PROPOSED RULEMAKINGS
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 551, 553, 571,
573, 635a, 637a, 655a AND 657a ]
Table Game Rules for Spanish 21, Poker, Mississippi Stud and Crazy 4 Poker
[41 Pa.B. 5963]
[Saturday, November 5, 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 551, 553, 571 and 573 and add Chapters 635a, 637a, 655a and 657a to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Proposed Rulemaking
With this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to replace the temporary regulations in Chapter 551 (relating to Spanish 21) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 635a (relating to Spanish 21), temporary regulations in Chapter 553 (relating to Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 637a (relating to Poker), the temporary regulations in Chapter 571 (relating to Mississippi Stud) with the permanent regulations in 655a (relating to Mississippi Stud) and the temporary regulations in Chapter 573 (relating to Crazy 4 Poker) with the permanent regulations in Chapter 657a (relating to Crazy 4 Poker).
Explanation of Chapter 635a
Chapter 635a contains the rules governing the play of Spanish 21. Section 635a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 635a.2 (relating to Spanish 21 table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), the physical characteristics of the table and card reader device are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Spanish 21 table for play; the shuffling of cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Explanation of Chapter 637a
Chapter 637a contains the rules governing the play of nonbanked Poker games. Section 637a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 637a.2 (relating to 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 Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; placement of bets; dealing procedures; how Poker revenue is calculated; the conduct of players at a Poker table; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on requests received from the operators on the temporary rulemaking, an additional Seven-card Stud Poker game, Seven-card Stud Low, also known as Razz, was added to the proposed rulemaking. Additionally, in Hold 'Em and Omaha Poker, the Straddle Bet was added as an optional bet if allowed by the certificate holder.
Explanation of Chapter 655a
Chapter 655a contains the rules governing the play of Mississippi Stud. Section 655a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 655a.2 (relating to Mississippi Stud 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 Mississippi Stud 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 657a
Chapter 657a contains the rules governing the play of Crazy 4 Poker. Section 657a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 657a.2 (relating to Crazy 4 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 Crazy 4 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.
Implementation of Subpart K
To reduce confusion in the regulated community and to ensure that references are valid when printed as a final-form rulemaking, the Legislative Reference Bureau will hold all final-form rulemakings which contain references to other chapters that have not been printed as final-form rulemakings. Those approved final-form rulemakings will be published collectively.
Affected Parties
Certificate holders that elect to offer the games of Spanish 21, Poker, Mississippi Stud and Crazy 4 Poker shall be required to comply with these requirements. 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 Bureau of Casino Compliance staff. The Board does not project that it will incur 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 Spanish 21, Poker, Mississippi Stud and Crazy 4 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 post signs at gaming tables, have complete sets of rules for 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 Board's web site. Additionally, there is a link on the web site for submitting the forms directly to the Bureau of Gaming Operations for review and approval.
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 # 125-159.
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 October 26, 2011, the Department 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.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: Proposed Chapters 635a, 637a, 655a and 657a 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: 125-159. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 551. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 551 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 551-1—551-14, serial pages (352375), (352376), (350057), (350058) and (351013)—(351022).)
Sec. 551.1—551.16. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 553. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 553 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 553-1—553-28, serial pages (356603)—(356607), (350069)—(350072), (348539)—(348556) and (356609)—(356612).)
Sec. 553.1—553.21. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 571. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 571 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 571-1—571-16, serial pages (357211)—(357224), (357979) and (357980).)
Sec. 571.1—571.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 573. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 573 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 573-1—573-15, serial pages (357981)—(357995).)
Sec. 573.1—573.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 635a. SPANISH 21 Sec.
635a.1. Definitions. 635a.2. Spanish 21 table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections. 635a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards. 635a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 635a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 635a.6. Wagers. 635a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 635a.8. Insurance Wager. 635a.9. Surrender. 635a.10. Double Down Wager; rescue. 635a.11. Splitting pairs. 635a.12. Payout odds. 635a.13. Irregularities. § 635a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Blackjack—An ace and any card having a point value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to a player or a dealer.
Card reader device—A device which permits the dealer to determine if the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack.
Hard total—The total point count of a hand which contains no aces or which contains an ace that is counted as 1 in value.
Hole card—The second card dealt face down to the dealer.
Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.
§ 635a.2. Spanish 21 table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
(a) Spanish 21 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 Spanish 21 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) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Spanish 21 Wager for each player.
(3) The following inscriptions:
(i) Blackjack pays 3 to 2.
(ii) Insurance pays 2 to 1.
(iii) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17s or similar language approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.
(4) A sign, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, at each Spanish 21 table which explains that the doubled down hands are not eligible for the additional payouts in § 635a.12(b) and (c) (relating to payout odds).
(5) If the certificate holder offers the Match-the-Dealer Wager authorized under § 635a.6(e) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Match-the-Dealer Wager for each player.
(6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers must be posted at each Spanish 21 table.
(c) Each Spanish 21 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.
(d) Each Spanish 21 table must have a card reader device, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Spanish 21 table shall inspect the card reader device at the beginning of each gaming day to ensure that there has been no tampering with the device and that it is in proper working order.
(e) Each Spanish 21 table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The height of the discard rack must either:
(1) Equal the height of the cards, stacked one on top of the other, in the total number of decks that are to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
(2) Be taller than the height of the total number of decks being used if the discard rack has a distinct and clearly visible mark on its side to show the exact height for a stack of cards equal to the total number of cards in the number of decks to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
§ 635a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
(a) Spanish 21 shall be played with six or eight decks of cards that are identical in appearance and at least one cover card. The decks shall consist of 48 cards, with the 10 of each suit removed from each deck during the inspection required under § 635a.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming).
