PROPOSED RULEMAKING
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 461a, 465a, 525, 575, 577, 579, 603a, 609a, 623a, 627a, 629a, 631a, 633a, 635a, 637a, 649a, 659a, 661a, 663a AND 665a ]
Slot Machines and Table Game Controls, Equipment, Credit and Rules
[43 Pa.B. 834]
[Saturday, February 9, 2013]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. §§ 1207(3) and (9) and 13A02(1), (2) and (4) (relating to regulatory authority of board; and regulatory authority), proposes to amend Chapters 461a, 465a, 603a, 609a, 623a, 627a, 629a, 631a, 633a, 635a, 637a and 649a, rescind Chapters 525, 575, 577 and 579 and add Chapters 659a, 661a, 663a and 665a to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Proposed Rulemaking
This proposed rulemaking will transition the requirements for Match Play Coupons and the game rules for Asia Poker, Three Dice Football and Five Card Hi-Lo from temporary to final-form regulations. Additionally, this proposed rulemaking contains a new game and optional side wagers.
Explanation
In § 461a.9 (relating to coupons utilized in slot machine gaming), the heading of the section is proposed to be changed to specify that the section refers to coupons utilized in slot machine gaming. The coupons used in table games, Match Play Coupons, are described in §§ 603a.20 and 603a.21 (relating to Match Play Coupons; physical characteristics and issuance; and Match Play Coupon use). The retention period for Match Play Coupons is proposed to be added in § 465a.6 (relating to retention, storage and destruction of books, records and documents) and is consistent with the retention periods for coupons used in slot machine gaming.
In §§ 465a.9(c)(2) and 465a.35 (relating to surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions; and personnel assigned to the operation and conduct of table games), the camera coverage requirements and the personnel assigned to Three Dice Football are proposed to be added. The requirements are consistent with those established in the temporary regulations. Additionally, the inspection requirements for the dice utilized in Three Dice Football are proposed to be added in § 603a.13(f)(1) and (2) (relating to dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use).
In § 603a.1 (relating to definitions), the definition of ''Match Play Coupon'' is proposed to be added. In § 603a.10 (relating to permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques), a Match Play Coupon is proposed to be added as a permissible wager. The requirements for the design, internal controls and distribution of promotional Match Play Coupons are in proposed § 603a.20. Match Play Coupons are to be controlled by the finance department and distributed to patrons by the marketing department. Certificate holders are required to file a quarterly report with the Bureau of Casino Compliance listing the total value of Match Play Coupons redeemed by patrons.
Proposed § 603a.21 specifies that a promotional Match Play Coupon shall be used with an equal value of gaming chips. The value of the Match Play Coupon is added to the gaming chips wagered by the patron. If the wager wins, it is paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Match Play Coupon. Irrespective of whether the Match Play Coupon wins or loses, it is deposited into the table game drop box at the conclusion of each round of play.
Section 603a.13(f)(3) is proposed to be added as an alternative dice inspection and distribution procedure. This alternative was previously available when the equipment chapter was a temporary regulation but was inadvertently not transitioned when the final-form regulations were promulgated. One operator requested to continue utilizing the procedures in this subsection.
Proposed amendments to § 603a.13(c)(3) allow the finance department to issue the manual Counter Check book to the table games department provided that adequate internal controls are submitted to Board staff for approval.
A new series of side wagers, Bonus Craps, are proposed to be added to the game of Craps. The layout requirements are in § 623a.2(d)(5) (relating to Craps and Mini-Craps tables; physical characteristics) and a description of the side wagers is proposed to be added to § 623a.3(a)(43) (relating to wagers) with the payout odds in § 623a.5(h) (relating to payout odds). The additional procedures regarding Bonus Craps are in proposed § 623a.12 (relating to additional procedures and rules for Bonus Craps).
A new side wager, the House Money Wager, is proposed to be added in the three Baccarat style games in Chapters 627a, 629a and 631a (relating to Minibaccarat; Midibaccarat; and Baccarat). The proposed amendments to the games include layout requirements, the description of the wager, dealing procedure and the payout odds.
