RULES AND REGULATIONS
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 549, 561, 633a AND 645a ]
Table Game Rules for Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker
[42 Pa.B. 2922]
[Saturday, May 19, 2012]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), rescinds Chapters 549 and 561 and adds Chapters 633a and 645a (relating to Blackjack; and Pai Gow Poker) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Final-Form Rulemaking
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations), the Board initially adopted temporary regulations in Chapters 549 and 561. With this final-form rulemaking, the Board is replacing the temporary regulations in Chapter 549 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 633a and the temporary regulations in Chapter 561 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 645a.
Explanation of Chapter 633a
Chapter 633a contains the rules governing the play of Blackjack. Section 633a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 633a.2 (relating to Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), the physical characteristics of the table and the card reader device, used to determine the value of the dealer's down card, are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Blackjack 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.
Standardized rules of play ensure fairness to the patrons who participate in table gaming at licensed facilities in this Commonwealth. Additionally, the Board believes that the fundamental rules of play in Blackjack, including optional surrender and the requirement that dealers stand on a soft 17, achieve a fair and appropriate balance between the revenue generated for the certificate holders and thus to the Commonwealth and the fairness to patrons. At this time, the Board has maintained its current rules of play to ensure consistency in the rules of play at licensed facilities during the continued full implementation of legalized table gaming in this Commonwealth.
The Board did add two variations a variation on Blackjack in § 633a.12 (relating to Blackjack variations). In subsection (a), Blackjack Switch was added to allow patrons to switch the second card of the two hands dealt to each patron to form the best possible Blackjack hand. Subsection (b) allows the dealer to deal the cards from the hand and allows the patrons to touch the cards.
Explanation of Chapter 645a
Chapter 645a contains the rules governing the play of Pai Gow Poker. Section 645a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 645a.2 (relating to Pai Gow Poker table; Pai Gow Poker shaker; 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 Pai Gow 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 Board added the option of the player acting as the bank or co-bank instead of the dealer. This is a traditional way to play the game and is currently offered in the game of Pai Gow.
Comment and Response Summary
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 41 Pa.B 4421 (August 13, 2011). During the comment period, the Board received comments from Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association (Hollywood), Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. (Parx) and 72 letters and e-mails from the general public. Additionally, on October 12, 2011, the Board received comments from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
General Comments
IRRC commented that several of the sections in the Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker chapters require operators to obtain approval of equipment and table game layouts from the Bureau of Gaming Operations (BGO) or the Bureau of Casino Compliance (BCC). The proposed rulemaking, however, did not specify how that approval was to be obtained. IRRC suggested adding the submissionand approval process or a cross reference to where the process may be found.
In the final-form rulemaking, the Board amended the requirements to state that the operators submit information to the BGO for Executive Director approval. Additionally, throughout the final-form rulemaking, the cross reference to the submission and approval process in § 601a.10 (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) was added.
Chapter 633a. Blackjack
During the comment period, the Board received over 70 e-mails and letters from members of the general public urging the Board to keep the rules of play for Blackjack as specified in the proposed rulemaking. Specifically, the commentators requested that the Board continue to require the following: optional surrender; dealers to stand on a soft 17; and payout odds for Blackjack at 3 to 2. Several members of the general public added that they now patronize casinos in this Commonwealth instead of facilities in other gaming jurisdictions including Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia specifically because of the Blackjack rules in place in this Commonwealth.
The Board also received comments from Parx stating that the rules of play, particularly standing on a soft 17, place Parx at a competitive disadvantage with New Jersey, which amended its Blackjack rules in 2006 allowing dealers to hit on a soft 17 and severely limits the ability of Parx to operate its business and maximize gross table game revenue. IRRC requested in comments one and four that the Board provide information regarding the house advantage for Blackjack, compare it to other gaming jurisdictions and explain why the provisions are appropriate for both certificate holders and patrons in this Commonwealth.
There are two factors that determine table game revenue to the facility and thus the Commonwealth: the hold percentage and the total drop. The hold percentage or the house edge is the amount of play (the drop) that is retained by the casino after paying out winning wagers and collecting losing wagers. There are many variables that can alter the hold percentage including the level of skill of the players, the amount of play on optional side wagers, the type of rules that are in place, the payout odds, whether players had substantial winnings or losses in a given month, and so on. Hold percentage can therefore vary greatly from month to month and from facility to facility.
Looking specifically at Blackjack, in accordance with the rules currently in place in this Commonwealth, skilled players who play basic strategy Blackjack can bring the house edge of the casino to between 0.355% and 0.371% so over the course of play, a skilled Blackjack player would lose to the house only 35¢ of every $100. Although the hold percentage for a basic strategy Blackjack player is relatively low, the actual hold percentage for facilities in this Commonwealth is substantially higher in part because of the play of side wagers and the skill level of the average Blackjack player.
