PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 555, 563, 639a AND 647a ]
Table Game Rules for Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker 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 555 and 563 and adds Chapters 639a and 647a (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker; and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Final-Form Rulemaking
With this final-form rulemaking, the Board is replacing the temporary regulations in Chapter 555 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 639a and the temporary regulations in Chapter 563 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 647a.
Explanation of Chapter 639a
Chapter 639a contains the rules governing the play of Caribbean Stud Poker. Section 639a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 639a.2 (relating to Caribbean Stud 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 Caribbean Stud Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Explanation of Chapter 647a
Chapter 647a contains the rules governing the play of Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker. Section 647a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 647a.2 (relating to Texas Hold 'Em Bonus 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 Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on public comments received on the temporary rulemaking, the dealing procedure in § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe has been updated to accommodate the use of an automated dealing shoe that automatically reshuffles the cards.
Comment and Response Summary
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 41 Pa.B. 3975 (July 23, 2011). On September 21, 2011, the Board received comments from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) on the proposed rulemaking. There were no other commentators on this final-form rulemaking.
General comments
IRRC commented that several of the sections in Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker 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, didn't specify how that approval was to be obtained. IRRC suggested adding the submission and 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.
House edge
IRRC requested more information regarding the house edge for Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker and asked that the Board compare it to other gaming jurisdictions.
Only one facility in this Commonwealth currently offers Caribbean Stud Poker. The basic house edge for the game is approximately 5.22%. The house edge for New Jersey from July to November 2011 ranged from -17.4% to 39.5%.
The house edge for Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker in this Commonwealth from July to November 2011 was between 12.63% and 38.72%. For the same time period, the house edge for New Jersey was between 12.3% and 52.0%.
Hand deal
Sections 639a.9(a)(1) and 647a.9(a)(1) (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from the hand) require 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. This 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. If a dealer is dealing the cards from the hand and the shuffling device becomes inoperable, the dealer is not required to stop the games but can continue to deal provided that a dealing shoe is then used in accordance with § 639a.8, § 639a.10, § 647a.8 or § 647a.10.
Removal of cards
Section 639a.11(d) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play) states that after wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the table. IRRC inquired whether the integrity of gaming would be compromised by leaving the cards on the table until wagers are settled.
The language in this section is a catch all provision in the rulemakings regarding table games. The cards associated with forfeited wagers are immediately collected under § 639a.11(c). Additionally, operators typically collect the cards after each player's winning wagers have been settled provided that the cards of a player who has won 100% of the progressive meter must remain on the layout until the paperwork is completed. Subsection (d) is intended to ensure that cards that remain on the table are collected and placed in the discard rack. Subsection (d) was not intended to require that the cards remain until every player's wagers have been settled. Language was added clarifying that after wagers ''of the player'' have been settled, the cards shall be collected. The same language was added to Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker in § 647a.11(i) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
Additional Revisions
In §§ 637a.1 and 647a.1, the definition of ''round of play'' was deleted from the final-form rulemaking. This definition is in § 601a.1 (relating to definitions), which contains the definitions applicable to Subpart K (relating to table games). The remaining revisions were made for clarity or consistency with other chapters on table game rules of play.
Affected Parties
Certificate holders that elect to offer the games of Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker will 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 final-form rulemaking. These reviews will be conducted by existing BGO and BCC staff. The Board does not project that it will incur significant cost increases as a result of this final-form rulemaking.
Political subdivisions. The 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 Caribbean Stud Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus 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. The 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 available on the Board's web site.
Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on July 7, 2011, the Board submitted a copy of the proposed rulemaking, published at 41 Pa.B. 3975, 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 May 16, 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 May 17, 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 (relating to gaming).
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 §§ 555.1—555.14 and 563.1—563.13 and by adding §§ 639.1—639.13 and 647.1—647.13 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. 3182 (June 2, 2012).)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 125-154 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 555. (Reserved)
Sec. 555.1—555.14. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 563. (Reserved)
Sec. 563.1—563.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 639a. CARIBBEAN STUD POKER Sec.
639a.1. Definitions. 639a.2. Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics. 639a.3. Cards; number of decks. 639a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 639a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 639a.6. Caribbean Stud Poker rankings. 639a.7. Wagers. 639a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 639a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand. 639a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 639a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play. 639a.12. Payout odds; rate of progression. 639a.13. Irregularities. § 639a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Bet Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Bet Wager.
Hand—The five-card hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Hole card—Any of the four cards dealt face down to the dealer.