Two additional side wagers, the Straight Jack Progressive Wager and the House Money Wager, are proposed to be added in Chapter 633a (relating to Blackjack). The layout requirements are proposed to added in § 633a.2(b) (relating to Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), a description of the wagers is proposed to be added in § 633a.6(e) (relating to wagers), the dealing procedures are proposed to be added to § 633a.7(g) and (o) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play) and the payout odds are proposed to be added in § 633a.13(m) and (n) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
In Chapter 635a (relating to Spanish 21), the provision on when a patron may double down is proposed to be expanded to allow patrons to double down on two or more cards dealt instead of only the first two cards dealt to the patron.
Several new games are proposed to be added to Chapter 637a (relating to Poker). Operators may now offer Five-Card Omaha, Triple Draw 2-7, Triple Draw A-5, Triple Draw Badeucey, Triple Draw Badacey and Badugi. The new games are proposed to be added in §§ 637a.19—637a.21 (relating to Five-card Omaha Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play; Triple Draw Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play; and Badugi Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play).
In Three Card Poker, a payout is proposed to be added in § 649a.12(g) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression) for a mini-royal flush. This payout was included in the temporary regulation but was not transitioned to the final regulation.
Three games that are included in Subpart K (relating to table games) as temporary regulations are proposed to be adopted in this proposed rulemaking—Chapters 659a, 661a and 663a (relating to Asia Poker; Three Dice Football; and Five Card Hi-Lo). These chapters include table layout requirements, dealing procedures, permissible wagers and payout odds for permissible wagers.
Chapter 665a (relating to Double Attack Blackjack) is proposed to be added. This is a variation on Blackjack in which a player may place an additional wager after seeing the dealer's up card and may surrender even after taking additional cards. Table layout requirements, the dealing procedures, permissible wagers and payout odds are included in this chapter.
Affected Parties
Slot machine licensees will be impacted by this proposed rulemaking as operators will have a greater number of table games and side wagers to offer at their facilities.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this proposed rulemaking will have fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies. Internal control procedures submitted by certificate holders regarding table games Rules Submissions and Match Play Coupons will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Promotional Match Play Coupons have been utilized by the licensed facilities to increase the amount of table game play and the overall revenue to the facilities and the tax collected for the Commonwealth. Match Play Coupons are neither included in nor deducted from gross table game revenue.
Political subdivisions. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding that is mandated by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1).
Private sector. Slot machine licensees that decide to offer the new games, variations or side wagers will be required to comply with the requirements in this proposed rulemaking and will be required to submit updated Rules Submission forms and internal controls to reflect additions. Costs incurred to purchase equipment and train employees should be offset by the proceeds of gaming.
General public. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder selects different options for the play of table games, the certificate holder will be required to update its gaming guide and submit an updated Rules Submission reflecting the changes. These forms are available and submitted to the Board electronically. If a certificate holder elects to offer Match Play Coupons to patrons, the certificate holder will have to submit updated internal controls for approval and will have to submit a quarterly report listing the total value of Match Play Coupons given to patrons.
Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed rulemaking, within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, to Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation #125-166.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this proposed rulemaking is Susan Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
In accordance with section 5(a) and (f) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. §§ 745.5(a) and (f)), on January 29, 2013, the Board submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). In accordance with section 5(f) of the Regulatory Review Act, the Board will submit the proposed rulemaking and the required material to the Chairpersons of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee no later than the second Monday after the date by which both Committee designations have been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. In addition to submitting the proposed rulemaking, the Board has provided IRRC and will provide the House and Senate Committees with a copy of a detailed Regulatory Analysis Form. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request and is available on the Board's web site at www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey any comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed regulations within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections shall specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Department, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 125-166. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
(Editor's Note: See 42 Pa.B. 6761 (October 27, 2012) for proposed amendments to §§ 627a.7, 629a.7, 629a.12, 631a.8 and 631a.13.)
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart E. SLOT MACHINES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 461a. SLOT MACHINE AND TABLE GAME DEVICE TESTING AND CONTROL § 461a.9. Coupons utilized in slot machine gaming.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 465a. ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL CONTROLS § 465a.6. Retention, storage and destruction of books, records and documents.