(b) The decks of cards opened for use at a Spanish 21 table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.
(c) The value of the cards shall be as follows:
(1) Any card from 2 to 9 shall have its face value.
(2) Any jack, queen or king shall have a value of 10.
(3) An ace shall have a value of 11, unless that value would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case, the ace shall have a value of 1.
§ 635a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving the 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) If the decks contain the 10 of any suit, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that these cards are removed from the decks, torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the decks came from.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 § 635a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(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), (c) and (d) do not apply.
§ 635a.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 shoe of cards is dealt 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 device shall place the decks of cards in a single stack. 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) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards to be cut, with backs facing up, to the player determined under subsection (c). If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.
(c) The cut of the cards shall be offered to players in the following order:
(1) The first player arriving at the table, if the game is just beginning.
(2) The player on whose box the cover card appeared during the last round of play.
(3) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(4) The player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer if the reshuffle was initiated at the discretion of a floorperson. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(d) The player or dealer making the cut shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards from the top or bottom of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards on top of the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then take the entire stack of cards and align them along the side of the dealing shoe which has a mark that will allow the dealer to insert the cover card in the stack at a position at least 1/4 of the way in from 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. If a recut is required, the cards shall be cut either by the player who last cut the cards or by the next player entitled to cut the cards, as determined by subsection (c).
(f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe as provided for in § 635a.7(d) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play), except that a floorperson may determine that the cards should be reshuffled after any round of play.
(g) If there is no gaming activity at a Spanish 21 table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack and spread out on the table for inspection face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 635a.4(d) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(h) 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 the use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
§ 635a.6. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Spanish 21 shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Spanish 21 layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may be accepted provided that they are confirmed by the dealer and the cash is expeditiously converted into value chips or plaques.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled as required under § 635a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards), a certificate holder may prohibit any person, whether seated at the gaming table or not, who does not make a wager on a given round of play from placing a wager on the next round of play and any subsequent rounds of play at that gaming table until either:
(1) The certificate holder chooses to permit the player to begin wagering again.
(2) A reshuffle of the cards has occurred.
(c) All wagers, except an Insurance Wager under § 635a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), a Double Down Wager under § 635a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager; rescue) or a wager on split pairs under § 635a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), shall be placed prior to the first card being dealt for each round of play. A player may not handle, remove or alter any wagers that have been made until a decision has been rendered and implemented with respect that that wager.
(d) To participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's hand, a player shall place a Spanish 21 Wager.
(e) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player who placed a Spanish 21 Wager in accordance with subsection (d) the option of placing a Match-the-Dealer Wager that either of the player's initial two cards will match the rank of the dealer's up card.
(f) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a Spanish 21 Wager in one round of play.
§ 635a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) All cards used to play Spanish 21 shall be dealt from a dealing located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. Once the procedures under § 635a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) has been completed, the stacked cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) 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. The dealer may deal cards to the first two betting positions closest to the dealing shoe with the same hand.
(c) After each full batch of cards is placed in the shoe, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. Each new dealer who comes to the table shall also remove one card and place it in the discard rack before dealing any cards to the players.
(d) If 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 shall be completed. The dealer shall then collect and reshuffle the cards in accordance with § 635a.5.
(e) At the commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal the cards as follows:
(1) One card face up to each box on the layout in which a Spanish 21 Wager is contained.
(2) One card face up to the dealer.
(3) A second card face up to each box in which a wager is contained.
(4) A second card face down to the dealer.
(f) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before a card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle all Match-the-Dealer Wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:
(1) If either of the player's initial two cards match the rank of the dealer's up card, the dealer shall pay the winning Match-the-Dealer Wager in accordance with § 635a.12 (relating to payout odds). Any card with a point value of 10 (a jack, queen or king) must only match an identical card without regard to value.
(2) If both of the player's initial two cards match the rank of the dealer's up card, the player shall be paid for each matching card.
(g) After settling the player's optional wagers in accordance with subsection (f), if the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen or a jack, the dealer shall, after offering the Insurance Wager in accordance with § 635a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone at the table, including the dealer. If the dealer has a Blackjack, no additional cards shall be dealt and each player's Spanish 21 and Insurance Wagers, if applicable, shall be settled.
(h) After the procedures in subsection (g) have been completed, if necessary, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, announce the point total of each player. Each player at the table shall be responsible for correctly computing the point count of his hand and no player shall rely on the point counts announced by the dealer.
(i) If the player:
(1) Has Blackjack and the dealer's up card is:
(i) A 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, the dealer shall announce and pay the Blackjack and remove the player's cards.
(ii) An ace, king, queen or jack but the dealer's hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the dealer shall announce the player's Blackjack but make no payment nor remove any cards until all other cards are dealt to the player and the dealer reveals his second card.
(2) Does not have Blackjack, as each player's point total is announced, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender, as permitted under § 635a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 635a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager; rescue), split pairs as permitted under § 635a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.
(j) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision and announce the new point total of the player after each additional card is dealt.
(k) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that the player:
(1) Having Blackjack or a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.
(2) Electing to make a Double Down Wager may draw only one additional card.
(l) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn the hold card face up. Any additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer, in accordance with subsection (m), shall be dealt face up. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.
(m) Except as provided in subsection (n), the dealer shall draw additional cards until he has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21.
(n) A dealer may not draw additional cards to his hand, regardless of the point count, if decisions have been made on all players' hands and the point count of the dealer's hand will not have an effect on the outcome of the round of play.
(o) A player shall win and be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 635a.12(a)—(c) if:
(1) The total value of the player's hand is 21 or less and the total value of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21.
(2) The total value of the player's hand exceeds the total value of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.
