[42 Pa.B. 4333]
[Saturday, July 7, 2012]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
CHAPTER 649a. THREE CARD POKER Sec.
649a.1. Definitions. 649a.2. Three Card Poker table physical characteristics. 649a.3. Cards; number of decks. 649a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 649a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 649a.6. Three Card Poker rankings. 649a.7. Wagers. 649a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 649a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand. 649a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 649a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 649a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression. 649a.13. Irregularities. § 649a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Three Card Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's Three Card Poker hand of an ace, king and queen of the same suit.
Hand—The Three Card Poker hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Pair Plus Wager—The wager that a player is required to make prior to any cards being dealt to compete against a posted paytable, regardless of the outcome of the player's hand against the dealer's hand.
Play Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Progressive Payout Hand—A player's Three Card Poker hand with a rank of a three-of-a-kind or better, as defined in § 649a.6 (relating to Three Card Poker rankings), or a straight or better depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder.
§ 649a.2. Three Card Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Three Card Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than seven players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for a Three Card Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations 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) Three separate betting areas designed for the placement of Ante, Play and Pair Plus Wagers for each player.
(3) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 649a.7(d)(4) (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 Six Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 649a.7(d)(5), a separate area designated for the placement of the Six Card 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 and the phrase ''Dealer Plays with Queen High or Better.'' If payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign indicating the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Three Card Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 649a.7(d)(4), the Three Card Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) Each Three Card Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance 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 Three Card Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 649a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Three Card Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Three Card Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks are continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck are placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Three Card 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.
§ 649a.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 § 649a.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.
§ 649a.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 § 649a.8, § 649a.9 or § 649a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Three Card Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 649a.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.
§ 649a.6. Three Card Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Three Card Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight with a 2 and 3 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example, king, ace and 2). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible Poker hands in the game of Three Card Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with an ace, king and queen being the highest ranking straight flush and an ace, 2 and 3 being the lowest ranking straight flush.
(2) 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.
(3) A straight, which is a hand consisting of three cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with an ace, king and queen being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2 and 3 being the lowest ranking straight.
(4) A flush, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same suit, regardless of rank.
(5) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two Poker hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of equal rank after the application of this section, the hands shall be considered a tie.
(d) If a certificate holder offers the optional Six Card Bonus Wager under § 649a.7(d)(5) (relating to wagers), the five-card Poker hands eligible for a payout are:
(1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of three-of-a-kind and a pair.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
(8) A Super Royal, if the certificate holder selects paytable E in § 649a.12(f) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression), which is a six-card Poker hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 of the same suit.
§ 649a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Three Card 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 a Three Card Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Play Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 649a.8, § 649a.9 or § 649a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 649a.11(b) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Three Card Poker:
(1) A player may compete solely against the dealer's Three Card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager then a Play Wager, in accordance with § 649a.11(b), in an amount equal to the player's Ante Wager.
(2) A player may compete solely against a posted paytable by placing a Pair Plus Wager.
(3) A player may compete against both the dealer's Three Card Poker hand and the posted paytable by placing an Ante Wager and a Pair Plus Wager in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2).
(4) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Three Card Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager or a Pair Plus Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(5) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Three Card Poker table the option to make an additional Six Card Bonus Wager that the three cards dealt to the dealer and the three cards dealt to the player will form a five-card Poker hand with a rank of a three-of-a-kind or better. If the certificate holder has selected paytable E in § 649a.12(f) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression), the three cards dealt to the dealer and the three cards dealt to the player shall be used to form a six-card Poker hand for purposes of the Super Royal payout. After placing an Ante Wager or a Pair Plus Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Six Card Bonus Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets.''
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1)—(3), a certificate holder may offer a version of Three Card Poker requiring:
(1) As a precondition to the placement of a Pair Plus Wager, the placement of an Ante Wager in an amount equal to or greater than the Pair Plus Wager.
(2) As a precondition to the placement of a Pair Plus Wager, the placement of an Ante Wager in an amount equal to at least 1/2 the Pair Plus Wager.
(3) The compulsory placement of an Ante Wager and a Pair Plus Wager, provided that one wager may be placed in an amount up to a maximum of five times the amount of the other wager without regard to which wager is the greater of the two.
(f) A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play.
§ 649a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures required under § 649a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(c) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who has placed a wager in accordance with § 649a.7 (relating to wagers) and to the dealer until each player who placed a wager and the dealer have three cards. All cards shall be dealt face down.
(e) After three 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 3 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.