Despite Parx' assertions, casinos in this Commonwealth, month over month, have had a greater hold percentage than New Jersey with its less patron friendly rules. The comparison for casinos in this Commonwealth versus New Jersey casinos is as follows:
Hold Percentage (House Edge) Range for
this Commonwealth—2011
July August September October November 11.2—21.5 9.6—22.0 9.9—22.9 4.0—20.9 7.4—22.2
Hold Percentage (House Edge) Range
for New Jersey—2011
July August September October November 6.9—22.6 0.9—17.9 6.6—20.5 (-1.2)—19.7 6.0—18.6
Median Values Among the 10 Facilities in this Commonwealth and 11 Facilities in New Jersey
Pennsylvania 16.9% 16.5% 16.8% 14.4% 16.6% New Jersey 12.4% 10.9% 14.2% 13.7% 11.7% Thus, under the prevailing rules of Blackjack in this Commonwealth, casino operators have a greater house edge than that experienced in the New Jersey which belies the assertion of noncompetitiveness. Hitting on a soft 17 would increase the house edge by 0.22%. Not allowing players to surrender increases the house edge by 0.08% while allowing payout odds of 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2 increases the house edge by 1.39%. Amending these rules to increase the house edge strictly benefits the house and does not provide a benefit to the average Blackjack player. Additionally, in other jurisdictions, the rules allowing a dealer to hit on a soft 17 and not allowing patrons to surrender are not universally applied within the same facility so patrons who are playing the same high limit tables. The Board has therefore not amended the basic rules of play in this final-form rulemaking as the Board continues to believe that the rules in place provide a fair and appropriate balance between revenues to the facility, and thus the Commonwealth, and fairness to patrons.
In § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), Hollywood requested that the Board allow players the option of taking even money when a player has Blackjack instead of placing an Insurance Wager. The Board agrees and added the option in new subsection (e).
Chapter 645a. Pai Gow Poker
IRRC requested that the Board also provide the house edge for Pai Gow Poker. The rules of play for Pai Gow Poker in this Commonwealth are consistent with the rules of play in other gaming jurisdictions including New Jersey. The comparison for casinos in this Commonwealth versus New Jersey casinos is as follows:
Hold Percentage (House Edge) Range for
this Commonwealth—2011
July August September October November 11.1—32.0 (-1.8)—30.0 12.4—26.4 7.4—26.5 10.7—29.1
Hold Percentage (House Edge) Range
for New Jersey—2011
July August September October November 8.3—29.3 13.5—29.8 12.8—27.5 12.7—31.9 8.2—38.3
Median Values Among the 10 Facilities in this Commonwealth and 11 Facilities in New Jersey
Pennsylvania 20.9% 21.3% 22.1% 21.9% 22.1% New Jersey 19.7% 20.8% 22.6% 19.5% 20.6% Section 645a.3(c)(2) (relating to cards; number of decks) requires that cards utilized in the play of the game be changed every 8 hours. Hollywood requested that the requirement be changed to every 12 hours. IRRC inquired whether the integrity of gaming would be compromised if the Board adopted the suggested revision.
Unlike Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker is played with only one deck of cards which are used in every round of play. Additionally, the dealers can manually shuffle the cards and the players are permitted to touch the cards to set their hands. The Board believes that it is therefore necessary to remove the cards after 8 hours of play due to wear and tear and to inspect them for marks, scratches, shaving and other indicia of cheating.
Section 645a.9(a)(1) (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from the hand) requires that if cards are being dealt from the hand that an automated shuffling device be used. IRRC inquired whether the Board considered allowing a manual shuffle of the cards, that the flexibility could assist in instances when the automated shuffler becomes inoperable.
This is a game protection issue. If an automated shuffling device is used, dealers do not have an opportunity to conduct false shuffles or stack the deck by placing high value cards in a specific area in the deck. Dealing the cards from a shoe ensures that cards are being dealt from the top of the deck to each patron based on seat position and not from another part of the deck. The Board believes that removing both of those protections by allowing a dealer to both hand shuffle and hand deal creates an unnecessary risk of cheating.
Additionally, there are three different procedures in place for dealing the single deck of cards for Pai Gow Poker. If a dealer is dealing the cards from the hand and the shuffling device becomes inoperable, the dealer isn't required to stop the games but can continue to deal provided that a dealing shoe is then used in accordance with § 645a.8 or § 645a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
Additional Revisions
Chapter 633a. Blackjack
Three new side wagers were added to Blackjack including the Bad Beat Progressive Wager, the Three Card Poker Wager and the Hit and Run Progressive Wager. The layout requirements for these new wagers were added in § 633a.2(b)(11)—(13). Additionally, if a certificate holder is offering the Bad Beat Progressive Wager or the Hit and Run Progressive Wager, the table must also contain a progressive table game system or an electronic wagering system. Subsections (c) and (d) were therefore added to address these requirements and the remaining subsections were renumbered.
In § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards), language regarding the mark on the dealing shoe in subsection (d) was deleted for consistency with revisions made to Chapter 603a (relating to table game equipment).
Section 633a.5(g)(2)(ii) was deleted as unnecessary.
Section 633a.5(h) was amended for clarity and allows operators to utilize an automated dealing shoe/shuffler.
The descriptions of the new wagers that were added to the final-form rulemaking are in § 633a.6(e)(8)—(10) (relating to wagers). The procedure for collecting losing wagers and paying out winning wagers is in § 633a.7(g)(8) and (o) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play). The payout odds for the new wagers were added in § 633a.13(j)—(l) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
Section 633a.7(i) and (j) was amended and no longer requires the dealer to announce the point count of each player. Several operators had previously stated that requiring that the point count be announced after each card is dealt only served to annoy players. Dealers, however, are still required to announce the point count of their hand after each card is dealt.
Chapter 645a. Pai Gow Poker
Section 645a.5(g)(2)(ii) (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) was deleted as unnecessary. Subsection (h) was amended for clarity and allows operators to utilize an automated dealing shoe/shuffler.
In § 645a.13(b) and (c) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation), paytable C in subsections (b) and (c) was amended for consistency between the two wagers. None of the operators should be affected by the revision as none of operators currently utilize paytable C for either side wager.
Affected Parties
Certificate holders that elect to offer the games of Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker will be required to comply with the requirements in these chapters. The requirements for the games are consistent with the objectives of 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 final-form rulemaking. These reviews will be conducted by existing BGO and BCC staff so the Board does not project that it will incur significant cost increases as a result of this final-form rulemaking.
Political subdivisions. This final-form 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 final-form rulemaking will result in additional costs for certificate holders that elect to offer Blackjack and Pai Gow 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 final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
This final-form rulemaking will require certificate holders to do the following: 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 are available on the Board's web site.
Effective Date
The rulemaking will become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on August 2, 2011, the Board submitted a copy of the proposed rulemaking, published at 41 Pa.B. 4421, and a copy of the Regulatory Analysis Form to IRRC and to the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee (Committees) for review and comment.
Under section 5(c) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC and the House and Senate Committees were provided with copies of the comments received during the public comment period, as well as other documents when requested. In preparing the final-form rulemaking, the Board has considered all comments from IRRC, the House and Senate Committees and the public.
Under section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5a(j.2)), on April 4, 2012, the final-form rulemaking was deemed approved by the House and Senate Committees. Under section 5.1(e) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC met on April 5, 2012, and approved the final-form rulemaking.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt these amendments was given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The final-form rulemaking is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II.
Order
The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code, are amended by deleting §§ 549.1—549.24, 561.1—561.13, 561.13a—561.13d, 561.14 and 561.15 and by adding §§ 633a.1—633a.14 and 645a.1—645.14 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(b) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: For the text of the order of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission relating to this document, see 42 Pa.B. 2253 (April 21, 2012).)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 125-155 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 549. (Reserved) Sec.
549.1—549.24. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 561. (Reserved) Sec.
561.1—561.13. (Reserved). 561.13a—561.13d. (Reserved). 561.14. (Reserved). 561.15. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 633a. BLACKJACK Sec.
633a.1. Definitions. 633a.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections. 633a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards. 633a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 633a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 633a.6. Wagers. 633a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 633a.8. Insurance Wager. 633a.9. Surrender. 633a.10. Double Down Wager. 633a.11. Splitting pairs. 633a.12. Blackjack variations. 633a.13. Payout odds; payout limitation. 633a.14. Irregularities. § 633a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Any 20—Two cards of different suits with a total point count of 20.
Blackjack—An ace and any card having a value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to a player or the dealer.
Card reader device—A device which permits the dealer to determine if the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack.
Crown Treasure Bonus—An additional payout when both the player and dealer have a Royal Match.
Determinant card—The first card drawn for each round of play to determine from which side of a double shoe the cards for that hand shall be dealt.
Double shoe—A dealing shoe that has two adjacent compartments in which cards are stacked separately and from which cards may be dealt from only one compartment at any given time.
Flush—Three cards of the same suit.
Four-of-a-kind—Four cards of the same rank.
Hard total—The total point count of a hand which contains no aces or which contains aces that are each counted as 1 in value.
Hole card—The second card dealt face down to the dealer.
Lucky Player Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Bad Beat Progressive Wager if the player is seated in the player position that is randomly selected by the table game system.