(3) The player has a Blackjack and the dealer's hand has a total value of 21 in two or more cards.
(4) The player has achieved a score of 21 in more than two cards and the dealer has achieved a score of 21 in more than two cards.
(p) Except as provided in subsection (o)(3) and (4), a Spanish 21 Wager shall tie and be returned to the player if the total value of the player's hand is the same as the dealer's. A player's Spanish 21 Wager shall be lost if the dealer has a Blackjack and the player's hand has a total value of 21 in more than two cards.
(q) The dealer shall collect all losing wagers and pay off all winning wagers in accordance with one of the following procedures designated in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
(1) Collect all losing wagers and then pay off all winning wagers.
(2) Pay off all winning wagers and collect all losing wagers beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction. The dealer shall place any losing wagers directly into the table inventory and may not pay off any winning wagers by using value chips collected from a losing wager.
(r) 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.
(s) Players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Spanish 21.
§ 635a.8. Insurance Wager.
(a) If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, each player shall have the right to make an Insurance Wager which shall win if the dealer's hole card is a king, queen or jack.
(b) An Insurance Wager shall be made by placing a value chip on the insurance line of the layout in an amount not more than 1/2 the player's initial Spanish 21 Wager. A player may wager an amount in excess of 1/2 the initial Spanish 21 Wager to the next unit that can be wagered in chips when, because of the limitation of the value of chip denominations, half the initial Spanish 21 Wager cannot be bet. Insurance Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer inserting his hole card into the card reader device.
(c) Winning Insurance Wagers shall be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 635a.12(d) (relating to payout odds).
(d) Losing Insurance Wagers shall be collected by the dealer immediately after the dealer inserts his hole card into the card reader device and determines that he does not have a Blackjack and before he draws any additional cards.
§ 635a.9. Surrender.
(a) After the first two cards are dealt to the player and the player's point total is announced, the player may elect to discontinue play on his hand for that round by surrendering 1/2 of his Spanish 21 Wager. All decisions to surrender shall be made prior to the player indicating whether he wishes to double down as permitted under § 635a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager; rescue), split pairs as permitted under § 635a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw. If the first card dealt to the dealer is:
(1) Not an ace or 10 card, the dealer shall immediately collect 1/2 of the wager and return 1/2 to the player.
(2) An ace or 10 card, the dealer shall place the player's wager on top of the player's cards. When the dealer's second card is revealed, the hand shall be settled by immediately collecting the entire wager if the dealer has Blackjack or collecting 1/2 of the wager and returning 1/2 of the wager to the player if the dealer does not have Blackjack.
(b) If the player has made an Insurance Wager and then elects to surrender, each wager will be settled separately in accordance with subsection (a) and § 635a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).
§ 635a.10. Double Down Wager; rescue.
(a) Except when a player has Blackjack, a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager, which may not exceed the amount of his original Spanish 21 Wager, on the first two cards dealt to him or the first two cards of any split pair. Only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down. The one additional card shall be dealt face up and placed sideways on the layout.
(b) If a dealer obtains Blackjack after a player makes a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original Spanish 21 Wager of the player and may not collect the additional Double Down Wager.
(c) A winning Double Down Wager shall be paid in accordance with § 635a.12(a) (relating to payout odds). The additional payouts in § 635a.12(b) and (c) are not applicable to winning Double Down Wagers.
(d) After the additional card required under subsection (a) has been dealt to the hand, a player may ''rescue'' (take back) the Double Down Wager and forfeit his original wager, as long as the additional card does not result in the hand having a point count in excess of 21.
§ 635a.11. Splitting pairs.
(a) If the initial two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands, provided that he makes a wager on the second hand formed in an amount equal to his original Spanish 21 Wager. For example, if a player has two 7s or a king and a jack, the player may elect to split the hand.
(b) When a player splits pairs, the dealer shall deal a card to and complete the player's decisions with respect to the first incomplete hand on the dealer's left before proceeding to deal any cards to the second hand.
(c) After a second card is dealt to a split pair hand, the dealer shall announce the point total of the hand and the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect to that hand. A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) the number of additional times a patron may split pairs, including aces.
(d) If the dealer obtains Blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall only collect the amount of the original wager of the player and may not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.
(e) The additional payouts provided in § 635a.12(b) and (c) (relating to payout odds) are not applicable to a winning wager on a split hand.
§ 635a.12. Payout odds.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the certificate holder shall pay each winning Spanish 21 Wager at odds of 1 to 1 with the exception of Blackjack which shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(b) Except when a player has made a Double Down Wager under § 635a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager; rescue), in which case all of the following wagers shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1, a certificate holder shall pay the following payout odds for winning Spanish 21 Wagers:
(1) Three cards consisting of 6, 7 and 8 of mixed suits shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(2) Three cards consisting of 6, 7 and 8 of the same suit shall be paid at odds of 2 to 1, except that three cards consisting of the 6, 7 and 8 of spades shall be paid at odds of 3 to 1.
(3) Three cards consisting of three 7s of mixed suits shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(4) Three cards consisting of three 7s of the same suit shall be paid at odds of 2 to 1, except that three cards consisting of three 7s of spades shall be paid at odds of 3 to 1.
(5) Five cards totaling 21 shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(6) Six cards totaling 21 shall be paid at odds of 2 to 1.
(7) Seven or more cards totaling 21 shall be paid at odds of 3 to 1.
(c) In addition to the payouts under subsection (b)(4), a winning hand that consists of three 7s of the same suit, when the dealer's exposed card is also a 7 of any suit, shall be paid an additional fixed payout in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) If the player's original wager was $5 or more but less than $25, the player shall receive an additional payout of $1,000.
