more points.
(ii) Lose if the selected hand is:
(A) A Natural 8 and the other hand is a Natural 9.
(B) Not a Natural and has a Point Count less than or equal to the Point Count of the other hand.
(C) Not a Natural and has a Point Count that exceeds the Point Count of the other hand by less than four points.
(iii) Tie if the selected hand is a Natural and the other hand is a Natural of equal Point Count and either:
(A) Be returned to the player.
(B) If the licensee charges a vigorish in accordance with § 541.13(g), be charged a vigorish equal to 25% of the wager.
(b) Wagers at Minibaccarat shall be made by placing gaming chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Minibaccarat layout. A verbal wager, accompanied by cash may be accepted provided the verbal wager is confirmed by the dealer calling the game and the cash is expeditiously converted into gaming chips or plaques.
(c) No wager at Minibaccarat may be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
§ 541.13. Payout odds; vigorish.
(a) A winning wager made on the Player's Hand shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A winning Tie Bet shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of at least 8 to 1.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a winning wager made on the Banker's Hand shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of 1 to 1, except that the certificate holder shall extract a vigorish from the winning players in an amount equal to the amount specified in the Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) of either 4% or 5% of the amount won.
(d) If a certificate holder offers the Dragon Bonus Wager, a vigorish may not be extracted on a winning Dragon Bonus Wager. Winning Dragon Bonus Wagers shall be paid out at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 521.2:
Hand Payout A Payout B Payout C Win by 9 Points 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 Win by 8 Points 10 to 1 8 to 1 10 to 1 Win by 7 Points 6 to 1 7 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 6 Points 4 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 5 Points 2 to 1 3 to 1 2 to 1 Win by 4 Points 1 to 1 1 to 1 2 to 1 Natural winner 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 (e) When collecting the vigorish, the certificate holder may round off the vigorish to 5 cents or the next highest multiple of 5 cents.
(f) A dealer, in accordance with the option selected in the certificate holders Rules Submission under § 521.2, may collect the vigorish from a player at the time the winning payout is made or may defer it to a later time; provided, however, that outstanding vigorish shall be collected prior to reshuffling the cards in a dealing shoe or when the player leaves the gaming table, whichever occurs first. The amount of any vigorish not collected at the time of the winning payouts shall be tracked by placing a coin or marker button containing the amount of the vigorish owed in a rectangular space in front of the dealer on the layout imprinted with the number of the player owing the vigorish. The coin or marker button may not be removed from the layout until the vigorish owed is collected.
(g) A certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 521.2, elect to charge every player at a Minibaccarat table a vigorish equal to 25% of the player's wager on the Banker's Hand if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal. The vigorish authorized by this subsection shall be collected at the end of the round of play and prior to any cards being dealt for the next round of play. If a certificate holder elects to charge the vigorish authorized by this subsection, the vigorish otherwise required by subsection (c) may not be collected.
(h) The type and percentage of vigorish charged at a Minibaccarat table applies to all players at that table. The same type and percentage of vigorish shall be used for all Minibaccarat tables located within a licensed facility.
CHAPTER 543. MIDIBACCARAT § 543.2. Midibaccarat table physical characteristics.
* * * * * (c) The layout for a Midibaccarat table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
* * * * * (6) If a certificate holder offers the Dragon Bonus Wager:
(i) A separate area designated for the placement of the Dragon Bonus Wager.
(ii) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds for the Dragon Bonus Wager. If the payout odds are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds for the Dragon Bonus Wager shall be posted at each Midibaccarat table.
* * * * * § 543.8. Wagers.
(a) The following wagers shall be permitted to be made by a player at the game of Midibaccarat:
(1) A wager on the Banker's Hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Banker's Hand has a Point Count higher than that of the Player's Hand.
(ii) Lose if the Banker's Hand has a Point Count lower than that of the Player's Hand.
(iii) Be void if the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand have the same Point Count and either:
(A) Be returned to the player.