Magic Card Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Bad Beat Progressive Wager if one of the player's first two cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
Matched 20—Two identical cards with a total point count of 20 except for a queen of hearts pair.
Pair—Two cards of the same rank.
Royal Match—King and queen of the same suit.
Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.
Straight—Three cards in consecutive rank.
Straight flush—Three cards of the same suit in consecutive rank.
Suited Match—Two cards of the same suit that are not a king and queen.
Suited pair—Two cards of the same rank and suit.
Suited 20—Two cards of the same suit with a total point count of 20.
Three-of-a-kind—Three cards of the same rank.
Triple Match—The player's initial two cards and the dealer's up card which are all the same rank.
§ 633a.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
(a) Blackjack 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 Blackjack table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) 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 Blackjack 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 other similar language approved by the Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(4) If the certificate holder offers the Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(1) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Twenty Point Bonus Wager for each player.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the Match-the-Dealer Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(2), a separate area designated for the placement of the Match-the-Dealer Wager for each player.
(6) If the certificate holder offers the In Between Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the In Between Wager for each player.
(7) If the certificate holder offers the Royal Match 21 Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(4), a separate area designated for the placement of the Royal Match 21 Wager for each player.
(8) If the certificate holder offers the Bet the Set 21 Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(5), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bet the Set 21 Wager for each player.
(9) If the certificate holder offers the King's Bounty Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(6), a separate area designated for the placement of the King's Bounty Wager for each player.
(10) If a certificate holder offers Blackjack Switch authorized under § 633a.12(a) (relating to Blackjack variations), the table must be designated for play as a Blackjack Switch table and contain:
(i) Two separate areas designated for the placement of the two equal Blackjack Wagers for each player.
(ii) A separate area designated for the placement of the Super Match Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(7) for each player.
(11) If the certificate holder offers the Three Card Poker Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(9), a separate area designated for the placement of the Three Card Poker Wager for each player.
(12) If the certificate holder offers the Hit and Run Progressive Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(10), a separate area designated for the placement of the Hit and Run Progressive Wager.
(13) 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 shall be posted at each Blackjack table.
(14) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 633a.13(m) (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 Blackjack table.
(c) If the certificate holder offers the Bad Beat Progressive Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(8), the Blackjack table must have a progressive table game system in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems) and an electronic wagering system in accordance with §§ 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Bad Beat Progressive Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the placement of any Bad Beat Progressive Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards.
(d) If a certificate holder offers the Hit and Run Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.6(e)(10), the Blackjack table must have a progressive table game system in accordance with § 605a.7 for the placement of Hit and Run or Straight Jack Progressive Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Hit and Run Progressive 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 placement of any Hit and Run Progressive Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards.
(e) Each Blackjack 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 in accordance with § 601a.10(g). 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.
(f) Each Blackjack table must have a card reader device attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Blackjack 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.
(g) Each Blackjack table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The height of each 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.
(h) When a double shoe is used at a Blackjack table, the height and marking requirements in subsection (g) for that table's discard rack shall be determined by the number of decks used in one side of the shoe.
§ 633a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), Blackjack shall be played with at least one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and at least one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, other than a continuous shuffler, Blackjack shall be played with at least two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards shall be separated into two batches with an equal number of decks included in each batch.
(2) The cards in each batch must be of the same design but the backs of the cards in one batch must be of a different color than the cards in the other batch.
(3) One batch of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other batch is being used to play the game.
(4) Both batches of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each batch being used for every other dealing shoe.
(5) The cards from only one batch shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) If a double shoe is utilized, Blackjack shall be played with at least two decks of cards that shall be dealt from separate sides of the dealing shoe, with the same number of decks used in each side of the double shoe. The cards dealt from both sides of the shoe must be of the same design but the backs of the cards being dealt from one side of the shoe must be of a different color than the cards being dealt from the other side of the shoe. A separate cover card shall be used in each side of the shoe.
(d) The decks of cards opened for use at a Blackjack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours unless the certificate holder is dealing Blackjack from the hand, in accordance with § 633a.12(b) (relating to Blackjack variations), in which the cards shall be changed at least every 4 hours.
(e) The value of the cards shall be as follows:
(1) Any card from 2 to 10 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.
§ 633a.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 § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If a double shoe is utilized, all decks that comprise one side of the dealing shoe shall be spread for inspection on the table separate from the decks that comprise the other side of the dealing shoe. After the player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards that comprise one side of the dealing shoe and the cards that comprise the other side of the dealing shoe shall be turned face downward on the table separately, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.
(e) If an automated shuffling device is utilized, other than a continuous shuffler, all the decks in one batch of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c) separate from the decks in the other batch of cards.
(f) 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)—(e) do not apply.
§ 633a.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 the backs facing away from the dealer, 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 betting area the cover card appeared during the last round of play.