(2) If the player's original wager was $25 or more, the player shall receive an additional payout of $5,000.
(3) All other players at the table who placed a wager during that round of play shall also be paid an additional fixed payout of $50.
(4) The additional fixed payouts are not be applicable if a Double Down Wager was made on a winning hand or the winning hand had been split under § 635a.11 (relating to splitting pairs).
(d) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Insurance Wagers at odds of 2 to 1.
(e) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Match-the-Dealer Wagers at the odds in the following paytables:
(1) If six decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of a different suit 4 to 1 Each matching card of the same suit 9 to 1 (2) If eight decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of a different suit 3 to 1 Each matching card of the same suit 12 to 1 § 635a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card found face up in the shoe 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 during the dealing of the cards, the round of play shall be void and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(b) If a 10 card of any suit is found in the shoe, it may not be used in the game and shall be removed from the shoe and torn in half by a floorperson and placed in the box, envelope or container that the decks came from. If more than one 10 card is found in the shoe during the dealing of the cards, the round of play shall be void and the decks of cards shall be removed from play.
(c) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe.
(d) After the initial two cards have been dealt to each player and a card is drawn in error and exposed to the players, the card shall be dealt to the players or dealer as though it were the next card from the shoe. Any player refusing to accept the card may not have any additional cards dealt to him during the round. If the card is refused by the players and the dealer cannot use the card, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(e) If the dealer has 17 and accidentally draws a card for himself, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(f) If the dealer misses dealing his first or second card to himself, the dealer shall continue dealing the first two cards to each player and then deal the appropriate number of cards to himself.
(g) If there are insufficient cards remaining in the shoe to complete a round of play, all of the cards in the discard rack shall be shuffled and cut in accordance with § 635a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards). The first card shall be drawn face down and placed in the discard rack and the dealer shall complete the round of play.
(h) If no cards are dealt to the player's hand, the player's hand is dead and the player shall be included in the next deal. If only one card is dealt to the player's hand, at the player's option, the dealer shall deal the second card to the player after all other players have received a second card.
(i) If after receiving the first two cards, the dealer fails to deal an additional card to a player who has requested a card then, at the player's option, the dealer shall either deal the additional card after all other players have received their additional cards but prior to the dealer revealing his hole card or call the player's hand dead and return the player's original Spanish 21 Wager.
(j) If the dealer inserts his hole card into a card reader device when the value of his first card is not an ace, king, queen or jack, the dealer, after notification to a floorperson or higher, shall, if the particular card reader device in use:
(1) Provides any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, call all hands dead, collect the cards and return each player's wager.
(2) Does not provide any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, continue play.
(k) If a card reader device malfunctions, the dealer may not continue dealing the game of Spanish 21 at that table until the card reader device is repaired or replaced.
(l) 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.
(m) If an automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the device or shoe must be covered or have a sign indicating that it is out of order placed on the device or shoe before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
CHAPTER 637a. POKER Sec.
637a.1. Definitions. 637a.2. Poker table physical characteristics. 637a.3. Cards; number of decks. 637a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 637a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 637a.6. Poker rankings. 637a.7. Poker overview; general dealing procedures for all types of Poker. 637a.8. Placement of bets; minimum and maximum bets. 637a.9. Permissible Poker games; announcement of available games and seats. 637a.10. Seven-card Stud Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 637a.11. Hold'em Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 637a.12. Omaha Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 637a.13. Five-card Draw Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 637a.14. Five-card Stud Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 637a.15. Bad Beat payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation. 637a.16. High Hand Jackpot payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation. 637a.17. Poker revenue. 637a.18. Conduct of players; general operating rules for all types of Poker; irregularities. § 637a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
All-in—When a player bets all of his funds remaining on the Poker table, does not have funds to continue betting in a round of play but still retains the right to contend for that portion of the pot in which the player has already placed a bet.
Bad Beat—One or more predesignated high value Poker hands which, when held by a player as a losing hand in a round of play, shall result in a Bad Beat payout if offered by the certificate holder in accordance with § 637a.15 (relating to Bad Beat payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation).
Bad Beat payout—One or more payouts made to a player upon the occurrence of a Bad Beat.
Bet—When a player places value chips, tournament chips or plaques into the pot during a betting round.
Betting round—A complete betting cycle in which all players have called, folded or gone All-in.
Blind Bet—A mandatory bet in Hold'em or Omaha Poker which players sitting in specific betting positions shall be required to place prior to any cards being dealt.
Burn card—A card taken from the top of a deck which is not in play, is discarded face down and the identity of which remains unknown.
Button—An object that is moved clockwise around the table to determine the betting and dealing sequence.
Call—When a player places a bet in an amount equal to the immediately preceding bet.
Check—When a player waives the right to initiate the betting in a betting round but retains the right to place a bet if another player initiates the betting.
Common card—A card that is dealt, in any game of Stud Poker, face up if there are insufficient cards left in the deck to deal each player a card individually and which can be used by all players at the showdown.
Community card—A card that is dealt face up and can be used by all players to form the best possible poker hand.
Draw—In any game of Draw Poker, when a player exchanges the cards held in his hand for an equal number of new cards from the deck.
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by refusing to make an equal bet during a betting round and discarding his hand of cards.
Forced Bet—A bet that is required to start the first betting round in Seven-card or Five-card Stud Poker.
Fouled hand—A hand that either has an improper number of cards or has come into contact with other cards in a way as to render it impossible to determine accurately which cards are in the hand.
Half-kill option—In the game of Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, when one player wins an entire qualifying pot, the betting limits are increased by 1/2 the posted table betting limits for the next hand and remain in effect until a pot is split between one player winning the high hand and another player winning the low hand or until a pot does not equal or exceed the qualifying pot.