* * * * * (c) Original books, records and documents shall be retained by a slot machine licensee for a minimum of 5 years with the following exceptions:
(1) Documentation with regard to gaming vouchers reported to the Board as possibly counterfeit, altered or tampered with should be retained for a minimum of 2 years.
(2) Coupons entitling patrons to cash, match play at a table game or slot machine credits, whether unused, voided or redeemed shall be retained for a minimum of 6 months.
* * * * * § 465a.9. Surveillance system; surveillance department control; surveillance department restrictions.
* * * * * (c) The surveillance system required in this section must include:
* * * * * (2) The following number of cameras dedicated to table games that are not fully automated electronic gaming tables:
(i) At least one stationary camera for each table game offered by the licensed facility except Craps, Baccarat, Roulette and Big Six Wheel.
(ii) At least two stationary cameras for each Craps and Three Dice Football table, with one camera covering each end of the table.
* * * * * § 465a.35. Personnel assigned to the operation and conduct of table games.
* * * * * (b) Certificate holders shall maintain the following minimum levels of staffing when table games are being operated:
(1) One dealer for any table game other than Craps or Baccarat.
(2) Two dealers for each Baccarat table.
(3) Three dealers for each Craps and Three Dice Football table, one of whom shall act as the stickperson.
(4) One boxperson for each Craps table.
(c) Certificate holders shall provide a sufficient number of floorpersons to supervise the operation of table games in accordance with the standards in this subsection. A floorperson may not supervise more than the number of tables specified in one of the following paragraphs:
(1) Four tables comprised of any combination of banking table games excluding:
(i) Baccarat.
(ii) Midibaccarat.
(iii) Craps.
(iv) Mini-Craps.
(v) Pai Gow.
(vi) Three Dice Football.
(2) One Baccarat table.
* * * * * (12) Ten Poker tables, if the floorperson assigned to Poker does not have responsibilities for seating players.
(13) Two Three Dice Football tables or one Three Dice Football table and one table of any other banking table game excluding Baccarat, Midibaccarat, Craps, Mini-Craps and Pai Gow.
(d) If the gaming tables being supervised by a floorperson are electronic gaming tables, other than fully automated electronic gaming tables, the maximum number of gaming tables that the floorperson may supervise may be increased by 50%. For example, under subsection (c)(1) the floorperson would be allowed to supervise six banking gaming tables instead of four.
* * * * *
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 525. [TABLE GAME INTERNAL CONTROLS] (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 525 and §§ 525.21 and 525.22, which appear in 58 Pa. Code pages 525-6—525-11, serial pages (362184)—(362189).)
Sec.
525.21. (Reserved). 525.22. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 575. [ASIA POKER] (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 575 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 575-1—575-15, serial pages (358829)—(358842) and (363063).)
Sec.
575.1—575.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 577. [THREE DICE FOOTBALL] (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 577 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 577-1—577-8 serial pages (363065)—(363070), (363735) and (363736).)
Sec.
577.1—577.9. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 579. [FIVE CARD HI-LO] (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 579 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 579-1—579-13 serial pages (363737)—(363749).)
Sec.
579.1—579.13. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 603a. TABLE GAME EQUIPMENT § 603a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * * * * Impressment—An inventory conducted on each impress.
Match Play Coupon—A noncash equivalent with a stated value imprinted thereon that when presented at a gaming table with gaming chips equal to or greater than the value of the coupon shall be included in the amount of the patron's wager.
Primary color—The predominant color used on a gaming chip.
* * * * * § 603a.10. Permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques.
(a) Wagering at table games in a licensed facility shall be conducted with gaming chips, plaques, electronic wagering credits or gaming vouchers, provided that noncashable promotional or free-play credits on a gaming voucher may be used only for the purpose of slot machine gaming, Match Play Coupons and other wagering instruments approved by the Board.
* * * * * § 603a.13. Dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use.
* * * * * (f) Dice shall be inspected and distributed to the gaming tables in accordance with one of the following applicable alternatives:
(1) Alternative No. 1.