(3) If the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(4) If the reshuffle was initiated at the direction of the floorperson or above, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. 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 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 the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, 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 recut either by the player who last cut the cards or by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (c). The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe, as provided in § 633a.7(e) (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 Blackjack 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 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 shall be:
(1) Mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section, if there is no automated shuffling device in use.
(2) Stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled, if an automated shuffling device is in use. The batch of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player requests otherwise, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler does not need to be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt, if the automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner.
(h) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (b)—(g) do not apply.
§ 633a.6. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Blackjack shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the Blackjack 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 § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards), a certificate holder may prohibit any patron, 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 round 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 § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), a Double Down Wager under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager) or a wager on split pairs under § 633a.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 to that wager.
(d) To participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's hand, a player shall place a Blackjack 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 Blackjack Wager in accordance with subsection (d) the option of placing the following additional wagers:
(1) A Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager that the player's initial two cards will have a total point count of 20.
(2) A Match-the-Dealer Wager that either of the player's initial two cards will match the rank of dealer's up card.
(3) An In Between Wager that the dealer's up card will either fall between or will be of the same rank as the player's initial two cards.
(4) A Royal Match 21 Wager that either of the player's initial two cards will be a Suited Match or a Royal Match.
(5) A Bet the Set 21 Wager that the player's initial two cards will be a pair or a suited pair.
(6) A King's Bounty Wager that the player's initial two cards will have a total point count of 20.
(7) If offering Blackjack Switch in accordance with § 633a.12(a) (relating to Blackjack variations), a Super Match Wager that the player's first four cards will be a pair, a three-of-a-kind, two pair or a four-of-a-kind.
(8) A Bad Beat Progressive Wager that the player's hand will have a total point count of 20 and the dealer will have Blackjack or a hand with a total point count of 21.
(9) A Three Card Poker Wager that the dealer's up card and the player's initial two cards will form a three-card Poker hand of a straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight or a flush. For purposes of the Three Card Poker Wager, the rank of the cards shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. An ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight with a 2 and 3 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example: king, ace and 2).
(10) A Hit and Run Progressive Wager that the dealer will have Blackjack or a hand containing five or more cards.
(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 Blackjack Wager in one round of play.
§ 633a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) Except as provided in § 633a.12(b) (relating to Blackjack variations), all cards shall be dealt from a dealing shoe which must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures under § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have 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 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 a double shoe is utilized, the following procedures shall be used in lieu of the procedures in subsection (c).
(1) Prior to commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall draw a determinate card from either side of the double shoe. The suit of that card shall determine from which side of the shoe that round of play will be dealt. The certificate holder shall designate that the suits of hearts and diamonds correspond to the color of the backs of the cards being dealt from one side of the shoe, and that the suits of spades and clubs correspond to the color of the backs of the cards being dealt from the other side of the shoe.
(2) A determinant card corresponding to the side of the shoe from which it was drawn shall become the player's first card. A determinant card that does not correspond to the side of the shoe from which it was dealt shall be placed in a segregated area of the dealing shoe.
(e) 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 will be completed. The dealer shall then collect and reshuffle the cards as follows:
(1) When a single dealing shoe is used, the dealer shall remove the cards remaining in the shoe and place them in the discard rack to ensure that no cards are missing.
(2) When a double shoe is used, the dealer shall remove the cards remaining in the side of the shoe from which the cover card was drawn and the cards, if any, that were put in a separate segregated area for the discards from that side of the double shoe, after which the dealer shall place those cards face down in the discard rack in order to ensure that no cards are missing.
(3) Shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed. If a double shoe is utilized, the shuffle of the cards shall be limited to the side of the shoe from which the cover card was drawn.
(f) At the commencement of each round of play, or immediately after the determinant card has been drawn and either removed or used as the player's first card, 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 Blackjack 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.
(g) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before any card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the player's optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:
(1) If a player placed a Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager and the player's initial two cards have a total point count of 20, the dealer shall pay the winning Twenty Point Bonus Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation). If the first card to the dealer is a 10, jack, queen, king or ace and the player has two queens of hearts, that player's Twenty Point Bonus Wager shall be settled after all other Twenty Point Bonus Wagers as follows:
(i) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid before any other cards are dealt.
(ii) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid when the player's Blackjack Wager is collected.
(2) If a player placed a Match-the-Dealer Wager and 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 § 633a.13(d). 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. Any card with a face value of 10 or a point value of 10 (a jack, queen or king) shall only match an identical card without regard to value.
(3) If a player placed an In Between Wager and the dealer's up card:
(i) Falls between the player's initial two cards, the player shall be paid according to the respective card spread. A one-card spread occurs when only one card falls between the player's initial two cards. For example, if a player is dealt a 7 and a 9, the player shall win with a one-card spread if the dealer's up card is an 8. The dealer shall pay the winning In Between Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(e).