High hand—A game of Poker in which the highest ranking hand, in accordance with § 637a.6 (relating to Poker rankings), wins the pot.
High Hand Jackpot payout—The total of the contribution amounts collected during a qualifying period which are payable to one or more players upon the occurrence of a Qualifying High Hand.
High-low Split—A form of Poker in which there is a winner for both the highest and lowest ranking hands.
High-low Split Eight or Better—A version of High-low Split Poker in which a winning low hand may not contain pairs or any card ranked above an 8.
Hole card—Any card dealt face down to a player.
Kill option—In the game of Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, when one player wins an entire qualifying pot, the betting limits are twice the posted table betting limits for the next hand and remain in effect until a pot is split between one player winning the high hand and another player winning the low hand or until a pot does not equal or exceed the qualifying pot.
Low hand—A game of Poker in which the lowest ranking hand, in accordance with § 637a.6, wins the pot.
Opening bet—The first bet in a round of play.
Pot—The amount that is awarded to the winning player or players at the conclusion of a round of play and is equal to the total amount bet by the players during the round of play, less any rake extracted under § 637a.17 (relating to Poker revenue) and, if applicable, any amount contributed to a Bad Beat or High Hand Jackpot payout fund in accordance with § 637a.15 or § 637a.16 (relating to Bad Beat payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation; and High Hand Jackpot payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation).
Protected hand—A hand of cards that a player is physically holding or has placed under one or more chips or plaques.
Qualifying High Hand—A high hand held by any player or players during a qualifying period which may result in a High Hand Jackpot payout if offered by the certificate holder in accordance with § 637a.16.
Qualifying period—A duration of time, as specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), during which a certificate holder offers the High Hand Jackpot payout.
Qualifying pot—In the game of Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, a pot which equals or exceeds an amount established by the certificate holder which triggers the increase in the minimum and maximum bets when the Kill or Half-kill option is used.
Raise—When a player bets an amount greater than the immediately preceding bet in that betting round.
Rake—The amount of value chips, tournament chips, plaques or currency collected by the dealer as Poker revenue in accordance with § 637a.17.
Round of play—Once complete cycle of play during which all cards have been dealt, all bets have been placed and the winner of the pot is determined and paid in accordance with this chapter.
Showdown—The revealing of the hands of each player to determine who shall win the pot.
Side pot—A separate pot formed when one or more players are All-in.
Table stakes—A player's currency, value chips, tournament chips and plaques on the table that are available for betting during a round of play.
Up card—In a game of Stud Poker, any card dealt face up to a player.
§ 637a.2. Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Poker shall be played on an oval table which has places for up to ten players and a dealer. The design of each Poker table authorized under this chapter shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.
(b) The layout for a 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) A holding area located to the right of the dealer designated for the collection of the Poker rake prior to final placement of the rake in the drop box.
(c) Decks of cards used for the play of Poker shall be kept on the Poker table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. This area may be part of the table inventory container.
(d) Each Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached to it 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) If a certificate holder offers a Bad Beat or High Hand Jackpot payout at a designated Poker table, a transparent locked box or container must be attached on the same side of the table as the drop box and be used to hold the pot contributions that fund the Bad Beat or High Hand Jackpot payout.
§ 637a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card. Two decks of cards with different color backs shall be maintained for use at each Poker table at all times. Each deck shall be continuously alternated in and out of play with each deck being used for every other round of play. Unless an automated card shuffling device is being used in accordance with subsection (b), while one deck of cards is in use, the other deck shall be stored in the area designated under § 637a.2(c) (relating to Poker table physical characteristics).
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, one deck shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(c) The decks of cards used in Poker shall be changed at least every 6 hours.
§ 637a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving two decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect each deck for any defects. The floorperson or above 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 two players seated at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.
(c) After the first two players seated at the table are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, each deck shall separately be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Each deck of cards shall then be shuffled in accordance with § 637a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is not being used, one of the decks shall be shuffled and cut in accordance with § 637a.5 and the other deck shall be placed in the area designated under § 637a.2(c) (relating to Poker table physical characteristics). In the alternative, a certificate holder may mix, shuffle and cut only the deck intended for immediate use and place the other deck in the area designated under § 637a.2(c). Upon rotation of the decks of cards as required under § 637a.3 (relating to cards; number of decks), the other deck shall be mixed, shuffled and cut in accordance with § 637a.5 and this section.
(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.
§ 637a.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 the 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 device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack.
(b) 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 § 637a.7(e) (relating to Poker overview; general dealing procedures for all types of Poker).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the deck by placing 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.
(c) 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.
(d) If there is no gaming activity at the Poker table which is open for gaming, each deck of cards at the table shall be spread out on the table face up. After the first two players who arrive at the table are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect both of the decks, the procedures in § 637a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
§ 637a.6. Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in all types of Poker other than Low hand 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 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 and 3). All suits shall be considered equal in rank.
(b) The permissible five-card high hands, 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, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight flush.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand containing four cards of the same rank regardless of suit, 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 a 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.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit, 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 containing three cards of the same rank, regardless of suit, 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 containing two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pairs and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pairs.
(9) One pair, which is a hand containing two cards of the same rank, regardless of suit, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) The rank of the cards used in Low hand Poker in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, jack, queen and king. All suits shall be considered equal in rank.
(d) The ranking of a five-card low hand shall be the inverse of the rankings for a five-card high hand as set forth in subsection (b). Straights and flushes will not be considered for purposes of determining a winning hand at low hand.