Progressive Payout Hand—The term means either of the following:
(i) A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better.
(ii) If included in the paytable selected by the certificate holder, a two pair or better as defined in § 639a.6(b) (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker rankings).
§ 639a.2. Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Caribbean Stud Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than seven players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for a Caribbean Stud Poker 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) Two separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante and Bet Wagers for each player.
(3) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(2) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(4) If the certificate holder offers the optional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager for each player.
(5) 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 Caribbean Stud Poker table.
(6) An inscription indicating that the Bet Wager will be returned if the dealer has less than an ace/king. If the information is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Caribbean Stud Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 639a.7(d)(2), the Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance 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.
(e) Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 639a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Caribbean Stud Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Caribbean Stud Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Caribbean Stud Poker shall be changed at least every:
(1) Four hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) Eight hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 639a.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 § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.
§ 639a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack. The certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 639a.8, § 639a.9 or § 639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with subsection (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Caribbean Stud Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be 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, the procedures in § 639a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(g) 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 (d)—(f) do not apply.
§ 639a.6. Caribbean Stud Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Caribbean Stud Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5, but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example, queen, king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible five-card Poker hands at the game of Caribbean Stud Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand, other than a royal flush, consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and a 5, 4, 3, 2 and ace being the lowest ranking straight flush.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of 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, not in consecutive order, with an ace, king, queen, jack, 9 being the highest ranking flush and a 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 being the lowest ranking flush.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and a 5, 4, 3, 2 and ace being the lowest ranking straight.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(8) Two pair, which is a hand containing two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(9) A pair, which is a hand containing two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two hands that are of identical Poker hand rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of identical rank after the application of this subsection, the hands shall be considered a tie.
§ 639a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Caribbean Stud Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at the Caribbean Stud Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Bet Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 639a.8, § 639a.9 or § 639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 639a.11(b) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Caribbean Stud Poker:
(1) A player shall compete against the dealer's five-card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager, then a Bet Wager, in accordance with § 639a.11(b).
(2) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(3) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager that the player's cards will form a five-card Poker hand with a rank of a pair of 10s or better. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets.''
(e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at a Caribbean Stud Poker table.
§ 639a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures required under § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by the automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing the cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(c) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is the closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal the cards as follows:
(1) One card face down to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 639a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers).
(2) One card face up to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand.
(3) A second card face down to each player directly on top of that player's first card.
(4) A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand to the right of the dealer's first card.
(5) A third, fourth and fifth card, in succession, face down to each player and the dealer directly on top of the preceding card.
(e) After five cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or the dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 639a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall, 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 down to each player who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 639a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers).
(2) One card face up to an area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand.
(3) A second card face down to each player directly on top of that player's first card.
(4) A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand to the right of the dealer's first card.
(5) A third, fourth and fifth card, in succession, face down to each player and the dealer directly on top of the preceding card.
(c) After five cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or the dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 639a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 639a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the other players who has placed an Ante Wager. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of five cards face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's cards and spread the cards face down on the layout so the top card of the stack is to the dealer's right and the bottom card is to the dealer's left. The dealer shall turn the bottom card of the stack (the card on the dealer's far left) face up on the area designated for the placement of the dealer's cards.
(c) After each stack of five cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the stub from the automated dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the cards in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 639a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 639a.8, § 639a.9 or § 639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Caribbean Stud Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep the five cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(3) After each player has made a decision regarding the Bet Wager as required under subsection (b), the player's cards shall be placed face down on the appropriate area of the layout and the player may not touch the cards again.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to make a Bet Wager in an amount equal to two times the amount of the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player has placed an Ante Wager and a Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager or Progressive Payout Wager but does not make a Bet Wager, the player shall forfeit all wagers.
(c) After each player who has placed an Ante Wager has either placed a Bet Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's four hole cards and place the cards so as to form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand. After the dealer's cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the five cards of each player face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand for each player.
(3) If the dealer's highest ranking five-card Poker hand:
(i) Is lower than an ace-king, the dealer shall return each player's Bet Wager and pay out the player's Ante Wager made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(a) and (b) (relating to payout odds; rate of progression).
(ii) Is an ace-king or better, and the player's highest ranking five-card Poker hand:
(A) Is ranked lower than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.
(B) Is ranked higher than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(a) and (b).
(C) Is equal in rank to the dealer's five-card hand, the dealer shall return the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.
