PROPOSED RULEMAKINGS
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 557, 559, 565, 569, 641a,
643a, 649a AND 653a ]
Table Game Rules for Four Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker
[41 Pa.B. 3836]
[Saturday, July 16, 2011]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1)—(4) (relating to regulatory authority), proposes to rescind Chapters 557, 559, 565 and 569 and add Chapters 641a, 643a, 649a and 653a to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Proposed Rulemaking
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations), the Board initially adopted temporary regulations in Chapters 557, 559, 565 and 569. With this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to replace the temporary regulations in Chapter 557 (relating to Four Card Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 641a (relating to Four Card Poker), temporary regulations in Chapter 559 (relating to Let It Ride Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 643a (relating to Let It Ride Poker), the temporary regulations in Chapter 565 (relating to Three Card Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 649a (relating to Three Card Poker) and the temporary regulations in Chapter 569 (relating to Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 653a (relating to Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker).
Explanation of Chapter 641a
Chapter 641a contains the rules governing the play of Four Card Poker. Section 641a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 641a.2 (relating to Four Card Poker table physical characteristics), the physical characteristics of the table are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Four Card Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Explanation of Chapter 643a
Chapter 643a contains the rules governing the play of Let It Ride Poker. Section 643a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 643a.2 (relating to Let It Ride Poker table physical characteristics), the physical characteristics of the table are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Let It Ride Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on public comments received on the temporary regulations, pay tables for the various wagers were updated in this proposed rulemaking to provide additional options for the operators.
Explanation of Chapter 649a
Chapter 649a contains the rules governing the play of Three Card Poker. Section 649a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 649a.2 (relating to Three Card Poker table physical characteristics), the physical characteristics of the table are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Three Card Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on public comments received on the temporary regulations, pay tables for the various wagers were updated in this proposed rulemaking to provide additional options for the operators.
Explanation of Chapter 653a
Chapter 653a contains the rules governing the play of Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker. Section 653a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 653a.2 (relating to Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table physical characteristics), the physical characteristics of the table are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on public comments received on the temporary regulations, the dealing procedure in § 653a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe has been updated to accommodate the use of an automated dealing shoe that automatically reshuffles the cards.
Affected Parties
Certificate holders that elect to offer the games of Four Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Three Card Poker or Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker will be required to comply with the requirements in this proposed rulemaking. The requirements for the games are standard throughout the industry, consistent with 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming) and necessary for the protection of the gaming public and the revenues generated from table games.
The Board has experienced increased regulatory demands resulting from the implementation of table games including the review of Rules Submissions, table layouts, signage and gaming guides.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board will have to review each certificate holder's table games Rules Submissions, table layouts, signage and gaming guides to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements in this proposed rulemaking. These reviews will be conducted by existing Bureau of Gaming Operations and the Bureau of Casino Compliance staff, so the Board does not project that it will incur any significant cost increases as a result of this proposed rulemaking.
Political subdivisions. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding mandated by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1).
Private sector. This proposed rulemaking will result in additional costs for certificate holders that elect to offer Four Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Three Card Poker or Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker. Certificate holders will be required to purchase the table games they elect to offer and to hire and train employees to operate the games. The costs for table game equipment do vary depending on the type and number of tables purchased. The costs are expected to be offset by the revenues generated from table game operations.
General public. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
This proposed rulemaking will require certificate holders to do the following: post signs at gaming tables; have complete sets of rules for all the games they offer available for public inspection; produce a gaming guide summarizing the rules of the games they offer; and file Rules Submissions for each table game they elect to offer. The Rules Submissions are standardized checklists for each game, relatively simple to fill out and available on the Gaming Board web site.
Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed 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 Table Games Rules; Regulation # 125-152.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this proposed rulemaking is Susan Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on June 14, 2011, the Board submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking and a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request and is available on the Board's web site at www.pgcb.state.pa.us.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey any comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections must specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Board, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
GREGORY C. FAJT,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: Proposed Chapters 641a, 643a, 649a and 653a reference proposed Chapters 601a, 603a and 605a, which will be adopted on or before the date of final adoption of this proposed rulemaking.)
Fiscal Note: 125-152. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 557. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 557 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 557-1—557-12, serial pages (352383), (352384), (350075), (350076), (348577)—(348582), (351027) and (351028).)
Sec.