(e) When comparing two hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b) or (d), or which do not contain the hands authorized for that game, the hand that contains the highest ranking card as provided in subsection (a) or (c), whichever is applicable, which is not in the other hand shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of identical rank after the application of this subsection, the hands will be considered tied and the pot shall be divided equally among the players with the tied hands.
(f) In all games of Poker, a hand shall be ranked according to the cards actually in the player's hand and not by the player's opinion or statement of the hand's value.
§ 637a.7. Poker overview; general dealing procedures for all types of Poker.
(a) Poker shall be conducted in a separate area of the licensed facility designated specifically for the operation of Poker as approved by the Board or the Board's Executive Director.
(b) Poker shall be played with no less than two players. For all types of authorized Poker games in this chapter, the dealer may not participate in the playing or outcome of the game in any way except as otherwise authorized in this chapter.
(c) A player shall bet on the cards that the player holds in his hand. All bets by a player shall be placed by the dealer in the designated area of the table known as the pot. A player may be required to place an Ante or Blind Bet prior to the receipt of any cards. After each round of cards is dealt, a betting round shall be conducted. Each player shall decide whether to continue contending for the pot by calling or raising the bet of the other players.
(d) The object of Poker is for a player to win the pot either by making a bet that no other player elects to call or, depending on the type of Poker being played, by having the highest ranking high hand, the highest ranking low hand or both the highest ranking high and low hands in accordance with § 637a.6 (relating to Poker rankings). If two or more players are still in contention for a pot after all cards have been dealt and the final betting round has been completed, there shall be a showdown among those players to determine which player has the winning hand.
(e) The following procedures shall be utilized by the dealer when dealing the game of Poker:
(1) The dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen which 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 in front of the dealer at all times and as level with the Poker table as possible. If during a round of play the deck shall be set down to handle a transaction, the dealer shall place a marker button on top of the deck until the transaction has been completed.
(2) The dealer shall verbalize or physically indicate the action that is occurring at the Poker table with regard to the conduct of the game and instruct each player as to the player's various turns to act and options.
(3) All burn cards required under this chapter must be kept separate from the pile of discarded cards.
(4) The dealer shall either:
(i) Count the entire deck of cards at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if 52 cards are present provided, however, that the dealer may count the stub in the games of Hold 'Em Poker and Omaha Poker.
(ii) Utilize an automated card shuffling device, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present.
(5) If a count of the deck or stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(6) At the completion of a round of play, the dealer shall award the pot to the winning player or players after a showdown or to the last remaining player if all other players have folded. Prior to pushing the pot to the winner and collecting the winning hand, the dealer shall:
(i) Collect the cards from all losing players. The losing hands shall be counted by the dealer to determine that the proper number of cards has been returned.
(ii) Award all side pots.
(iii) Collect the rake in accordance with § 637a.17 (relating to Poker revenue).
(iv) Collect, if applicable, any amount required to be contributed to a Bad Beat or High Hand Jackpot payout fund in accordance with §§ 637a.15 and 637a.16 (relating to Bad Beat payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation; and High Hand Jackpot payout; posting of rules; contributions; counting and displaying of payout amount; procedures for implementation).
§ 637a.8. Placement of bets; minimum and maximum bets.
(a) Only players who are seated at the Poker table may receive cards and participate in each betting round.
(b) A player may participate in the betting during a round of play in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) A player may bet only with the table stakes that were already on the Poker table in front of the player when the round of play commenced.
(2) A player may add to his table stakes only between rounds of play and, except as provided in paragraph (6), may not remove any of his table stakes from the Poker table at any time during a round of play.
(3) Currency that is available for use by a player may be utilized in accordance with this section to initiate, call or raise a bet if the currency is expeditiously converted into value chips, tournament chips or plaques by the dealer.
(4) To participate in a round of play, a player shall be required to have an amount of currency, value chips, tournament chips or plaques available on the Poker table prior to the start of the round of play which is sufficient to make any Ante, Blind or Forced Bet required by the Poker game being played and at least one bet at the posted table minimum.
(5) A player who satisfies the requirements in paragraph (4) but depletes his funds on the Poker table prior to the completion of a round of play shall be deemed All-in as follows:
(i) An All-in player shall retain a financial interest in the outcome of the round of play, but eligible to win only the amount of the pot to which he contributed.
(ii) An All-in player shall continue to receive all cards to which he would normally be entitled.
(iii) Betting shall continue unimpeded among the other players by generating a separate side pot which only those players shall be eligible to win.
(6) If a player indicates an intent to temporarily leave a Poker table during a round of play, without relinquishing his seat at the table, a floorperson or above shall do either of the following:
(i) Determine the amount of the player's table stakes prior to the player's departure from the table and verify that the amount of the player's table stakes have not been changed upon the player's return to the table.
(ii) Maintain the player's table stakes on the table surface using a nontransparent cover until the player's return.
(c) A player's verbal statement of ''fold,'' ''check,'' ''call'' or ''raise'' or a player's announcement of a specific bet, which is within the rules of the Poker game being played and the minimum and maximum betting limits for the Poker table, shall be binding on the player if it is the player's turn to act.
(d) A player who announces a bet or raise of a certain amount but places a different amount of value chips, tournament chips or plaques in the pot shall be required to correct his bet or raise to the announced amount in accordance with the instructions of the dealer.
(e) A player shall be considered to have placed a bet if the player:
(1) Pushes value chips, tournament chips or plaques forward to indicate the intent of placing a bet.
(2) Places value chips, tournament chips or plaques at a sufficient distance from the player and towards the pot to make it obvious that the value chips, tournament chips or plaques are intended as a bet.
(3) Places currency into the pot to be exchanged for chips in accordance with subsection (b)(3).
(f) A player may not make a bet and thereafter attempt to increase the amount of the bet unless the player:
(1) Indicates at the time the bet is being made that the bet is not yet complete.