(B) If the licensee charges vigorish in accordance with the provisions of § 543.13(g) (relating to payout odds; vigorish), be charged a vigorish equal to 25% of the wager.
(2) A wager on the Player's Hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's Hand has a Point Count higher than that of the Banker's Hand.
(ii) Lose if the Player's Hand has a Point Count lower than that of the Banker's Hand.
(iii) Be void and be returned to the player if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal.
(3) A Tie Bet which shall:
(i) Win if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal.
(ii) Lose if Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are not equal.
(4) If offered by a certificate holder, a Dragon Bonus Wager on the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand, or both, which shall:
(i) Win if the selected hand is:
(A) A Natural and the other hand is not a Natural.
(B) A Natural 9 and the other hand is a Natural 8.
(C) Not a Natural and has a Point Count that exceeds the Point Count of the other hand by four or more points.
(ii) Lose if the selected hand is:
(A) A Natural 8 and the other hand is a Natural 9.
(B) Not a Natural and has a Point Count less than or equal to the Point Count of the other hand.
(C) Not a Natural and has a Point Count that exceeds the Point Count of the other hand by less than four points.
(iii) Tie if the selected hand is a Natural and the other hand is a Natural of equal Point Count and either:
(A) Be returned to the player.
(B) If the licensee charges a vigorish in accordance with § 541.13(g), be charged a vigorish equal to 25% of the wager.
(b) Wagers at Midibaccarat shall be made by placing gaming chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Midibaccarat layout. A verbal wager, accompanied by cash may be accepted provided the verbal wager is confirmed by the dealer calling the game and the cash is expeditiously converted into gaming chips or plaques.
(c) No wager at Midibaccarat may be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
§ 543.9. Hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand.
(a) There shall be two hands dealt in the game of Midibaccarat, one of which shall be designated the Player's Hand and the other designated the Banker's Hand.
(b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''no more bets.''
(c) The dealer shall then deal an initial four cards from the dealing shoe. The first and third cards dealt shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Player's Hand and the second and fourth cards dealt shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Banker's Hand. After all four cards have been dealt, the dealer shall place the Banker's Hand underneath the right corner of the dealing shoe until the procedure in paragraph (1) is completed.
(1) The dealer shall then hand the two cards of the Player's Hand, face down, to the player with the highest wager on the Player's Hand. After viewing the Player's Hand, the player shall return the two cards, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the cards face up on the area designated for the Player's Hand and announce the point count of the Player's Hand.
(2) The dealer shall then hand the two cards of the Banker's Hand, face down, to the player with the highest wager on the Banker's Hand. After viewing the Banker's Hand, the player shall return the two cards, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the cards face up on the area designated for the Banker's Hand and announce the point count of the Banker's Hand.
(3) Any third card required to be dealt to the Player's Hand shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Player's Hand. The dealer shall then hand the card, face down, to the player who was handed and returned the Player's Hand. After viewing the card, the player shall return the card, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the card face up on the area designated for the Player's Hand.
(4) Any third card required to be dealt to the Banker's Hand shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Banker's Hand. The dealer shall then hand the card, face down, to the player who was handed and returned the Banker's Hand. After viewing the card, the player shall return the card, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the card face up on the area designated for the Banker's Hand.
(5) If two or more players wager an equally high amount on the Player's Hand, the player making the wager who is closest to the dealer moving counterclockwise around the table shall be handed the Player's Hand and any third card required to be dealt. If two or more players wager an equally high amount on the Banker's Hand, the player making the wager who is closest to the dealer moving counterclockwise around the table shall be handed the Banker's Hand and any third card required to be dealt.
§ 543.10. Procedure for dealing a third card.
(a) After the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 541.9(c) (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), the point counts of the Player's Hand and Banker's Hand shall be announced as provided therein.
(b) Following the announcement of the Point Counts of each hand, the dealer shall determine whether to deal a third card to each hand in conformity with the requirements of § 543.11 (relating to rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt). Any third cards required to be dealt shall be dealt as provided in § 541.9(c).
