RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 581, 583 AND 585 ]
Double Attack Blackjack; Flop Poker; Props & Hops; Temporary Regulations
[43 Pa.B. 3495]
[Saturday, June 29, 2013]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under its general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03(b) (relating to temporary table game regulations), enacted by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1) (Act 1), and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority), adds Chapters 581, 583 and 585 (relating to Double Attack Blackjack; Flop Poker; and Props & Hops) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Explanation of Chapter 581
Section 581.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions for terms used in Double Attack Blackjack. Section 581.2 (relating to Double Attack Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections) contains the requirements pertaining to the table and other equipment used in the play of the game.
Section 581.3 (relating to cards; number of decks; value of cards) addresses the number of decks that are used in Double Attack Blackjack and the frequency with which the decks are to be changed. Sections 581.4 and 581.5 (relating to opening of the table for gaming; and shuffle and cut of the cards) set forth the procedures for the inspection, shuffling and cutting of the cards before they are dealt.
Sections 581.6 and 581.7 (relating to wagers; and procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play) specify which wagers are authorized for use at the game and when those wagers are to be placed, and address how the dealer is to evaluate whether a patron's hand is a winning hand. Section 581.7 also addresses the procedures for collecting cards, collecting loosing wagers and paying out winning wagers.
Sections 581.8—581.11 specify the procedures for the offering and placement of additional wagers and the procedure for handling the splitting or surrender of a player's hand.
Section 581.12 (relating to payout odds) addresses the payout odds for permissible wagers. Section 581.13 (relating to irregularities) specifies how irregularities in the play of the game are to be handled.
Explanation of Chapter 583
Section 583.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions for terms used in Flop Poker. Section 583.2 (relating to Flop Poker table physical characteristics) contains the requirements pertaining to the tables and other equipment used in the play of the game.
Section 583.3 (relating to cards; number of decks) addresses the number of decks that are used in Flop Poker and the frequency with which the decks are to be changed. Sections 583.4 and 583.5 (relating to opening of the table for gaming; and shuffle and cut of the cards) set forth the procedures for the inspection, shuffling and cutting of the cards before they are dealt.
Sections 583.6 and 583.7 (relating to Flop Poker rankings; and wagers) set forth the rank of the cards for the purpose of determining a winning hand and specify which wagers are authorized for use at the game and when those wagers are to be placed.
Sections 583.8—583.10 (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) specify the procedures for the dealing of the cards to each patron. Section 583.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play) addresses how the dealer is to evaluate whether a patron's hand is a winning hand. This section also addresses the procedures for collecting cards, collecting loosing wagers and paying out winning wagers.
Section 583.12 (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation) addresses the payout odds for permissible wagers. Section 583.13 (relating to irregularities) specifies how irregularities in the play of the game are to be handled. Section 583.14 (relating to surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training) addresses surveillance coverage, staffing requirements and the training required to offer the game.
Explanation of Chapter 585
Section 585.1 (relating to Props & Hops table; physical characteristics) contains the requirements pertaining to the tables and other equipment used in the play of the game.
Section 585.2 (relating to wagers) specifies which wagers are authorized for use at the game and when those wagers are to be placed.
Section 585.3 (relating to dice; shaker; procedure for completion of each round of play) addresses the procedures for shaking and revealing the dice, how the dealer is to evaluate whether a patron's wager is a winning wager and the procedure for collecting loosing wagers and paying out winning wagers.
Section 585.4 (relating to payout odds) addresses the payout odds for permissible wagers. Section 585.5 (relating to surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training) addresses surveillance coverage, staffing requirements and the training required to offer the game.
Affected Parties
This temporary rulemaking will allow certificate holders additional options on how to conduct table games at their licensed facilities.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this temporary rulemaking will have fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies. Internal control procedures submitted by certificate holders related to table games Rules Submissions will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions. This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding that is mandated by Act 1.
Private sector. This temporary rulemaking will give certificate holders some additional flexibility as to how they conduct table games. It is anticipated that this temporary rulemaking will have an impact only on certificate holders, which are not small businesses.
General public. This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder elects to offer new games for play at the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to submit an updated Rules Submission reflecting the changes.
Effective Date
The temporary regulations are effective June 29, 2013.
Public Comments
While this temporary rulemaking will be effective upon publication, the Board is seeking comments from the public and affected parties as to how these temporary regulations might be improved. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this temporary rulemaking within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation #125-172.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this temporary rulemaking is Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03(b), the Board's authority to adopt temporary regulations governing the rules of new table games does not expire. Additionally, temporary regulations adopted by the Board are not subject to sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201—1208), known as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL), the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. §§ 745.1—745.12) and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (71 P. S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 2 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03(b), the temporary regulations are exempt from the Regulatory Review Act, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.