(2) Puts the proper amount of value chips, tournament chips or plaques into the pot to call a bet and also indicates his intention to raise.
(g) Subject to the posted table betting limits, a player who announces ''raise'' may continue to bet value chips, tournament chips or plaques until both of his hands come to rest in front of the pot.
(h) The dealer shall ensure that no player touches any of the value chips, tournament chips or plaques once they are placed into the pot.
(i) Unless a raise has been verbally announced by a player, the player who puts a single value chip or tournament chip into the pot that is larger than required is assumed to have only called the preceding bet and to be awaiting change from the dealer.
(j) Unless specifically posted to the contrary, a player may raise after the player has previously checked in a betting round.
(k) The certificate holder shall post a sign specifying any restrictions with regard to the maximum number of raises that may be permitted for any round of betting and the minimum and maximum bets in effect at each Poker table. If all players at a Poker table agree to increase the minimum bet at the table, the minimum bet posted at the table need not be followed. The certificate holder shall include in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) any restrictions with regard to the maximum number of raises that may be permitted for any round of betting, provisions specifying the maximum amount that the minimum bet may be increased and how the dealer will determine that all of the players have agreed to the increased minimum bet amount.
§ 637a.9. Permissible Poker games; announcement of available games and seats.
(a) A certificate holder may offer the following types of Poker games:
(1) Seven-card Stud (High, Low, High-low Split and High-low Split Eight or Better).
(2) Hold'em (High).
(3) Omaha (High, High-low Split Eight or Better).
(4) Five-card Draw (High and Low).
(5) Five-card Stud (High).
(6) Other Poker games approved by the Board.
(b) A certificate holder may not offer or permit the playing of any Poker game which is not authorized by this chapter.
(c) A certificate holder may announce, in the areas where Poker tables are located, the particular types of available Poker games, the table minimum and maximum bets that are being offered and the availability of any vacant seats at particular Poker tables.
§ 637a.10. Seven-card Stud Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) A certificate holder that offers Seven-card Stud High, Seven-card Stud Low, Seven-card Stud High-low Split or Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.
(b) No more than eight players may participate in a Seven-card Stud Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.
(c) Starting with the first player to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal two rounds of cards face down and one round of cards face up to each player.
(d) After each player has been dealt three cards in accordance with subsection (c), the first betting round shall commence with one player making a Forced Bet. The amount of the Forced Bet shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted at the Poker table. The player required to place the Forced Bet shall be determined by comparing the up card of each player. In the event that two or more up cards are of the same rank, the up cards shall then be ranked by suit with the highest to lowest ranked suits in the following order: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. The Forced Bet shall be made by the player with the:
(1) Lowest ranked up card for Seven-card Stud High Poker.
(2) Highest ranked up card for Seven-card Stud Low Poker.
(3) Highest ranked up card for Seven-card Stud High-low Split Poker. To determine the highest ranked up card, an ace shall be ranked below a two.
(4) Lowest ranked up-card for Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker. To determine the lowest ranked up-card, an ace shall be considered the highest ranking card.
(e) Following the placement of the Forced Bet, each subsequent player, starting with the player to the left of player who placed the Forced Bet and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(f) Upon completion of the first betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and then, starting with the first remaining player to the dealer's left, deal a fourth card face up to each player who made or called the last bet. The next betting round shall commence as follows:
(1) For Seven-card Stud High, Seven-card Stud High-low Split or Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, the player with the highest ranking high hand showing shall be required to bet or check.
(2) For Seven-card Stud Low, the player with the highest ranking low hand showing shall be required to bet or check.
(3) If the highest ranking hand showing is held by two or more players, the player closest to the left of the dealer shall be required to bet or check.
(g) Following the initial bet or check required under subsection (f), each subsequent player, proceeding in a clockwise rotation, may fold, call, raise or, if the preceding players have not made a bet, check. Once a bet has been made, the next player in a clockwise rotation may fold, call or raise. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(h) The dealer shall then deal two additional rounds of cards face up and one round of cards face down to each player who made or called the last bet. Prior to each round of cards being dealt, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if insufficient cards remain in the deck to give each remaining player either a sixth or seventh card, the top card of the deck shall be burned and a common card shall be dealt face up in the center of the table. If there is either one or no card remaining in the deck when a common card is to be dealt, the dealer shall shuffle the burn cards, burn a card and then deal the common card. The dealing of each round of cards or, if applicable, each common card under this subsection shall be followed by a betting round conducted in accordance with subsections (f) and (g).
(i) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. Each player remaining in the game shall form a five-card poker hand from the seven cards dealt to the player. The winner of the pot shall be:
(1) In Seven-card Stud High Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card high hand.
(2) In Seven-card Stud Low Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand.
(3) In Seven-card Stud High-low Split Poker or Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker:
(i) The player with the highest ranking five-card high hand and the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand, subject to subsection (j), shall divide the pot equally. If a pot cannot be divided equally, the excess amount, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high hand.
(ii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking high hand, the high hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the high hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high card by suit.
(iii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking low hand, the low hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the low hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the lowest ranking low hand Poker card by suit.
(iv) For purposes of this subsection, the cards shall be ranked by suit with the highest to lowest ranked suit in order as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.
(j) In Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, a winning low-hand may not contain a pair, a three-of-a-kind or a four-of-a-kind or a 9, 10, jack, queen or king. In the event that none of the hands of the remaining players satisfies this requirement, the entire pot shall be awarded to the player with the highest ranking high hand.