(ii) And the player's initial two cards are all the same rank, the player has a Triple Match. The dealer shall pay the winning In Between Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(e).
(4) If a player placed a Royal Match 21 Wager and the player's initial two cards are a Suited Match or a Royal Match, the dealer shall pay the winning Royal Match 21 Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(f). If the player has a Royal Match and the dealer's up card is a king or a queen, that player's Royal Match 21 Wager shall be settled after the dealer's hole card is exposed but prior to settling the player's Blackjack Wager. If after exposing the hole card, the dealer also has a Royal Match, the player shall be paid a Crown Treasure Bonus, if offered by the certificate holder, in addition to the payout for the player's Royal Match.
(5) If a player placed a Bet the Set 21 Wager and the player's initial two cards are a pair of the same rank or a suited pair of the same rank, the dealer shall pay the winning Bet the Set 21 Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(g).
(6) If a player placed a King's Bounty Wager and the player's initial two cards have a total point count of 20, the dealer shall pay the winning King's Bounty Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(h). If the first card to the dealer is a 10, jack, queen, king or ace and the player has two kings of spades, that player's King's Bounty Wager shall be settled after all other King's Bounty Wagers as follows:
(i) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid before any other cards are dealt.
(ii) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid when the player's Blackjack Wager is collected.
(7) If a player placed a Super Match Wager at a Blackjack Switch table and the player's initial four cards are a pair, a three-of-a-kind, two pair or a four-of-a-kind, the dealer shall pay the winning Super Match Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(i).
(8) If a player placed a Three Card Poker Wager and the dealer's up card and the player's initial two cards form a three-card Poker hand of a straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight or a flush, the dealer shall pay the winning Three Card Poker Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(k).
(h) After settling the player's optional wagers in accordance with subsection (g), if the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer shall, after offering the Insurance Wager or even money in accordance with § 633a.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, additional cards may not be dealt and each player's Blackjack Wager and the Bad Beat, Hit and Run Progressive and Insurance Wagers, if applicable, shall be settled.
(i) After the procedures in subsection (h) have been completed, if necessary, the dealer shall start with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continue around the table in a clockwise direction and if the player:
(1) Has Blackjack and the dealer's up card:
(i) Is 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) Is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10 but the dealer's hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the dealer shall announce the player's Blackjack but may not make a payment nor remove any cards until all other cards are dealt to the players and the dealer reveals the hole card.
(2) Does not have Blackjack, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender, as permitted under § 633a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.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.
(k) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that:
(1) A player having Blackjack or a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.
(2) A player 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 hole 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 shall draw no 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) After all additional cards have been dealt to the players and the dealer, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the remaining optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:
(1) If a player placed a Bad Beat Progressive Wager:
(i) A player shall win if the player's hand has a total point count of 20 and the dealer has Blackjack or the total point count of the dealer's hand is 21. If selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a player may also win if the total point count of the player's hand is 20, irrespective of the total point count of the dealer's hand.
(ii) If a player has won the Bad Beat Progressive Wager or a Magic Card or Lucky Player Bonus, if offered by the certificate holder, the dealer shall:
(A) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(B) Have a floorperson or above verify any Bad Beat Progressive payout with odds of 100 for 1 or greater in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(C) Credit the player's game account for the winning Bad Beat Progressive Wager or the Magic Card or Lucky Player Bonus in accordance with § 633a.13(j). If more than one player at the table has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, each player shall share the maximum amount proportionally to the amount of the player's respective Bad Beat Progressive Wager.
(2) If a player placed a Hit and Run Progressive Wager:
(i) A player shall win if the dealer has Blackjack or the dealer's hand has five or more cards inclusive of any card which would give the dealer's hand a total point count of greater than 21. For example, if the dealer's hand has a total point count of 14 with five cards drawn and the dealer draws an additional card resulting in a total point count of 23, the dealer's sixth card shall also count toward the Hit and Run Progressive payout.
(ii) If a player has won the Hit and Run Progressive Wager, the dealer shall:
(A) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(B) Have a floorperson or above verify any Hit and Run Progressive payout with odds of 100 for 1 or greater in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2.
(C) Pay the player the winning Hit and Run Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(l). 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 the player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed. If more than one player at the table has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, each player shall share the maximum amount equally.
(p) A player shall win the Blackjack Wager and be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 633a.13(a) if:
(1) The total point count of the player's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21.
(2) The total point count of the player's hand exceeds the total point count of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.
(3) The player has a Blackjack and the dealer's hand has a total point count of 21 in more than two cards.