(4) The dealer shall settle any Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager made by the player by determining whether the player's five-card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 639a.12(c). A winning Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(5) After settling a player's Ante, Bet and Caribbean Stud Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(iii) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(iv) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(d). If a player has won a progressive payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player shall remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(d) After all wagers of the player 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.
§ 639a.12. Payout odds; rate of progression.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A certificate holder shall pay winning Bet Wagers in accordance with the following odds:
Hand Paytable Royal flush 100 to 1 Straight flush 50 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 20 to 1 Full house 7 to 1 Flush 5 to 1 Straight 4 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 Two pair 2 to 1 A pair or less 1 to 1 (c) If a certificate holder offers the Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager, the certificate holder shall pay each winning Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Royal flush 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 Straight flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 200 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 100 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1 Full house 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 Flush 40 to 1 40 to 1 40 to 1 Straight 25 to 1 25 to 1 20 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 7 to 1 6 to 1 6 to 1 Two pair 3 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1 A pair of 10s or better 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 (d) If a certificate holder offers the Progressive Payout Wager:
(1) A player placing a Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Royal flush 100% of meter 100% of meter 100% of meter Straight flush 5,000 for 1 10% of meter 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 500 for 1 200 for 1 Full house 100 for 1 100 for 1 50 for 1 Flush 50 for 1 50 for 1 40 for 1 Straight 10 for 1 10 for 1 30 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 for 1 3 for 1 9 for 1 Two pair 2 for 1 2 for 1 N/A (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed.
(3) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and may not be less than $10,000.
(4) Winning Progressive Payout Hands shall be paid in accordance with the amount on the meter when it is the player's turn to be paid in accordance with § 639a.11(c)(5) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
§ 639a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.
(c) If any player or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If any of the dealer's hole cards are inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Bet Wager as provided under § 639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(g) If an automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe shall be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
CHAPTER 647a. TEXAS HOLD 'EM BONUS POKER Sec.
647a.1. Definitions. 647a.2. Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics. 647a.3. Cards; number of decks. 647a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 647a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 647a.6. Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker rankings. 647a.7. Wagers. 647a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 647a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand. 647a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 647a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play. 647a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation. 647a.13. Irregularities. § 647a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Burn—To remove the top or next card from the deck and place it face down in the discard rack without exposing the card to anyone.
Community card—A card which may be used by each player and the dealer to form the best possible five-card Poker hand.
Flop—The first three community cards dealt during a round of play.
Flop Wager—The second wager that a player shall make prior to the Flop being dealt to continue participation in the round of play.
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Flop Wager.
Hand—The five-card Poker hand formed from the two cards of the player or the dealer and any of the five community cards.
River card—The fifth and final community card dealt during a round of play.
River Wager—The fourth wager that a player may place prior to the River card being dealt.
Turn card—The fourth community card dealt during a round of play.
Turn Wager—The third wager that a player may place prior to the Turn card being dealt.
§ 647a.2. Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than six 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 Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker 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) Four separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers for each player.
(3) A separate area designated for the placement of the five community cards located directly in front of the table inventory container.
(4) A separate area designated for the placement of the dealer's two cards.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(2) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table.
(7) Inscriptions indicating the following:
(i) The Ante Wager will be returned if the player's winning hand is not a straight or better or a flush or better as specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).
(ii) The payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 647a.12(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating that the game is subject to the posted payout limit.
(8) If the information required under paragraph (7) is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table.
(c) Each Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance 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.
(d) Each Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 647a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker shall be changed:
(1) At least every 4 hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) At least every 8 hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 647a.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 out 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 § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.
§ 647a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack. The certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with subsection (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be 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, the procedures in § 647a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(g) 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 (d)—(f) do not apply.
§ 647a.6. Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example queen, king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible five-card Poker hands at the game of Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand, other than a royal flush, consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest straight flush.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of 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, not in consecutive order, with ace, king, queen, jack and 9 being the highest ranking flush and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 being the lowest ranking flush.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(8) Two pair, which is a hand consisting of two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(9) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of identical rank after the application of this subsection, the hands shall be considered a tie.
§ 647a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at the Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table may place a wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All Ante and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 647a.11(b), (d) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker:
(1) A player shall compete against the dealer's five-card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager then a Flop, Turn and River Wager in accordance with § 647a.11(b), (d) and (f).
(2) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table the option to make an additional Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager that the player's first two cards will qualify for a payout in accordance with § 647a.12(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation). A Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager shall have no bearing on any other wager made by the player.
(e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table.