(k) In Seven-card Stud High-low Split Poker and Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, the player may form two different hands of five cards each out of the player's seven available cards, enabling that player to contend for both the high hand and low hand share of the pot. A player may use the same five-card grouping to make a high hand and a low hand. For example:
(1) A hand consisting of a 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 would qualify as a straight for purposes of the high hand and as a high ranking low hand.
(2) A hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, none higher than an 8, would qualify as a flush for purposes of the high hand and as a high ranking low hand.
(l) In Seven-card Stud High-low Split Poker and Seven-card Stud High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, an ace may be used concurrently as a low hand card to make up a low hand and as a high card to make up a high Poker hand.
§ 637a.11. Hold'em Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) A certificate holder that offers Hold'em Poker shall observe the procedures in this section. Hold'em Poker shall be played to determine a winning high hand only.
(b) No more than ten players may participate in a Hold'em Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.
(c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:
(1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:
(i) The first player to the right of the dealer.
(ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.
(2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.
(d) Before any cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificateholder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.
(e) The player to the left of the player who placed a Blind Bet may place a Straddle Bet, if offered by the certificate holder. The rules governing the placement of a Straddle Bet and the amount of the Straddle Bet, if any, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at each Poker table. No more than one Straddle Bet may be made during a round of play.
(f) Starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal two rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.
(g) After each player has been dealt two cards in accordance with subsection (e), each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet or the player who placed a Straddle Bet, if offered, and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may either fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise shall also apply to a player who made a Blind Bet or Straddle Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(h) The dealer shall then burn the top card of the deck and proceed to deal three community cards face up in the center of the table. The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the next betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(i) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fourth community card face up in the center of the table. The next betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (g).
(j) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fifth and final community card face up in the center of the table. The final betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (g).
(k) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. Each player remaining in the game shall form the highest ranking five-card high hand using any of the two cards dealt to the player and the five community cards. The winner of the pot shall be the player with the highest ranking five-card high hand. If the highest ranking five-card high hand that each of the remaining players can form is comprised of the five community cards, all players remaining in the round of play shall share equally in the pot.
§ 637a.12. Omaha Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) A certificate holder that offers Omaha High or Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.
(b) No more than ten players may participate in an Omaha Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, and the Kill or Half-kill option, if offered, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.
(c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:
(1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:
(i) The first player to the right of the dealer.
(ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.
(2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.
(d) Before any cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificate holder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.
(e) The player to the left of the player who placed a Blind Bet may place a Straddle Bet, if offered by the certificate holder. The rules governing the placement of a Straddle Bet and the amount of the Straddle Bet, if any, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at each Poker table. No more than one Straddle Bet may be made during a round of play.
(f) Starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal four rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.
(g) After each player has been dealt four cards in accordance with subsection (e), each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet or the player who placed a Straddle Bet, if offered, and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise shall also apply to a player who made a Blind Bet or Straddle Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(h) The dealer shall then burn the top card of the deck and proceed to deal three community cards face up in the center of the table. The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the next betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(i) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fourth community card face up in the center of the table. The next betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).
(j) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fifth and final community card face up in the center of the table. The final betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (g).
(k) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. Each player remaining in the game shall form a five-card hand using two of the four cards dealt to the player and three of the five community cards. The winner of the pot shall be:
(1) In Omaha High Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card high hand.
(2) In Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker:
(i) The player with the highest ranking five-card high hand and the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand, subject to subsection (l), shall divide the pot equally. If a pot cannot be divided equally, the excess amount, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high hand.
(ii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking high hand, the high hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the high hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high card by suit.
(iii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking low hand, the low hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the low hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the lowest ranking low hand Poker card by suit.
(iv) For purposes of this subsection, the cards shall be ranked by suit with the highest to lowest rank suit in order as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.
(l) In Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, the winning low hand may not contain a pair, a three-of-a-kind or a four-of-a-kind or a 9, 10, jack, queen or king. In the event that none of the hands of the remaining players satisfies this requirement, the entire pot shall be awarded to the player with the highest ranking high hand.
(m) In Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, the player may form two different hands of five cards each, enabling that player to contend for both the high hand and low hand share of the pot. Each hand must consist of any three of the community cards and any two of four cards dealt to the player. A player may use the same five-card grouping to make a high hand and a low hand. An ace may be used concurrently as a low hand card to make up a low hand and as a high card to make up a high hand.
(n) In Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker, the certificate holder may use either the Half-kill or Kill option. If the certificate holder elects to use either option, the certificate holder shall indicate which option is being used in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and post which option is being used and the minimum value of a qualifying pot on a sign at each Omaha Poker table.
§ 637a.13. Five-card Draw Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) A certificate holder that offers Five-card Draw High or Five-card Draw Low Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.
(b) No more than eight players may participate in a Five-card Draw Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.
(c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:
(1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:
(i) The first player to the right of the dealer.
(ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.
(2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.
(d) Starting with the first player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal five rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.
(e) After each player has been dealt five cards in accordance with subsection (d), the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificate holder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required shall be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.
(f) Following the placement of the required Blind Bets, each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet shall and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise shall also apply to a player who made a Blind Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(g) Upon completion of the initial betting round, each player remaining in the round of play shall have an opportunity to draw new cards. This process shall be accomplished one player at a time starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner. Each player may keep his original hand or discard as many cards as he chooses. The dealer shall replace each discarded card with a new card dealt from the deck as follows:
(1) Prior to the first player receiving any new cards, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck.
(2) If insufficient cards remain in the deck for each player remaining in the round of play to draw new cards, the discard pile shall be reshuffled and used for this purpose. The cards to be discarded by a player who has not yet requested new cards may not be included as part of the reshuffled cards.
(h) The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the final betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.
(i) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. The winner of the pot shall be:
(1) In Five-card High Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card high hand.
(2) In Five-card Low Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand.
[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.