557.1—557.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 559. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 559 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 559-1—559-16, serial pages (352385), (352386), (350077), (350078), (348589)—(348598), (351029) and (351030).)
Sec.
559.1—559.15. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 565. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 565 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 565-1—565-18, serial pages (356737), (356738), (354617), (354618), (356613), (356614), (354621)—(354626), (356739), (356740) and (354783)—(354786).)
Sec.
565.1—565.11. (Reserved). 565.11a. (Reserved). 565.11b. (Reserved) 565.12. (Reserved). 565.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 569. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 569 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 569-1—569-14, serial pages (352399)—(352402), (351057)—(351060), (354787)—(354790), (351065) and (351066).)
Sec.
569.1—569.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 641a. FOUR CARD POKER Sec.
641a.1. Definitions. 641a.2. Four Card Poker table physical characteristics. 641a.3. Cards; number of decks. 641a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 641a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 641a.6. Four Card Poker rankings. 641a.7. Wagers. 641a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 641a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand. 641a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 641a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 641a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression. 641a.13. Irregularities. § 641a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Aces Up Wager—The wager that a player is required to make prior to any cards being dealt to compete against a posted paytable, regardless of the outcome of the player's hand against the dealer's hand.
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Four Card Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—The term means either of the following:
(i) A player's Four Card Poker hand with a rank of four-of-a-kind
(ii) If included in the paytable selected by the certificate holder, a straight flush as defined in § 641a.6(b) (relating to Four Card Poker rankings).
Hand—The Four Card Poker hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Play Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Progressive Payout Hand—A player's Four Card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 641a.6(b).
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 settled in accordance with the rules of this chapter.
§ 641a.2. Four Card Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Four 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 of the table.
(b) The layout for a Four 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.
(2) Three separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante, Play and Aces Up Wagers for each player.
(3) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 641a.7(d)(4) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(4) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Four Card Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 641a.7(d)(4), the Four Card Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) Each Four Card Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(e) Each Four Card Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 641a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Four Card Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Four Card Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks are continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck are placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Four Card Poker shall be changed:
(1) At least every 4 hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) At least every 8 hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 641a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.
(c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.
§ 641a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack provided, however, that the certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 641a.8, § 641a.9 or § 641a.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).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Four Card Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards:
(1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.
(2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The deck of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player requests otherwise, the deck of cards removed from the shuffler does not need to be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt if:
(i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single deck of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner.
(ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
(g) In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements in this section, a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards provided that the device and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
§ 641a.6. Four Card Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Four Card Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight with a 2, 3 and 4 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example, king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible poker hands in the game of Four Card Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with an ace, king, queen and jack being the highest ranking straight flush and an ace, 2, 3, 4 being the lowest ranking straight flush.
(3) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(4) A flush, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same suit, regardless of rank.
(5) A straight, which is a hand consisting of four cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with ace, king, queen and jack being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 being the lowest ranking straight.
(6) Two pairs, which is a hand consisting of two pairs with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(7) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two poker hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of equal rank after the application of this section, the hands shall be considered a tie.
§ 641a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Four Card Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at a Four Card Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Play Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 641a.8, § 641a.9 or § 641a.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 as provided in § 641a.11(b) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Four Card Poker:
(1) A player may compete solely against the dealer's Four Card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager then a Play Wager, in accordance with § 641a.11(b), in an amount from one to three times the amount of the player's Ante Wager.
(2) A player may compete solely against a posted paytable by placing an Aces Up Wager.
(3) A player may compete against both the dealer's Four Card Poker hand and the posted paytable by placing an Ante Wager and an Aces Up Wager in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2).
(4) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Four Card Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager or an Aces Up Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(e) A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play.
§ 641a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. Once the procedures required under § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(c) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who has placed a wager in accordance with § 641a.7 (relating to wagers) and to the dealer until each player who placed a wager has five cards and the dealer has six cards. All cards dealt to the players and the first five cards dealt to the dealer shall be dealt face down. The dealer's sixth card shall be dealt face up. The dealer's fifth and sixth cards shall be dealt consecutively.
(e) After five cards have been dealt to each player and six to the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 5 cards or the dealer has more or less than 6 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 641a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout. The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who has placed a wager in accordance with § 641a.7 (relating to wagers) and to the dealer until each player who placed a wager has five cards and the dealer has six cards. All cards dealt to the players and the first five cards dealt to the dealer shall be dealt face down. The sixth card dealt to the dealer shall be dealt face up. The dealer's fifth and sixth cards shall be dealt consecutively.