§ 649a.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 § 649a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout. The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who has placed a wager in accordance with § 649a.7 (relating to wagers) and to the dealer until each player who placed a wager and the dealer have three cards. All cards shall be dealt face down.
(c) After three cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or the dealer has more or less than 3 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.
§ 649a.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 § 649a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed a wager in accordance with § 649a.7 (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the other players who has placed a wager in accordance with § 649a.7. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of three cards face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer's cards.
(c) After each stack of three 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 is 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 3 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.
§ 649a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 649a.8, § 649a.9 or § 649a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Three Card Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep his three cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who placed an Ante Wager if he wishes to make a Play Wager in an amount equal to the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player:
(1) Has placed an Ante Wager and a Pair Plus Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Pair Plus Wager.
(2) Has placed an Ante Wager and a Progressive Payout Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Progressive Payout Wager but may not forfeit the eligibility to receive an Envy Bonus under § 649a.12(e) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression).
(3) Has placed an Ante Wager, a Pair Plus Wager and a Six Card Bonus Wager, but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Pair Plus Wager but does not forfeit the Six Card Bonus Wager.
(c) After each player who has placed an Ante Wager has either placed a Play Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his Ante Wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards, except for the cards of those players who placed a Six Card Bonus Wager, and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's cards and place the cards so as to form the highest possible ranking Three 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 three 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 Three Card Poker hand for each player.
(3) If the dealer's highest ranking Three Card Poker hand:
(i) Is lower than a queen high, the dealer shall pay each player's Ante Wager and return the player's Play Wager.
(ii) Is a queen high or better, and the player's highest ranking Three Card Poker hand is ranked:
(A) Lower than the dealer's Three Card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Play Wagers made by the player.
(B) Higher than the dealer's Three Card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Play Wagers and any Ante Bonus in accordance with the payout odds in § 649a.12(a) and (b).
(C) Equally with the dealer's Three Card Poker hand, the dealer shall return the player's Ante and Play Wagers.
(4) After settling the player's Ante and Play Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Pair Plus Wagers by determining whether the player's Three Card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 649a.12(d). A winning Pair Plus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's Three Card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(5) The dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(iii) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(iv) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 649a.12(e). If a player has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(v) Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with § 649a.12(e). Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Three Card Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.
(6) The dealer shall then settle the Six Card Bonus Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Six Card Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of the outcome of the player's Ante Wager or Pair Plus Wager. The dealer shall arrange the dealer's three cards and the player's three cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand for each player. If a player has a three-of-a-kind or better, as described in § 649a.6(d) (relating to Three Card Poker rankings), the dealer shall pay the winning Six Card Bonus Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 649a.12(f). If the certificate holder has selected paytable E in § 649a.12(f), the three cards dealt to the dealer and the three cards dealt to the player shall be used to form a six-card Poker hand for purposes of the Super Royal payout.
(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.
§ 649a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante Wager and Play Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A player placing an Ante Wager and a Play Wager shall be paid a bonus on the Ante Wager, at the odds in 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), regardless of whether the player's Three Card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Straight flush 5 to 1 5 to 1 4 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 4 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1 Straight 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 (c) If a certificate holder offers the version of Three Card Poker as described in § 649a.7(e) (relating to wagers), a player placing an Ante Wager and Play Wager shall be paid an Ante 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:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Ace, king, queen of spades 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 Ace, king, queen of hearts, diamonds or clubs 5 to 1 50 to 1 10 to 1 Straight flush 4 to 1 8 to 1 6 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 6 to 1 3 to 1 Straight 1 to 1 (d) A player placing a Pair Plus Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Straight flush 35 to 1 40 to 1 40 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 25 to 1 30 to 1 30 to 1 Straight 6 to 1 5 to 1 6 to 1 Flush 4 to 1 4 to 1 3 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1
Hand Paytable D Paytable E Straight flush 40 to 1 40 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 30 to 1 25 to 1 Straight 6 to 1 6 to 1 Flush 4 to 1 4 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 1 to 1 (e) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager:
(1) A player placing a Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Ace, king and queen of spades 100% of meter 100% of meter Ace, king and queen of hearts, diamonds or clubs 500 for 1 500 for 1 Straight flush 70 for 1 100 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 60 for 1 90 for 1 Straight 6 for 1 N/A (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking Three Card Poker hand formed.
(3) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payouts in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 and must be at least 14% for Paytable A and 20% for Paytable B. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and must be at least $1,000.