(c) In no event may more than one additional card be dealt to either hand.
(d) Whenever the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. Upon completion of that hand, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''last hand.'' At the completion of one more hand, the cards shall be replaced with new decks of cards.
§ 543.13. Payout odds; vigorish.
(a) A winning wager made on the Player's Hand shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A winning Tie Bet shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of at least 8 to 1.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a winning wager made on the Banker's Hand shall be paid off by a certificate holder at odds of 1 to 1, except that the certificate holder shall extract a vigorish from the winning players in an amount equal to the amount specified in the Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) of either 4% or 5% of the amount won.
(d) If a certificate holder offers the Dragon Bonus Wager, a vigorish may not be extracted on a winning Dragon Bonus Wager. Winning Dragon Bonus Wagers shall be paid out at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 521.2:
Hand Payout A Payout B Payout C Win by 9 Points 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 Win by 8 Points 10 to 1 8 to 1 10 to 1 Win by 7 Points 6 to 1 7 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 6 Points 4 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 5 Points 2 to 1 3 to 1 2 to 1 Win by 4 Points 1 to 1 1 to 1 2 to 1 Natural winner 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 (e) When collecting the vigorish, the certificate holder may round off the vigorish to 5 cents or the next highest multiple of 5 cents.
(f) A dealer, in accordance with the option selected in the certificate holders Rules Submission under § 521.2, may collect the vigorish from a player at the time the winning payout is made or may defer it to a later time; provided, however, that outstanding vigorish shall be collected prior to beginning play with a new dealing shoe of cards or when the player leaves the gaming table, whichever occurs first. The amount of any vigorish not collected at the time of the winning payouts shall be tracked by placing a coin or marker button containing the amount of the vigorish owed in a rectangular space in front of the dealer on the layout imprinted with the number of the player owing the vigorish. The coin or marker button shall not be removed from the layout until the vigorish owed is collected.
(g) A certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 521.2, elect to charge every player at a Midibaccarat table a vigorish equal to 25% of the player's wager on the Banker's Hand if the Point Counts of the Banker's Hand and the Player's Hand are equal. The vigorish authorized by this subsection shall be collected at the end of the round of play and prior to any cards being dealt for the next round of play. If a certificate holder elects to charge the vigorish authorized by this subsection, the vigorish otherwise required by subsection (c) may not be collected.
(h) The type and percentage of vigorish charged at a Midibaccarat table shall apply to all players at that table. The same type and percentage of vigorish shall be used for all Midibaccarat tables located within a licensed facility.
§ 543.14. Irregularities.
* * * * * (f) The dealer or floorperson assigned to the table may require any player to relinquish the right to turn over the cards pursuant to § 543.9(c) (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), if the player unreasonably delays the game or violates either the act or this part. Whenever the voluntary or compulsory relinquishment of that right occurs, the dealer shall offer it to the player immediately to the right of the previous player, and, if he does not accept it or there is no player in that position, the dealer shall offer it to each of the other players in turn counterclockwise around the table for the remainder of that round of play. If no player accepts the cards, the dealer shall turn the cards over and place them on the designated areas of the layout.
CHAPTER 549. BLACKJACK § 549.20. Royal Match 21 Wager.
(a) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer a player the option of placing a Royal Match 21 Wager with an optional Crown Treasure Bonus. The following words and terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Crown Treasure Bonus—Additional payout when both the player and dealer have a Royal Match.
Royal Match—King and queen of the same suit.
Suited Match—Two cards of the same suit that are not a king and queen.
(b) Prior to the first card being dealt for each round of play, a player who has placed a basic wager required under § 549.4 (relating to wagers) may make an additional Royal Match 21 Wager, which shall have no bearing on any other wagers made by the player. The Royal Match 21 Wager of a player shall be in an amount not less than $1 and may not exceed the lesser of:
(1) The amount of the wager made by the player under § 549.4(a).
(2) A maximum amount established by the certificate holder in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 521.2.