(2) The adoption of the temporary regulations 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:
(1) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code, are amended by adding §§ 581.1—581.14, 583.1—583.14 and 585.1—585.5 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(2) The temporary regulations are effective June 29, 2013.
(3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the Board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(4) The temporary regulations are subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the Board.
(5) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 125-172. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
Title 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 581. DOUBLE ATTACK BLACKJACK Sec.
581.1. Definitions. 581.2. Double Attack Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections. 581.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards. 581.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 581.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 581.6. Wagers. 581.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 581.8. Insurance Wager. 581.9. Surrender. 581.10. Double Down Wager. 581.11. Splitting pairs. 581.12. Payout odds. 581.13. Irregularities. 581.14. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training. § 581.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Blackjack—An ace and any card having a value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to a player or the dealer.
Card reader device—A device which permits the dealer to determine if the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack.
Hard total—The total point count of a hand which does not contain aces or which contains aces that are each counted as 1 in value.
Hole card—The second card dealt face down to the dealer.
Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.
§ 581.2. Double Attack Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
(a) Double Attack Blackjack 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 Double Attack Blackjack table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Bet Wager and the Double Attack Wager for each player.
(3) The following inscriptions:
(i) Blackjack pays even money.
(ii) Insurance pays 5 to 2.
(iii) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17s or other similar language approved by the Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(4) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bust It Wager authorized under § 581.6(e) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bust It 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 Blackjack table.
(c) Each Double Attack Blackjack table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(d) Each Double Attack Blackjack table must have a card reader device attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Double Attack Blackjack table shall inspect the card reader device at the beginning of each gaming day to ensure that there has been no tampering with the device and that it is in proper working order.
(e) Each Double Attack Blackjack table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The height of each discard rack must either:
(1) Equal the height of the cards, stacked one on top of the other, in the total number of decks that are to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
(2) Be taller than the height of the total number of decks being used if the discard rack has a distinct and clearly visible mark on its side to show the exact height for a stack of cards equal to the total number of cards in the number of decks to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
§ 581.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Double Attack Blackjack shall be played with an eight-deck batch of cards that are identical in appearance and at least one cover card. The decks shall consist of 48 cards, with the 10 of each suit removed from each deck during the inspection required under § 581.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming) or as provided in § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use).
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, other than a continuous shuffler, Double Attack Blackjack shall be played with at least two batches of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards shall be separated into two batches with eight decks included in each batch.
(2) The cards in each batch must be of the same design but the backs of the cards in one batch must be of a different color than the cards in the other batch.
(3) One batch of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other batch is being used to play the game.
(4) Both batches of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each batch being used for every other dealing shoe.
(5) The cards from only one batch shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards opened for use at a Double Attack Blackjack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.
(d) The value of the cards shall be as follows:
(1) Any card from 2 to 9 shall have its face value.
(2) Any jack, queen or king shall have a value of 10.
(3) An ace shall have a value of 11 unless that value would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case the ace shall have a value of 1.
§ 581.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving the decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) If the decks contain the 10 of any suit, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that these cards are removed from the decks, torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the decks came from.
(c) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.
(d) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 581.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(e) If an automated shuffling device is utilized, other than a continuous shuffler, the decks in one batch of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c) separate from the decks in the other batch of cards.
(f) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a) and (c)—(e) do not apply.
§ 581.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each shoe of cards is dealt or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the decks of cards in a single stack. The certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards to be cut, with the backs facing away from the dealer, to the player determined under subsection (c). If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.
(c) The cut of the cards shall be offered to players in the following order:
(1) The first player arriving at the table, if the game is just beginning.
(2) The player on whose betting area the cover card appeared during the last round of play.
(3) If the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(4) If the reshuffle was initiated at the direction of the floorperson or above, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(d) The player or dealer making the cut shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards from the top or bottom of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards on top of the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then insert the cover card in the stack at a position at least 1/4 of the way in from the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut either by the player who last cut the cards or by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (c). The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe, as provided in § 581.7(d) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play), except that a floorperson may determine that the cards should be reshuffled after any round of play.
(g) If there is no gaming activity at a Double Attack Blackjack table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 581.4(d) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(h) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (b)—(g) do not apply.