(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 § 649a.11(c) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
(5) Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to the following payouts for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:
$1 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Ace, king and queen of spades $100 Ace, king and queen of hearts, diamonds or clubs $25 $5 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Ace, king and queen of spades $500 Ace, king and queen of hearts, diamonds or clubs $125 (f) If a certificate holder offers the Six Card Bonus Wager, the certificate holder shall pay out winning Six Card Bonus Wagers at the amounts in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
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 50 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1 Full house 25 to 1 20 to 1 20 to 1 Flush 20 to 1 15 to 1 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 9 to 1 10 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 8 to 1 7 to 1
Hand Paytable D Paytable E Super Royal of diamonds $1,000,000 Super Royal of hearts, spades or clubs $100,000 Royal flush 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 Straight flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 50 to 1 Full house 25 to 1 20 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 10 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 5 to 1 § 649a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.
(c) If a player or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If one or more of the dealer's cards is inadvertently exposed prior to the dealer revealing his cards in accordance with § 649a.11(c) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal all cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(g) If an automated 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.
CHAPTER 653a. ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD 'EM POKER Sec.
653a.1. Definitions. 653a.2. Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table physical characteristics. 653a.3. Cards; number of decks. 653a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 653a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 653a.6. Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker rankings. 653a.7. Wagers. 653a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 653a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand. 653a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 653a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 653a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation. 653a.13. Irregularities. § 653a.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.
Check—Waiving the right to place a Play Wager but remaining in the round of play.
Community card—A card which may be used by all players and the dealer to form the best possible five-card Poker hand.
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better as defined in § 653a.6(b) (relating to Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker rankings).
Flop—The first three community cards dealt during a round of play.
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Play 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.
Play Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Progressive Payout Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 653a.6(b).
Trips Wager—The wager that a player is required to make prior to any cards being dealt to compete against a posted paytable, regardless of the outcome of the player's hand against the dealer's hand.
§ 653a.2. Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker shall be played on 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 an Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations 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, Blind, Play and Trips Wagers for each player. The Blind Wager betting area must be located to the right of the Ante Wager betting area and separated by an ''='' symbol.
(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 a certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 653a.7(d)(3) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table.
(7) Inscriptions indicating the following:
(i) An Ante Wager will push if the dealer has less than a pair.
(ii) A Blind Wager will push if the player's winning hand is not a straight or better or a flush or better, depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder.
(iii) The rules governing the required amount of a Play Wager as a multiple of the player's Ante Wager.
(iv) The payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 653a.12(e) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; 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 Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 653a.7(d)(3), the Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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 Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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 Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 653a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks are continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck are placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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.
§ 653a.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 § 653a.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.
§ 653a.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 or deliver the cards in accordance with § 653a.8, § 653a.9 or § 653a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure 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 an Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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 § 653a.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.
§ 653a.6. Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example, queen, king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible five-card Poker hands at the game of Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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 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 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 pairs, which is a hand consisting of two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(9) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two Poker hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of identical rank after the application of this subsection, the hands shall be considered a tie.
§ 653a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at an Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Play Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 653a.8, § 653a.9 or § 653a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 653a.11(b), (d) or (f) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker:
(1) A player shall compete against the dealer's five-card Poker hand by placing both an Ante Wager and a Blind Wager in equal amounts, then a Play Wager, in accordance with § 653a.11(b), (d) or (f).
(2) In addition to the Ante Wager and Blind Wager, a player may compete against a posted paytable by placing a Trips Wager.
(3) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at an Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing the Ante and Blind Wagers, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at an Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table.
§ 653a.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 § 653a.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 one card at a time to each player who placed the required wagers in accordance with § 653a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer, under a cover card, until each player who placed the required wagers, 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 § 653a.11 (relating to procedures 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.
§ 653a.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 § 653a.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 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 the required wagers in accordance with § 653a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer, under a cover card, until each player who placed the required wagers, 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 § 653a.11 (relating to procedures 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.
§ 653a.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 § 653a.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 the required wagers in accordance with § 653a.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 a required wager in accordance with § 653a.7(d)(1). The dealer shall then deliver a stack of two cards face down under a cover card to the area designated for the placement of 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 § 653a.9(a)(2) and (b) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand), deal from his hand the five community cards in accordance with § 653a.11 (relating to procedures 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 § 653a.11.
§ 653a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 653a.8, § 653a.9 or § 653a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual shoe; procedure 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 Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em 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 Play Wager prior to the dealing of the Flop. The player may either check or place a Play Wager in an amount equal to three or four times the amount of the player's Ante Wager. If a player:
(1) Places a Play Wager, the wager shall be placed in the area designated for the Play Wager.
(2) Checks, the player shall remain in the game and defer his decision to place a Play Wager until after the Flop is dealt.