(c) A Royal Match 21 Wager shall be made by placing value chips on the appropriate area of the Blackjack layout.
(d) The Royal Match 21 Wager of a player shall win if the first two cards of the player are a Suited Match or a Royal Match. If a certificate holder offers the Crown Treasure Bonus, a player shall win a bonus payout if both the player and the dealer have a Royal Match.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), for certificate holders that offer the Crown Treasure Bonus, immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before any card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player to his far right and moving counterclockwise around the table, settle all Royal Match 21 Wagers by collecting the losing wagers and paying the winning wagers in accordance with subsection (g).
(f) If a certificate holder offers the Crown Treasure Bonus and:
(1) The dealer's up card is not a king or a queen, the dealer shall settle all Royal Match 21 Wagers in accordance with subsection (e).
(2) The dealer's up card is a king or a queen and:
(i) A player does not have Royal Match, the dealer shall settle the Royal Match 21 Wager in accordance with subsection (e).
(ii) A player has a Royal Match, that player's Royal Match 21 Wager shall be settled after the dealer's hole card is exposed but prior to settling the player's basic wager required under § 549.4. If after exposing the hole card the dealer also has a Royal Match, the player shall be paid a Crown Treasure Bonus, in accordance with subsection (g), in addition to the payout for his Royal Match.
(g) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Royal Match 21 Wagers at the odds contained in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 521.2:
(1) If a single deck of cards is being used:
Hand Payout A Payout B Royal Match 10 to 1 5 to 1 Suited Match 3 to 1 3 to 1 Crown Treasure $1,000 $1,000 (2) If multiple decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout C Payout D Payout E Royal Match 30 to 1 25 to 1 25 to 1 Suited Match 2.5 to 1 2.5 to 1 3 to 1 Crown Treasure $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 (3) If an electronic gaming table is being used:
Hand Payout F Payout G Royal Match 5 to 1 25 to 1 Suited Match 3 to 1 2.5 to 1 Crown Treasure 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1
CHAPTER 565. THREE CARD POKER § 565.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Three Card Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus qualifying hand.
Envy Bonus qualifying hand—A Three Card Poker hand with a rank of ace, king and queen of the same suit.
Hand—The Three Card Poker hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Pair Plus Wager—The wager that a player is required to make prior to any cards being dealt in order to compete against a posted scale of payouts, regardless of the outcome of the player's hand against the dealer's hand.
Play Wager—An additional wager that a player must make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Progressive payout hand—An ace, king and queen of the same suit; a straight flush; three-of-a-kind; or, if included in the paytable selected by the certificate holder in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a straight, as defined in § 565.6 (relating to Three Card Poker rankings).
Round of play—One complete cycle of play during which all wagers have been placed, all cards have been dealt and all remaining wagers have been paid off or collected in accordance with the rules of this chapter.
Six Card Bonus Wager—An optional wager that a player will be able to form a winning five-card Poker hand from the three cards dealt to the dealer and the three cards dealt to the player.
§ 565.2. Three Card Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Three Card Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than seven players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side.
(b) The layout for a Three Card Poker table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder offering the game.
(2) A separate designated betting area at each betting position for the placement of an Ante Wager.
(3) A separate designated betting area located immediately in front of each Ante Wager betting area for the placement of a Play Wager.
(4) A separate designated betting area located immediately behind each Ante Wager betting area for the placement of a Pair Plus Wager.
(5) If the certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager, a separate area for each player, located immediately behind the Pair Plus Wager betting area, designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(6) If the certificate holder offers the Six Card Bonus Wager, a separate area for each player, located immediately behind the Pair Plus Wager betting area, designated for the placement of the Six Card Bonus Wager.
(7) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for Ante and Play Wagers, Pair Plus Wagers and Ante bonuses, the Progressive Payout Wager, the Six Card Bonus Wager and the Envy Bonus and the phrase ''Dealer Plays with Queen High or Better.''
(c) If payout odds are not inscribed on the layout as required by subsection (b)(7), a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all authorized wagers shall be posted at each Three Card Poker table.