(q) A Blackjack Wager shall tie and be returned to the player if the total point count of the player's hand is the same as the dealer's. A player's Blackjack Wager shall be lost if the dealer has a Blackjack and the player's hand has a total point count of 21 in more than two cards.
(r) 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:
(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.
(s) 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.
(t) Except as provided in § 633a.12(b), players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Blackjack.
§ 633a.8. Insurance Wager.
(a) If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, each player may make an Insurance Wager which shall win if the dealer's hole card is a king, queen, jack or 10.
(b) An Insurance Wager may be made by placing a value chip on the insurance line of the layout in an amount not more than 1/2 of the player's initial Blackjack Wager. A player may wager an amount in excess of 1/2 of the initial Blackjack 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 Blackjack 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 § 633a.13(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
(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.
(e) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (a)—(d), a certificate holder may, if selected in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer a player who has Blackjack the option to be paid even money on the Blackjack Wager instead of making an Insurance Wager. If the player elects to be paid even money, the dealer shall pay out the Blackjack Wager at odds of 1 to 1 and remove the player's cards.
§ 633a.9. Surrender.
(a) After the first two cards are dealt to the player, the player may elect to discontinue play on his hand for that round by surrendering 1/2 his wager. All decisions to surrender shall be made prior to the player indicating whether he wishes to double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw. If the first card dealt to the dealer:
(1) Is not an ace or 10 value card, the dealer shall immediately collect 1/2 of the wager and return 1/2 to the player.
(2) Is an ace or 10 value card, the dealer will place the player's wager on top of the player's cards. When the dealer's second card is revealed, the hand will 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 § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).
§ 633a.10. Double Down Wager.
(a) Except when a player has a Blackjack, a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager, which may not exceed the amount of his original Blackjack 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.
(b) If a dealer obtains Blackjack after a player makes a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original Blackjack Wager of the player and may not collect the additional Double Down Wager.
(c) Upon a player's election to make a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall deal the one additional card face up or face down and place it sideways on the layout.
§ 633a.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 Blackjack Wager. For example, if a player has two 7s or a king and a 10, 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 each split pair hand, the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect that hand. A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission required 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 collect only the amount of the original wager of the player and may not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.
§ 633a.12. Blackjack variations.
(a) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer Blackjack Switch in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) A player shall make two equal Blackjack Wagers by placing value chips on the two designated betting areas prior to the first card being dealt.
(2) In addition to the two equal Blackjack Wagers, a player may make an additional Super Match Wager in accordance with § 633a.6(e)(7) (relating to wagers).
(3) Two hands shall then be dealt to each player in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 633a.7 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play).
(4) As each player's point total is announced, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to switch the second card of each hand dealt. A player may also double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.
(5) The round of play shall then be completed in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 633a.7. However, if the dealer's hand:
(i) Has a total point count of 21 in more than two cards and the player has Blackjack, the winning Blackjack Wager shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.
(ii) Is a Blackjack and the player's hand is a Blackjack, the Blackjack Wager shall tie and be returned to the player.
(iii) Is a Blackjack and the player has switched to a Blackjack, the player's hand shall have a total point count of 21 and the player's Blackjack Wager shall be lost.
(iv) Has a total point count of 21 or 22 and the player has switched to a Blackjack, the player's Blackjack Wager shall be returned to the player.
(v) Has a total point count of 22 and a player's hand has a total point count of 21 or less, the player's Blackjack Wager shall be returned to the player.
(b) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, deal Blackjack from the hand and allow the players to touch the cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) No more than two decks of cards shall be used in the game.
(2) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(3) After the procedures required under § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the deck or decks of cards on top of a cover card and then place the deck or decks of cards and the cover card in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand when 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.
(4) 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.
(5) Prior to commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. The dealer shall then, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, deal the cards as follows:
(i) One card face down to each box on the layout in which a Blackjack Wager is contained.
(ii) One card face up to the dealer.
(iii) A second card face down to each box in which a wager is contained.
(iv) A second card face down to the dealer.
(6) After two cards have been dealt face down to each player and the dealer, each player shall, with one hand, examine his cards. All players shall keep their cards in full view of the dealer at all times. Each player, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, shall then indicate whether he wishes to surrender as permitted under § 633a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 633a.10, split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11, stand or draw additional cards. If a player:
(i) Indicates that he wishes to surrender, double down or split a pair, the dealer shall turn over the player's two cards and complete the dealing procedures in accordance with § 633a.7.
(ii) Is dealt additional cards which cause the total point count to exceed 21, the player shall immediately discard his cards.
(7) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision.
(8) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn over the hole card and draw any additional cards in accordance with § 633a.7(m). The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.
(9) After all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn over each player's two cards and shall settle all remaining wagers in accordance with § 633a.7.
§ 633a.13. Payout odds; payout limitation.