§ 647a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location as 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 required under § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe either by the dealer or by the automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing the cards and after all Ante and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wagers have been placed, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets.''
(c) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is the closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time, face down, to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer, under a cover card, until each player who placed an Ante Wager and the dealer have two cards.
(e) After two cards have been dealt to each player and to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand, the dealer shall deal the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (g) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 647a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(b) The dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and then deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout. The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer, under a cover card, until each player who placed an Ante Wager and the dealer have two cards.
(c) After two cards have been dealt to each player and to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's hand, the dealer shall deal the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 647a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets.''
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of two cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack of two cards face down to each of the other players who has placed an Ante Wager. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of two cards face down under a cover card to the area designated for the dealer's cards.
(c) After each stack of two cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the automated dealing shoe and, following the procedures in § 647a.9(a)(2) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand), deal from his hand the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all five community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(g) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsections (b) and (c), if a certificate holder is utilizing an automated dealing shoe which automatically reshuffles the cards, the five community cards may be dispensed before the two cards are dispensed to each player and to the dealer. The community cards shall then be revealed in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f).
§ 647a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep his cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to place a Flop Wager prior to the dealing of the Flop. The player may either fold or place a Flop Wager equal to twice the amount of the player's Ante Wager. If a player:
(1) Places a Flop Wager, the wager shall be placed in the area designated for the Flop Wager.
(2) Folds, the player's Ante Wager shall be collected by the dealer and placed in the table inventory container. If the player:
(i) Has also placed a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player face down underneath the Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager pending its resolution at the conclusion of the round of play.
(ii) Has not placed a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager, the dealer shall immediately collect the player's cards and place them in the discard rack.
(c) After each player has either placed a Flop Wager or folded, the dealer shall burn the next card. The dealer shall then deal the Flop face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(d) After the Flop has been dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed a Flop Wager and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who has placed a Flop Wager if he wishes to place a Turn Wager prior to the dealing of the Turn card. The player may either check and remain in the game or place a Turn Wager in an amount equal to the player's Ante Wager.
(e) Once all remaining players have either placed a Turn Wager or checked, the dealer shall burn the next card. The dealer shall then deal the Turn card face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(f) After the Flop and Turn cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed a Flop Wager and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to place a River Wager prior to the dealing of the River card. The player may either check and remain in the game or place a River Wager in an amount equal to the player's Ante Wager.
(g) Once all remaining players have either placed a River Wager or checked, the dealer shall burn the next card face down. The dealer shall then deal the River card face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(h) After the five community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall remove the cover card on top of the dealer's cards and turn his two cards face up on the layout. The dealer shall then select five cards using the dealer's two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. After the dealer's cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right who has placed a Flop Wager and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the two cards of each player who has placed a Flop Wager face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and select the five cards using the player's two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. The wagers of each player shall be resolved one player at a time regardless of outcome. If a player's five card Poker hand:
(i) Is ranked lower than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers made by the player.
(ii) Is ranked higher than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12 (relating to payout odds; payout limitation). The player's Ante Wager will be returned if the player's winning hand is not a straight or higher or a flush or higher as specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).
(iii) Is equal in rank to the dealer's five-card hand, the dealer shall return the player's Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers.
(3) After settling a player's Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager made by the player by determining whether the player's two cards qualify for a payout in accordance with § 647a.12(b).
(i) After all wagers of the player 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.
§ 647a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Ace-ace (dealer and player) 1,000 to 1 N/A Ace-ace 30 to 1 30 to 1 Ace-king (same suit) 25 to 1 25 to 1 Ace-queen or ace-jack (same suit) 20 to 1 20 to 1 Ace-king (different suits) 15 to 1 15 to 1 King-king, queen-queen or jack-jack 10 to 1 10 to 1 Ace-queen or ace-jack (different suits) 5 to 1 5 to 1 A pair of 10-10 through 2-2 3 to 1 3 to 1 (c) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (a) and (b), the maximum aggregate payout limit on all winning Ante, Flop, Turn, River and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wagers for any hand shall be $50,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the minimum wager, whichever is greater.
§ 647a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the cards are found face up after each player and the dealer have received their initial two cards, any Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.
(c) If any player, the dealer or the area designated for the placement of the community cards is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If either of the cards dealt to the dealer in Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker is inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Flop, Turn or River Wager as provided for under § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void and all Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled. Notwithstanding the forgoing, if a player has placed a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Wager, the wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12(b).
(e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(g) If an automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe must be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-1289. Filed for public inspection July 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
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