* * * * * § 565.6. Three Card Poker rankings.
* * * * * (d) If a certificate holder offers the optional Six Card Bonus Wager under § 565.11b (relating to Six Card Bonus Wager), the rank of a winning five-card Poker hand, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of three-of-a-kind.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
§ 565.7. Wagers.
(a) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Three Card Poker:
* * * * * (5) If the certificate holder offers the Six Card Bonus Wager, after placing a Pair Plus Wager, a player may also place a Six Card Bonus Wager on whether the player will be dealt a hand type as set forth in § 565.12(k) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
* * * * * (d) Ante Wagers, Pair Plus Wagers, Progressive Payout Wagers and Six Card Bonus Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with § 565.8, § 565.9 or § 565.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except for Play Wagers, a wager may not be made, increased, or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.'' Play Wagers shall be placed in accordance with § 565.11(b) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
* * * * * § 565.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 565.8, § 565.9 or § 565.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards. Each player who wagers at Three Card Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(b) After examination of his cards, each player who has placed an Ante Wager shall have the option to either make a Play Wager in an amount equal to the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. The dealer shall offer this option to each player, starting with the player farthest to the left of the dealer and moving clockwise around the table in order.
(1) If a player has placed an Ante Wager and a Pair Plus Wager as required under § 565.7(f) (relating to wagers) but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Pair Plus Wager.
(2) If a player has placed an Ante Wager and a Progressive Payout Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Progressive Payout Wager but does not forfeit the eligibility to receive an Envy Bonus under § 565.12(h) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
(3) If a player has placed an Ante Wager, a Pair Plus Wager and a Six Card Bonus Wager, but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Pair Plus Wager but may not forfeit the Six Card Bonus Wager.
(c) After each player has either placed a Play Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his Ante Wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards, except for the cards of those players who placed a Six Card Bonus Wager in accordance with § 565.11b (relating to Six Card Bonus Wager), and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's cards and place the cards so as to form the highest possible ranking hand. If an automated dealing shoe is used to deal the cards, the cover card shall be removed from the dealer's hand and placed on the table layout immediately next to the automated dealing shoe.
* * * * * § 565.11b. Six Card Bonus Wager.
(a) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer a player the option of placing a Six Card Bonus Wager on whether the player's three cards and the dealer's three cards will form a winning five-card Poker hand as set forth in § 565.12(k) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
(b) If a Six Card Bonus Wager has been made by one or more players, the dealer shall observe the procedures in § 565.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play) with the following modifications:
(1) The dealer shall, starting from the dealer's right and moving counterclockwise around the table, settle all Ante Wagers, Pair Plus Wagers, Play Wagers and Progressive Payout Wagers of each player, provided that the cards of a player who has placed a Six Card Bonus Wager shall remain on the layout regardless of the outcome of the player's other wagers.
(2) After settling all other wagers of a player who has placed a Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall arrange the dealer's three cards and the player's three cards to form the best possible five-card Poker hand. If a player:
(i) Does not have a three-of-a-kind or better, as described in § 565.6(d) (relating to Three Card Poker rankings), the dealer shall collect the Six Card Bonus Wager and place the cards of the player in the discard rack.
(ii) Has a three-of-a-kind or better, as described in § 565.6(d), the dealer shall pay the winning Six Card Bonus Wager in accordance with § 565.12(k).
§ 565.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation.
* * * * * (k) If a certificate holder offers the Six Card Bonus Wager, the certificate holder shall pay out winning Six Card Bonus Wagers at the amounts in one of the following pay tables selected by the certificate holder in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 521.2:
Hand Payout A Payout Payout C Royal Flush 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 Straight Flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 200 to 1 Four-of-a-Kind 50 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1 Full House 25 to 1 20 to 1 20 to 1 Flush 20 to 1 15 to 1 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 10 to 1 10 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 8 to 1 7 to 1
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 10-2310. Filed for public inspection December 3, 2010, 9:00 a.m.]
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