§ 581.6. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Double Attack Blackjack shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the Double Attack Blackjack layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may be accepted provided that they are confirmed by the dealer and the cash is expeditiously converted into value chips or plaques.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled as required under § 581.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards), a certificate holder may prohibit any patron, whether seated at the gaming table or not, who does not make a wager on a given round of play from placing a wager on the next round of play and any subsequent round of play at that gaming table until either:
(1) The certificate holder chooses to permit the player to begin wagering again.
(2) A reshuffle of the cards has occurred.
(c) A player may not handle, remove or alter any wagers that have been made until a decision has been rendered and implemented with respect to that wager.
(d) To participate in a round of play, a player shall place a Bet Wager.
(e) A player who has placed a Bet Wager may then place a Double Attack Wager as provided in § 581.7(e) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play) in an amount equal to or less than the player's Bet Wager.
(f) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a certificate holder may offer to each player who placed a Bet Wager in accordance with subsection (d) the option of placing an additional Bust It Wager in an amount equal to or less than the player's Bet Wager.
(g) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a Bet Wager in one round of play.
§ 581.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) All cards shall be dealt from a dealing shoe which must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures under § 581.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer or automated card shuffling device shall place the stacked cards in the dealing shoe.
(b) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand. The dealer may deal cards to the two betting positions closest to the dealing shoe with the same hand.
(c) After each full batch of cards is placed in the shoe, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. Each new dealer who comes to the table shall also remove one card and place it in the discard rack before dealing any cards to the players.
(d) If the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. The dealer shall then collect and reshuffle the cards in accordance with § 581.5.
(e) At the commencement of each round of play and after all players have been afforded the opportunity to make a Bet Wager and a Bust It Wager, one card shall be dealt face up to the dealer. After examining the dealer's up card, a player who placed a Bet Wager may place an optional Double Attack Wager in accordance with § 581.6(e) (relating to wagers).
(f) After all players have been afforded an opportunity to place a Double Attack Wager, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal the cards as follows:
(1) One card face up to each box on the layout in which a Bet Wager is contained.
(2) A second card face up to each box on the layout in which a Bet Wager is contained.
(3) A second card face down to the dealer.
(g) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, if the dealer's first card is an ace, the dealer shall offer the Insurance Wager in accordance with § 581.8 (relating to Insurance Wager). If the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen or jack, the dealer shall then determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone at the table, including the dealer. If the dealer has a Blackjack, additional cards may not be dealt and each player's Bet, Double Attack, Bust It and Insurance Wagers, if applicable, shall be settled in accordance with this section and § 581.8.
(h) After the procedures in subsection (g) have been completed, if necessary, the dealer shall start with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continue around the table in a clockwise direction and if the player:
(1) Has Blackjack, the dealer shall announce and pay the Bet and Double Attack Wagers in accordance with subsection (o) and remove the player's cards. If a player also placed a Bust It Wager, the wager shall remain on the layout until subsection (m) is completed.
(2) Does not have Blackjack, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender, as permitted under § 581.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 581.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 581.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.
(i) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision.
(j) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that:
(1) A player having Blackjack or a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.
(2) A player electing to make a Double Down Wager may draw only one additional card.
(k) Prior to the dealer exposing his hole card, if player has less than 21 after drawing additional cards, the player may surrender in accordance with § 581.9.
(l) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn the hole card face up.
(m) If the first two cards of the dealer's hand:
(1) Equal a total point count of 17 or higher, the dealer shall collect all losing Bust It Wagers before settling the player's Bet or Double Attack Wagers in accordance with subsection (o).
(2) Equal a total point count of less than 17, the dealer shall draw an additional card. If the dealer's three card hand has a total point count:
(i) In excess of 21, the dealer shall pay the winning Bust It Wager in accordance with § 581.12(c) (relating to payout odds). The payout shall be based on the value of the third card drawn, except that if all three of the dealer's cards are an 8 of the same color or suit, a player shall receive an increased payout based on the three 8s instead of the payout based on the value of the third card drawn.
(ii) Of 21 or less, the dealer shall collect all losing Bust It Wagers.
(n) After settling the player's Bust It Wager, if applicable, if the dealer's first three cards equal a total point count of less than 17, the dealer shall draw additional cards until he has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21.
(o) After all additional cards have been dealt to the players and the dealer, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the remaining wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:
(1) A Bet Wager shall:
(i) Win and be paid in accordance with § 581.12(a) if:
(A) The total point count of the player's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21.
(B) The total point count of the player's hand exceeds the total point count of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.