(c) Once all players have either placed a Play Wager or checked, 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 and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who has not already placed a Play Wager if he wishes to place a Play Wager prior to the dealing of the final two community cards. The player may either check or place a Play Wager in an amount equal to two times the amount of the player's Ante Wager. If a player:
(1) Places a Play Wager, the wager shall be placed in the area designated for the Play Wager.
(2) Checks, the player shall remain in the game and defer his decision to place a Play Wager until after the next two community cards are dealt.
(e) Once all players have either placed a Play Wager or checked, the dealer shall burn the next card. The dealer shall then deal the next two cards in the deck face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(f) After the final two community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who has not already placed a Play Wager whether he wishes to fold or place a Play Wager equal in amount to the player's Ante Wager. If a player:
(1) Places a Play Wager, the wager shall be placed in the area designated for the Play Wager.
(2) Folds, the Ante and Blind Wagers of the player shall be collected by the dealer and placed in the table inventory container. If the player:
(i) Has also placed a Trips Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player face down underneath the player's Trips Wager pending its resolution at the conclusion of the round of play.
(ii) Has not placed a Trips Wager, the dealer shall immediately collect the player's cards and place them in the discard rack.
(g) After each player has either folded or placed a Play Wager, the dealer shall remove the cover card and turn his two cards face up on the layout. The dealer shall then select five cards from the dealer's two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand and announce the dealer's hand to the players.
(h) If the dealer's highest ranking five-card Poker hand:
(1) Is lower than a pair, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right who has placed a Play Wager and proceeding in a counterclockwise manner around the table, return each player's Ante Wager and resolve the Blind and Play Wagers in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Is a pair or better, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right who has placed a Play Wager and proceeding in a counterclockwise manner around the table, turn the two cards of each player who has placed a Play Wager face up on the layout. The dealer shall select five cards from the player's two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand and shall announce the player's 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, Blind and Play Wagers made by the player.
(ii) Is ranked higher than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante, Blind and Play Wagers made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in § 653a.12(a) and (b) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation). The player's Blind Wager shall be returned if the player's winning hand is not a straight or better or a flush or better depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder.
(iii) Is equal in rank to the dealer's five-card hand, the dealer shall return the player's Ante, Blind and Play Wagers.
(i) After settling a player's Ante, Blind and Play Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Trips Wager made by the player by determining whether the player's five-card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 653a.12(c). A winning Trips Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(j) The dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(1) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(2) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(3) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(4) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 653a.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 must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(5) Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with § 653a.12(d). Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.
(k) 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.
§ 653a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante Wager and Play Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A certificate holder shall pay the player's winning Blind Wager in accordance with 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 Royal flush 500 to 1 Straight flush 50 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 10 to 1 Full house 3 to 1 Flush 3 to 2 Straight 1 to 1 Less than a straight Push
Hand Paytable B Royal flush 500 to 1 Straight flush 50 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 10 to 1 Full house 3 to 1 Flush 3 to 2 Less than a flush Push (c) A player placing a Trips Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following paytables, selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Royal flush 50 to 1 50 to 1 Straight flush 40 to 1 40 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 30 to 1 30 to 1 Full house 9 to 1 8 to 1 Flush 7 to 1 6 to 1 Straight 4 to 1 5 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 3 to 1
Hand Paytable C Paytable D Royal flush 50 to 1 50 to 1 Straight flush 40 to 1 40 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 30 to 1 20 to 1 Full house 8 to 1 7 to 1 Flush 7 to 1 6 to 1 Straight 4 to 1 5 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 3 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 following odds:
Hand Paytable Royal flush 100% of meter Straight flush 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 Full house 50 for 1 Flush 40 for 1 Straight 30 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 9 for 1 (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 be at least $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 § 653a.11(j) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
(5) Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to the following payouts for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:
$1 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $1,000 Straight flush $300 $5 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $5,000 Straight flush $1,500 (e) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (a)—(c), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player on a single hand. The maximum amount shall be at least $50,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the minimum wager, whichever is greater. Any maximum payout limit established by the certificate holder shall apply only to payouts of Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker Wagers placed under § 653a.7(d)(1) and (2) (relating to wagers) but does not apply to payouts for Progressive Payout Wagers placed under § 653a.7(d)(3).
§ 653a.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 has received their initial two cards, the community cards shall be dealt and any Trips Wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 653a.12(c) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; 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 dealer's cards is inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Play Wager as provided for under § 653a.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all Ante, Blind and Play Wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a player has placed a Trips Wager, the community cards shall be dealt and each Trips Wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 653a.12(c).
(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.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-1290. Filed for public inspection July 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
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