(a) The certificate holder shall pay each winning Blackjack Wager at odds of 1 to 1 with the exception of Blackjack which shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Insurance Wagers at odds of 2 to 1.
(c) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack 1,000 to 1 Queen of hearts pair 200 to 1 Matched 20 25 to 1 Suited 20 10 to 1 Any 20 4 to 1 (d) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Match-the-Dealer Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
(1) If six decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of the same suit 11 to 1 Each matching card of a different suit 4 to 1 (2) If eight decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of the same suit 14 to 1 Each matching card of a different suit 3 to 1 (e) The certificate holder shall pay out winning In Between Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Triple Match 30 to 1 One-card spread 10 to 1 Two-card spread 6 to 1 Three-card spread 4 to 1 All others 1 to 1 (f) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Royal Match 21 Wagers and the Crown Treasure Bonus 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):
(1) If a single deck of cards is being used:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Royal Match 10 to 1 5 to 1 Suited Match 3 to 1 3 to 1 Crown Treasure 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 (2) If multiple decks of cards are being used:
Hand Paytable C Paytable D Paytable E Royal Match 30 to 1 25 to 1 50 to 1 Suited Match 2.5 to 1 2.5 to 1 2 to 1 Crown Treasure 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 (g) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bet the Set 21 Wagers at the odds in one of the following pay tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
(1) If a single deck is being used:
Hand Paytable A Pairs 15 to 1 (2) If two decks are being used:
Hand Paytable B Suited Pairs 25 to 1 Pairs 10 to 1 (3) If four or more decks are being used:
Hand Paytable C Paytable D Suited Pairs 15 to 1 12 to 1 Pairs 10 to 1 10 to 1 (h) The certificate holder shall pay out winning King's Bounty Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout King of spades pair and dealer Blackjack 1,000 to 1 King of spades pair 200 to 1 Suited kings pair 50 to 1 Suited queens, jacks or 10s pair 25 to 1 Suited 20 9 to 1 Pair of kings 6 to 1 Any 20 4 to 1 (i) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Super Match Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
(1) If six decks are being used:
Hand Payout Four-of-a-kind 40 to 1 Two pair 8 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 (2) If eight decks are being used:
Hand Payout Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 Two pair 7 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 (j) If a certificate holder offers the Bad Beat Progressive Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bad Beat Progressive Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Player has a 20 and dealer has: 21 with seven or more cards 100% of meter 21 with six cards 1,000 for 1 21 with five cards 100 for 1 21 with four cards 50 for 1 21 with three cards 25 for 1 Blackjack 10 for 1 Player has a 20 (optional) 1 for 1 Magic Card Bonus (optional) 20 for 1 Lucky Player Bonus (optional) 5 for 1 (2) The rate of progression for the meter used for the Bad Beat Progressive Wager must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amounts must also be in the Rules Submission and at least $5,000.
(k) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Three Card Poker Wagers at odds of 9 to 1.
(l) If the certificate holder offers the Hit and Run Progressive Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Hit and Run Progressive Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Dealer has: Eight or more cards 100% of meter Seven cards 100 for 1 Six cards 25 for 1 Five cards 7 for 1 Blackjack 4 for 1 (2) The rate of progression for the meter used for the Hit and Run Progressive Wager must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amounts must also be in the Rules Submission and at least $1,000.
(m) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (b) and (g), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player with a queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack that is payable to all winning hands in the aggregate on a single round of play. The maximum payout amount shall be at least $25,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the maximum possible wager, whichever is greater. If a certificate holder establishes a maximum payout, and more than one player at a table has a winning hand of queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack, each player shall share the maximum payout amount proportionately to the amount of the player's respective wager. Any maximum payout limit established by the certificate holder shall apply only to payouts of Royal Match 21 Wagers and King's Bounty Wagers.
§ 633a.14. 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 or in a segregated area of the double shoe.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe.
(c) 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.
(d) If the dealer has 17 and accidentally draws a card for himself, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(e) 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.
(f) If there are insufficient cards remaining in the shoe to complete a round of play, all of the cards in the discard rack or in a segregated area of the double shoe shall be shuffled and cut according to the procedures in § 633a.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.
(g) If no cards are dealt to a player's hand, the hand is dead and the player shall be included in the next deal. If only one card is dealt to a 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.
(h) If a double shoe is used, any round of play drawn from the incorrect side of a double shoe shall be treated as if it were drawn from the correct side of the shoe and concluded.
(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 Blackjack 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, jack or 10, the dealer, after notification to a floorperson or above, shall:
(1) If the particular card reader device in use 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) If the particular card reader device in use 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 Blackjack 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 shuffling device malfunctions and cannot be used, the device must be covered or have a sign indicating that it is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling may be utilized at that table.
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