(C) The player has a Blackjack and the dealer's hand has a total point count of 21 in more than two cards.
(ii) Lose and be collected if:
(A) The dealer has a Blackjack and the player does not have a Blackjack.
(B) The total point count of the dealer's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the player's hand is in excess of 21.
(C) The total point count of the dealer's hand exceeds the total point count of the player's hand without exceeding 21.
(iii) Tie and be returned to the player if the total point count of the player's hand is the same as the dealer's or if both the player and dealer have Blackjack.
(2) A Double Attack Wager shall win, lose or tie in accordance with subsection (o)(1) except that the Double Attack Wager shall be returned to the player if the dealer has a Blackjack and the player does not have a Blackjack.
(p) The dealer shall pay all winning wagers and collect all losing wagers beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction. The dealer shall place any losing wagers directly into the table inventory and may not pay off any winning wagers by using value chips collected from a losing wager.
(q) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
(r) Players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter the cards used to play Double Attack Blackjack.
§ 581.8. Insurance Wager.
(a) If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, each player may make an Insurance Wager which shall win if the dealer's hole card is a king, queen or jack.
(b) An Insurance Wager may be made by placing a value chip on the insurance line of the layout in an amount not more than 1/2 of the player's Bet Wager. A player may wager an amount in excess of 1/2 of the initial Bet Wager to the next unit that can be wagered in chips, when, because of the limitation of the value of chip denominations, half the initial wager cannot be bet. Insurance Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer inserting his hole card into the card reader device.
(c) Winning Insurance Wagers shall be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 581.12(b) (relating to payout odds).
(d) Losing Insurance Wagers shall be collected by the dealer immediately after the dealer inserts his hole card into the card reader device and determines that he does not have a Blackjack and before he draws any additional cards.
§ 581.9. Surrender.
(a) After the first two cards are dealt to the player, the player may elect to discontinue play on his hand for that round by surrendering. A player may also elect to surrender after additional cards are dealt to the player, after a hand is split as permitted under § 581.11 (relating to splitting pairs) and after doubling down as permitted under § 581.10 (relating to Double Down Wager). A player may not elect to surrender after deciding to stand.
(b) If the player elects to surrender and the first card dealt to the dealer:
(1) Is not an ace, king, queen or jack, the dealer shall immediately collect the cards of the player and 1/2 of the Bet Wager and Double Attack Wager, if applicable, and return the other 1/2 to the player.
(2) Is an ace, king, queen or jack, the dealer shall determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device in accordance with § 581.7(g) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play). If the dealer:
(i) Has a Blackjack, the dealer shall collect the entire Bet Wager and the Bust It Wager, if applicable, and return the Double Attack Wager, if applicable, to the player.
(ii) Does not have a Blackjack, the dealer shall immediately collect the cards of the player and 1/2 of the Bet Wager and Double Attack Wager, if applicable, and return the other 1/2 to the player.
(c) If the player has made a Bust It Wager and then elects to surrender, the Bust It Wager must remain on the layout until settled in accordance with § 581.7(m).
(d) If the player has made an Insurance Wager and then elects to surrender, each wager will be settled separately in accordance with subsection (b) and § 581.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).
§ 581.10. Double Down Wager.
(a) Except when a player has a Blackjack, a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager, which may not exceed the amount of his original Bet and Double Attack Wagers, on two or more cards dealt to that player, including hands resulting from a split pair, provided that only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down.
(b) If a dealer obtains Blackjack after a player makes a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original Bet Wager of the player and return the Double Down and Double Attack Wagers.
(c) Upon a player's election to make a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall deal the one additional card face up and place it sideways on the layout.
§ 581.11. Splitting pairs.
(a) If the initial two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands provided that he makes a wager on the second hand formed in an amount equal to his original Bet and Double Attack Wagers. For example, if a player has two 7s or a king and a queen, the player may elect to split the hand.
(b) When a player splits pairs, the dealer shall deal a card to and complete the player's decisions with respect to the first incomplete hand on the dealer's left before proceeding to deal any cards to the second hand.
(c) After a second card is dealt to each split pair hand, the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect that hand. A player may split pairs again if the second card dealt to an incomplete hand is identical in value to the split pair. A player may split pairs a maximum of three times for a total of four hands.
(d) If the dealer obtains Blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original Bet Wager of the player and return the Double Attack Wager and the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.
(e) If a player elects to split a pair of aces, each ace shall receive only one card. Aces may not be split more than once and may not be resplit.
§ 581.12. Payout odds.