(c) After five cards have been dealt to each player and six cards have been dealt to the dealer, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 5 cards or the dealer has more or less than 6 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 641a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed a wager in accordance with § 641a.7 (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the other players who has placed a wager in accordance with § 641a.7. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of five cards face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's cards. When the automated dealing shoe dispenses the next sequence of five cards, the dealer shall remove the stack and spread the cards face down on the layout so that the top card of the stack is to the dealer's right and the bottom card is to the dealer's left. The dealer shall turn the bottom card of the stack (the card on the dealer's far left) face up on the dealer's hand. The dealer shall collect the remaining four cards of that stack and place the cards in the discard rack without revealing the cards.
(c) After each stack of five cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the stub from the automated dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the cards in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 5 cards or the dealer has more or less than 6 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 641a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 641a.8, § 641a.9 or § 641a.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 subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Four 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.
(2) Each player shall keep his five cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who placed an Ante Wager if he wishes to make a Play Wager in an amount from one to three times the amount of the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player:
(1) Has placed an Ante Wager and an Aces Up Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit the Ante Wager but may not forfeit the Aces Up Wager.
(2) 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 may not forfeit the eligibility to receive an Envy Bonus under § 641a.12(d) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression).
(c) After each player who has placed an Ante Wager 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 and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's cards and select the four cards that form the highest possible ranking Four Card Poker hand. After the dealer's cards are turned face up, the dealer shall beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the five cards of each player face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and select the four cards that form the highest possible ranking poker hand for each player.
(3) If a player's highest ranking Four Card Poker hand is ranked:
(i) Lower than the dealer's Four Card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Play Wagers made by the player.
(ii) Higher than or equal to the dealer's Four Card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Play Wagers and any Ante Bonus in accordance with the payout odds in § 641a.12(a) and (b).
(4) After settling a player's Ante and Play Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Aces Up Wagers by determining whether the player's Four Card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 641a.12(c). A winning Aces Up Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's Four Card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(5) The dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(iii) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(iv) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 641a.12(d). If a player has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(v) Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with § 641a.12(d). Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Four Card Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand provided, however, that a player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.
(d) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
§ 641a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante Wager and Play Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A player placing an Ante Wager and a Play Wager shall be paid a bonus on the Ante Wager, at the odds in the following paytable, regardless of whether the player's Four Card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand:
Hand Paytable Four-of-a-kind 25 to 1 Straight Flush 20 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 2 to 1 (c) A player placing an Aces Up Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 Straight Flush 30 to 1 30 to 1 40 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 9 to 1 7 to 1 8 to 1 Flush 6 to 1 6 to 1 5 to 1 Straight 4 to 1 5 to 1 4 to 1 Two Pair 2 to 1 2 to 1 3 to 1 Pair of Aces 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1
Hand Paytable D Paytable E Paytable F Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 Straight Flush 40 to 1 30 to 1 40 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 8 to 1 8 to 1 7 to 1 Flush 6 to 1 6 to 1 5 to 1 Straight 4 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Two Pair 2 to 1 2 to 1 3 to 1 Pair of Aces 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 (d) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager:
(1) A player placing a Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Four Aces 100% of meter 100% of meter Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 300 for 1 Straight Flush 100 for 1 100 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 9 for 1 15 for 1 (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking Four Card Poker hand formed.
(3) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and be at least $5,000 for paytable A and $1,000 for paytable B.
(4) Winning Progressive Payout Hands shall be paid in accordance with the amount on the meter when it is the player's turn to be paid in accordance with § 641a.11(c) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
(5) Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to one of the following payout schedules, selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2, for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:
$1 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Paytable A
Envy BonusPaytable B
Envy BonusFour Aces $100 $100 Four-of-a-kind $10 $25 Straight Flush $5 N/A
$5 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Paytable A
Envy BonusPaytable B
Envy BonusFour Aces $500 $500 Four-of-a-kind $50 $125 Straight Flush $25 N/A § 641a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.
(c) If a player or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If one or more of the dealer's cards is inadvertently exposed prior to the dealer revealing his cards in accordance with § 641a.11(c) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal all cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(g) If an automated shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe must be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated shuffling device or automated dealing shoe is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
CHAPTER 643a. LET IT RIDE POKER Sec.