(a) The certificate holder shall pay out each winning Bet Wager and Double Attack Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Insurance Wagers at odds of 5 to 2.
(c) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bust It Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout 8, 8, 8 of the same suit 200 to 1 8, 8, 8 of the same color 50 to 1 Third card drawn is a: 6 15 to 1 7 10 to 1 8 8 to 1 9 6 to 1 King, queen or jack 3 to 1 § 581.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card found face up in the shoe may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe.
(c) After the initial two cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer and a card is drawn in error and exposed to the players, the card shall be dealt to the players or dealer as though it were the next card from the shoe. Any player refusing to accept the card may not have additional cards dealt to him during the round. If the card is refused by the players and the dealer cannot use the card, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(d) If the dealer has 17 and accidentally draws a card for himself, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(e) If there are insufficient cards remaining in the shoe to complete a round of play, all of the cards in the discard rack shall be shuffled and cut according to the procedures in § 581.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards). The first card shall be drawn face down and placed in the discard rack and the dealer shall complete the round of play.
(f) If no cards are dealt to a player's hand, the hand is dead and the player shall be included in the next deal. If only one card is dealt to a player's hand, at the player's option, the dealer shall deal the second card to the player after all other players have received a second card.
(g) If after receiving the first two cards, the dealer fails to deal an additional card to a player who has requested a card, then, at the player's option, the dealer shall either deal the additional card after all other players have received their additional cards but prior to the dealer revealing his hole card or call the player's hand dead and return the player's Bet and Double Attack Blackjack Wagers.
(h) If the dealer inserts his hole card into a card reader device when the value of his first card is not an ace, king, queen or jack, the dealer, after notification to a floorperson or above, shall:
(1) If the particular card reader device in use provides any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, call all hands dead, collect the cards and return each player's wager.
(2) If the particular card reader device in use does not provide any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, continue play.
(i) If a card reader device malfunctions, the dealer may not continue dealing the game of Double Attack Blackjack at that table until the card reader device is repaired or replaced.
(j) 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.
(k) If an automated shuffling device malfunctions and cannot be used, the device must be covered or have a sign indicating that it is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling may be utilized at that table.
§ 581.14. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training.
(a) A certificate holder offering Double Attack Blackjack shall have at least one stationary camera dedicated for each table.
(b) A certificate holder shall maintain at least one dealer for each Double Attack Blackjack table.
(c) A floorperson may not supervise more than four tables comprised of any combination of banking table games excluding:
(1) Baccarat.
(2) Midibaccarat.
(3) Craps.
(4) Mini-Craps.
(5) Pai Gow.
(6) Three Dice Football.
(d) A dealer who has completed a course of training in accordance with § 611a.3(a) (relating to employee training by certificate holders) and would like to be trained to deal Double Attack Blackjack shall successfully complete training and a table test required under § 611a.5 (relating to table test; employee personnel file).
CHAPTER 583. FLOP POKER Sec.
583.1. Definitions. 583.2. Flop Poker table physical characteristics. 583.3. Cards; number of decks. 583.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 583.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 583.6. Flop Poker rankings. 583.7. Wagers. 583.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 583.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand. 583.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 583.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 583.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation. 583.13. Irregularities. 583.14. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training. § 583.1. 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 all players to form the best possible five-card Poker hand.
Flop—The three community cards dealt during a round of play.
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Flop Wager.
§ 583.2. Flop Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Flop 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 a Flop 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 designated for the placement of Ante, Flop and Pot Wagers for each player.
(3) A separate area designated for the placement of the three community cards located directly in front of the table inventory container.
(4) If a certificate holder offers the optional Three Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 583.7(d)(3) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Three 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. 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 Flop Poker table.
(6) Inscriptions indicating the following:
(i) The Flop Wager must be equal to the Ante Wager.
(ii) The Pot Wager must be equal to the table minimum.
(7) If the information required under paragraph (6) is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Flop Poker table.
(c) Each Flop 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 Flop Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 583.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Flop 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, Flop 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 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 Flop 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.
§ 583.4. 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 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 § 583.5 (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.
§ 583.5. 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 § 583.8, § 583.9 or § 583.10 (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 a Flop 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 § 583.4(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.
§ 583.6. Flop Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Flop 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 Flop 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 do not contain 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.
(d) If the certificate holder is offering the Three Card Bonus Wager, the three-card Poker hands eligible for a payout are:
(1) A royal, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king and queen of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, other than a royal.
(3) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank.
(4) A straight, which is a hand consisting of three cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same suit, regardless of rank.
(6) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank.
§ 583.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Flop Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at a Flop 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 Flop Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 583.8, § 583.9 or § 583.10 (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 § 583.11(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 Flop Poker:
(1) To participate in a round of play, each player shall place a Pot Wager equal to the table minimum and an Ante Wager.
(2) A player shall compete against a posted paytable by placing a Flop Wager equal to the player's Ante Wager, in accordance with § 583.11(b).
(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 Flop Poker table the option to make an additional Three Card Bonus Wager that the player's first three cards will contain a pair or better.
(e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at a Flop Poker table.
§ 583.8. 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 § 583.5 (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.'' After all players have placed their Ante, Pot and Three Card Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall collect each player's Pot Wager and place it in the center of the table in the area designated for the placement of the Pot Wagers.
(c) The dealer shall then, 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 § 583.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) until each player who placed the required wagers has three cards. 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) After three cards have been dealt to each player, the dealer shall deal the three community cards in accordance with § 583.11 (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 (e), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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.
§ 583.9. 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 § 583.5 (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) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets.'' After all players have placed their Ante, Pot and Three Card Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall collect each player's Pot Wager and place it in the center of the table in the area designated for the placement of the Pot Wagers.
(c) The dealer shall then, 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 § 583.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) until each player who placed the required wagers has three cards. To deal each card, the dealer shall hold 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.
(d) After three cards have been dealt to each player, the dealer shall deal the three community cards in accordance with § 583.11 (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 (e), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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.
§ 583.10. 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 § 583.5 (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.'' After all players have placed their Ante, Pot and Three Card Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall collect each player's Pot Wager and place it in the center of the table in the area designated for the placement of the Pot Wagers.
(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 § 583.7(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 § 583.7(d)(1). The dealer shall then deliver a stack of three cards face down under a cover card to the area designated for the placement of the three community cards.
(c) After each stack of three cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the automated 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 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.
§ 583.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 583.8, § 583.9 or § 583.10 (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) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Flop 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 fold or place a Flop Wager equal to his Ante Wager. If a player folds, the dealer shall collect the Ante Wager but the player's cards shall remain on the layout. A player who folds will be eligible to win the Pot in accordance with subsection (e).
(c) Unless the certificate holder is utilizing an automated dealing shoe that dispenses the stack of community cards, once all players have 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 three community cards have been revealed, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and moving counterclockwise around the table, turn the three cards of each player face up on the layout. The dealer shall then settle the Ante, Flop and Three Card Bonus Wagers as follows provided that the Ante, Flop and Three Card Bonus Wagers of each player shall be resolved one player at a time regardless of outcome:
(1) For each player who placed a Three Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall form the highest ranking three-card Poker hand as described in § 583.6(d) (relating to Flop Poker rankings) from the three cards dealt to each player. If the player's hand contains a pair or better, the dealer shall pay the winning wager in accordance with § 583.12(c) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
(2) The dealer shall then select five cards from the player's three cards and two of the community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. If the player's five-card Poker hand contains a pair of jacks or better, the dealer shall pay the winning Ante and Flop Wagers in accordance with § 583.12(a) and (b).
(e) After settling each player's Ante, Flop and Three Card Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall settle the Pot Wager by determining which player's five-card Poker hand ranks the highest. The player with the highest ranking five-card Poker hand shall be paid the entire Pot amount. If there is a tie hand, the player with the next highest card shall be awarded the entire Pot amount. If there is a tie hand and players have identical hands, the Pot shall be split evenly between the winning players.
(f) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
§ 583.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A certificate holder shall pay the player's winning Flop Wager in accordance with the following odds:
Hand Payout Royal flush 1,000 to 1 Straight flush 500 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 100 to 1 Full house 30 to 1 Flush 20 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 4 to 1 Two pair 2 to 1 A pair of jacks, queens, kings or aces 1 to 1 (c) A player placing a Three Card Bonus Wager shall be paid at the following odds:
Hand Payout Royal 100 to 1 Straight flush 50 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 25 to 1 Straight 6 to 1 Flush 3 to 1 A pair 1 to 1 § 583.13. 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 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 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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
§ 583.14. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training.
(a) A certificate holder offering Flop Poker shall have at least one stationary camera dedicated for each table.
(b) A certificate holder shall maintain at least one dealer for each Flop Poker table.
(c) A floorperson may not supervise more than four tables comprised of any combination of banking table games excluding:
(1) Baccarat.
(2) Midibaccarat.
(3) Craps.
(4) Mini-Craps.
(5) Pai Gow.