643a.1. Definitions. 643a.2. Let It Ride Poker table physical characteristics. 643a.3. Cards; number of decks. 643a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 643a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 643a.6. Let It Ride Poker rankings. 643a.7. Wagers. 643a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 643a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand. 643a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 643a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 643a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation. 643a.13. Irregularities. § 643a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Community card—A card which is used by all players to form a five-card poker hand.
Hand—The five-card poker hand formed for each player by combining the three cards dealt to the player and the two community cards.
Let It Ride—When a player does not withdraw a wager as permitted under § 643a.11(b) and (d) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
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 settled in accordance with the rules of this chapter.
§ 643a.2. Let It Ride Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Let It Ride 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 of the table.
(b) The layout for a Let It Ride 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.
(2) Three separate betting areas designated for the placement of the Let It Ride Poker Wagers required under § 643a.7(d) (relating to wagers) for each player.
(3) Separate areas designated for the placement of the cards of each player.
(4) A separate area designated for the placement of the community cards located directly in front of the table inventory container.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Let It Ride Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(e), a separate area designed for the placement of the Let It Ride Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) If a certificate holder offers the optional Three Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(f), a separate area designated for the placement of the Three Card Bonus Wager for each player.
(7) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Let It Ride Poker table.
(8) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 643a.12(d) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Let It Ride Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers the Let It Ride Bonus Wager in accordance with § 643a.7(e), the Let It Ride Poker table must have a table game system, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, which includes:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Let It Ride Bonus Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Let It Ride Bonus Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Let It Ride Bonus Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) Each Let It Ride Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(e) Each Let It Ride Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 643a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Let It Ride Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Let It Ride Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Let It Ride Poker shall be changed:
(1) At least every 4 hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) At least every 8 hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 643a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.
(c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 643a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.
§ 643a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack provided, however, that the certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 643a.8, § 643a.9 or § 643a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Let It Ride Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards:
(1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.
(2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The deck of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player requests otherwise, the deck of cards removed from the shuffler does not need to be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt if:
(i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single deck of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner.
(ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
(g) In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements in this section, a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards provided that the device and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
§ 643a.6. Let It Ride Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Let It Ride Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example, queen, king, ace, 2, 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible poker hands at the game of Let It Ride Poker, 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, other than a royal flush, consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest straight flush.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of three-of-a-kind and a pair, with three aces and two kings being the highest ranking full house and three 2s and two 3s being the lowest ranking full house.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, not in consecutive order, with ace, king, queen, jack and 9 being the highest ranking flush and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 being the lowest ranking flush.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, with an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(8) Two pairs, which is a hand consisting of two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(9) A pair, which is a hand containing two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) If the certificate holder offers the optional Three Card Bonus Wager under § 643a.7(f) (relating to wagers), the Three Card Bonus Wager hands eligible for a payout shall be:
(1) A mini-royal, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king and queen, all of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand, other than a mini-royal, consisting of three cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking.
(3) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank.
(4) A straight, which is a hand consisting of three cards of consecutive rank, including an ace, 2 and 3.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same suit, not in consecutive order.
(6) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank.
§ 643a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Let It Ride Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at a Let It Ride Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers at Let It Ride Poker shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 643a.8, § 643a.9 or § 643a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 643a.11(b) and (d) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) To participate in a round of play, a player shall place three equal but separate Let It Ride Poker wagers designated as Bet Number 1, Bet Number 2 and Bet Number 3. Bet Number 1 and Bet Number 2 may subsequently be removed by the player in accordance with § 643a.11(b) and (d).
(e) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Let It Ride Poker table the option to make an additional Let It Ride Bonus Wager that the player will have a five-card poker hand with a rank of a pair of tens or better, two pair or better or three-of-a-kind or better, depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2. After placing the three wagers required under subsection (d), a player may make an additional Let It Ride Bonus Wager by placing a value chip onto the wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Three Card Bonus Wager has been accepted.
(f) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Let It Ride Poker table the option to make an additional Three Card Bonus Wager that the three cards dealt to the player will have a rank of a pair or better. After placing the three wagers required under subsection (d), a player may make an additional Three Card Bonus Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets.''
(g) A Let It Ride Bonus Wager or a Three Card Bonus Wager may not have a bearing on any other wagers made by the player.
(h) A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play.
[Continued on next Web Page]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