(6) Three Dice Football.
(d) A dealer who has completed a course of training in accordance with § 611a.3(a) (relating to employee training by certificate holders) and would like to be trained to deal Flop Poker shall successfully complete training and a table test required under § 611a.5 (relating to table test; employee personnel file).
CHAPTER 585. PROPS & HOPS Sec.
585.1. Props & Hops table; physical characteristics. 585.2. Wagers. 585.3. Dice; shaker; procedure for completion of each round of play. 585.4. Payout odds. 585.5. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training. § 585.1. Props & Hops table; physical characteristics.
(a) Props & Hops shall be played at a table having betting positions for 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 Props & Hops 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) An area that depicts all wagers authorized under § 585.2 (relating to wagers).
(3) A separate circle located to the right of the dealer for the placement of the shaker.
(4) A player position diagram demonstrating the proper placement of each player's wagers.
(5) The payout odds, in accordance with § 585.4 (relating to payout odds), for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds are not on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds shall be posted at each Props & Hops table.
(c) Each Props & Hops table must have a drop box with 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).
§ 585.2. Wagers.
(a) Wagers shall be made before the dice are shaken.
(b) Wagers shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(c) Only players who are seated at a Props & Hops table may place a wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play.
(d) The following Double Wagers are authorized in the game of Props & Hops:
(1) A Two the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 1. A Two the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 2 is thrown on the next roll and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(2) A Four the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 2. A Four the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 4 is thrown on the next roll with a 2 appearing on each die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(3) A Six the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 3. A Six the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 6 is thrown on the next roll with a 3 appearing on each die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(4) An Eight the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 4. An Eight the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 8 is thrown on the next roll with a 4 appearing on each die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(5) A Ten the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 5. A Ten the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 10 is thrown on the next roll with a 5 appearing on each die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(6) A Twelve the Hardway Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, each of which displays a value of 6. A Twelve the Hardway Bet shall win if a total of 12 is thrown on the next roll and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(e) The following Any Number Wagers are authorized in the game of Props & Hops:
(1) A One-Two Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 1 and the other displays a value of 2. A One-Two Bet shall win if a total of 3 is thrown on the next roll and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(2) A One-Three Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 1 and the other displays a value of 3. A One-Three Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 4 is thrown with a 1 appearing on one die and a 3 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(3) A One-Four Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 1 and the other displays a value of 4. A One-Four Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 5 is thrown with a 1 appearing on one die and a 4 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(4) A One-Five Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 1 and the other displays a value of 5. A One-Five Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 6 is thrown with a 1 appearing on one die and a 5 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(5) A One-Six Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 1 and the other displays a value of 6. A One-Six Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 7 is thrown with a 1 appearing on one die and a 6 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(6) A Two-Three Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 2 and the other displays a value of 3. A Two-Three Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 5 is thrown with a 2 appearing on one die and a 3 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(7) A Two-Four Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 2 and the other displays a value of 4. A Two-Four Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 6 is thrown with a 2 appearing on one die and a 4 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(8) A Two-Five Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 2 and the other displays a value of 5. A Two-Five Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 7 is thrown with a 2 appearing on one die and a 5 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(9) A Two-Six Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 2 and the other displays a value of 6. A Two-Six Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 8 is thrown with a 2 appearing on one die and a 6 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(10) A Three-Four Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 3 and the other displays a value of 4. A Three-Four Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 7 is thrown with a 3 appearing on one die and a 4 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(11) A Three-Five Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 3 and the other displays a value of 5. A Three-Five Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 8 is thrown with a 3 appearing on one die and a 5 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(12) A Three-Six Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 3 and the other displays a value of 6. A Three-Six Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 9 is thrown with a 3 appearing on one die and a 6 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(13) A Four-Five Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 4 and the other displays a value of 5. A Four-Five Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 9 is thrown with a 4 appearing on one die and a 5 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(14) A Four-Six Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 4 and the other displays a value of 6. A Four-Six Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 10 is thrown with a 4 appearing on one die and a 6 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(15) A Five-Six Bet placed in a box which shows two dice, one of which displays a value of 5 and the other displays a value of 6. A Five-Six Bet shall win if on the next roll a total of 11 is thrown with a 5 appearing on one die and a 6 appearing on the other die and shall lose if any other combination is thrown.
(f) The following additional wagers are authorized in the game of Props & Hops:
(1) A Field Wager placed in a Field box which shows the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 with the 2 and the 12 circled. A Field Bet shall win if on the next roll the combined total of the dice equals a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and lose if any other combination is thrown.
(2) An Any Craps Wager placed in an Any Craps box which shows the numbers 2, 3 or 12. An Any Craps Bet shall win if on the next roll the combined total of the dice equals a 2, 3 or 12 and lose if any other combination is thrown.
(3) An Any Seven Wager placed in an Any Seven box which shows the number 7. The Any Seven Bet shall win if on the next roll the combined total of the dice equals a 7 and lose if any other combination is thrown.
(4) An Any Doubles Wager placed in an Any Doubles box which shall win if on the next roll the dice are a Two, Four, Six, Eight, Ten or Twelve the Hardway as described in subsection (d).
§ 585.3. Dice; shaker; procedure for completion of each round of play.
(a) Props & Hops shall be played with two dice in accordance with this subsection. Dice used in the play of the game shall comply with § 603a.12(a) (relating to dice; physical characteristics) and the receipt and inspection requirements in § 603a.13 (relating to dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use).
(b) Props & Hops shall be played with a dice shaker, approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment), which shall be used to shake the two dice to arrive at the winning combinations. The dice shaker shall be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game and must:
(1) Be capable of housing two dice that when not being shaken must be maintained in the shaker. Dice that have been placed in a dice shaker for use in gaming may not remain on a table for more than 24 hours.
(2) Be designed to prevent the dice from being seen while being shaken.
(3) Have the name or logo of the certificate holder imprinted or impressed thereon.
(c) The dice shaker shall be the responsibility of the dealer and may not be left unattended while at the table.
(d) A shaker and two dice shall be presented at the Props & Hops table for gaming. The floorperson, in the presence of the dealer, shall place the dice in the shaker. Prior to the commencement of play at the table and after each round of play, the dealer shall shake the covered shaker.
(e) After all players have placed their wagers, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and offer the covered dice shaker to the player farthest to the dealer's left. The player shall shake the covered shaker at least three times to cause a random mixture of the dice. Once the player has shaken the dice, the player shall return the covered shaker to the layout. If the player shaking the dice removes the lid, the shaker shall be recovered and shaken again.
(f) The dealer shall then remove the lid and place the uncovered shaker in the designated circle on the table layout. The shaker shall remain uncovered in the designated area until all wagers have been settled. If the dealer uncovers the shaker and a die falls out of the shaker, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and all wagers placed shall be returned to the players.
(g) The dealer shall then announce the numbers on the uppermost or skyward sides of the two dice and place a pointer marker on the corresponding area of the layout. If one die comes to rest on top of the other or if the dice do not land flat on the bottom of the shaker after being tossed, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and all wagers placed shall be returned to the players.
(h) The dealer shall then collect all losing wagers before paying out winning wagers in accordance with § 585.4 (relating to payout odds).
(i) After all losing wagers have been collected and all winning wagers have been paid, the dealer shall cover and shake the shaker.
(j) The same player who shook the dice shall continue to shake the dice during each subsequent round of play until the player shakes a 7. Once the total of the dice is a 7, the dice shaker will be passed to the next player to the left at the next round of play.
§ 585.4. Payout odds.
The certificate holder shall pay out winning Props & Hops wagers as follows:
Wager Payout Odds Double Wager 30 to 1 Any Number Wager 15 to 1 Field Wager: 2 or 12 is rolled 2 to 1 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 is rolled 1 to 1 Any Craps Wager 7 to 1 Any Seven Wager 4 to 1 Any Doubles Bet 4 to 1 § 585.5. Surveillance coverage; minimum staffing; training.
(a) A certificate holder offering Props & Hops shall have at least two stationary cameras for each table with one camera covering the designated circle on the table layout for the placement of the uncovered shaker and one camera covering the table layout.
(b) A certificate holder shall maintain at least one dealer for each Props & Hops table.
(c) A floorperson may not supervise more than four tables comprised of any combination of banking table games excluding:
(1) Baccarat.
(2) Midibaccarat.
(3) Craps.
(4) Mini-Craps.
(5) Pai Gow.
(6) Three Dice Football.
(d) A dealer who has completed a course of training in accordance with § 611a.3(a) (relating to employee training by certificate holders) and would like to be trained to deal Props & Hops shall successfully complete 10 hours of training. Provided that a dealer who has successfully completed a course of training in Craps does not need to complete an additional 10 hours of training prior to dealing Props & Hops. Dealers shall complete a table test required under § 611a.5 (relating to table test; employee personnel file) prior to dealing Props & Hops on the gaming floor.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 13-1155. Filed for public inspection June 28, 2013, 9:00 a.m.]
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