(i) The assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who removed the dice from the approved storage area shall distribute sufficient dice directly to the pit manager or above in each pit, or place them in a locked compartment in the pit stand, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(ii) Immediately upon opening a table for gaming, the pit manager or above shall distribute a set of dice to the table. At the time of receipt, a boxperson at each Craps table and the floorperson at each Pai Gow, Pai Gow Poker, Sic Bo, Three Dice Football or Mini-Craps table, to ensure that the dice are in a condition to assure fair play and otherwise conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall, in the presence of the dealer, inspect the dice given to him with a micrometer or any other instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet. These instruments shall be kept in a compartment at each Craps table or pit stand and shall be at all times readily available for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request. The inspection shall be performed on a flat surface which allows the dice inspection to be observed through the slot machine licensee's surveillance system and by any persons in the immediate vicinity of the table.
(iii) Following the inspection required under subparagraph (ii):
(A) For Craps, the boxperson shall, in the presence of a dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(B) For Mini-Craps and Three Dice Football, the floorperson shall, in the presence of a dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(C) For Sic Bo, the floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the required number of dice into the shaker and seal or lock the shaker. The floorperson shall then secure the Sic Bo shaker to the table in the presence of the dealer who observed the inspection.
(D) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, the floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the dice in the Pai Gow shaker.
(iv) The pit manager or above shall place extra dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand. Dice in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above. No dice taken from the pit stand reserve may be used for actual gaming until the dice have been inspected in accordance with subparagraph (ii).
(2) Alternative No. 2.
(i) The assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who removed the dice from the approved storage area shall distribute the dice directly to the following certificate holder's employees who shall perform the inspection in each pit:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, a boxperson or floorperson in the presence of another boxperson or floorperson, both of whom are assigned the responsibility of supervising the operation and conduct of a Craps or Mini-Craps game.
(B) For Sic Bo, Three Dice Football, Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, a floorperson, in the presence of another floorperson, both of whom are assigned the responsibility of supervising the operation and conduct of Sic Bo, Three Dice Football, Pai Gow or Pai Gow Poker games.
(C) For storage of the dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand, to the pit manager or above.
(ii) To ensure that the dice are in a condition to assure fair play and otherwise conform to the requirements of this chapter, the dice shall be inspected by one of the individuals listed in subparagraph (i)(A) or (B) with a micrometer or other instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet. These instruments shall be kept at the pit stand and at all times readily available for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request. The inspection shall be performed on a flat surface which allows the dice inspection to be observed through the slot machine licensee's surveillance system and by any persons in the immediate vicinity of the pit stand.
(iii) After completion of the inspection, the dice shall be distributed as follows:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, the boxperson or floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other boxperson or floorperson who observed the inspection, distribute the dice to the boxperson assigned at each Craps table or to the floorperson assigned at each Mini-Craps table. The Craps boxperson or the Mini-Craps floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(B) For Sic Bo, the floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection, place the required number of dice into the shaker and seal or lock the shaker. The floorperson shall then secure the Sic Bo shaker to the table in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection.
(C) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, the floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection, distribute the dice directly to the dealer at each Pai Gow table. The dealer shall immediately place the dice in the Pai Gow shaker.
(D) For Three Dice Football, the floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection, distribute the dice to the floorperson assigned at each Three Dice Football table. The floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(iv) The pit manager or above shall place extra sets of dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand, as follows:
(A) Dice in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (v), dice taken from the reserve in the pit stand shall be reinspected by a floorperson or above in the presence of another floorperson or above in accordance with the inspection procedures set forth in subparagraph (ii), prior to their use for actual gaming.
(v) Previously inspected reserve dice may be used for gaming without being reinspected if the dice are maintained in a locked compartment in the pit stand in accordance with the following procedures:
(A) For Craps [and], Mini-Craps and Three Dice Football, a set of five dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall be attached to the envelope or container.
(B) For Sic Bo, three dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container or sealed or locked in a Sic Bo shaker. A label or seal that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall, respectively, be attached to each envelope or container or placed over the area that allows access to open the Sic Bo shaker.
(C) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, a set of three dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall be attached to each envelope or container.
(3) Alternative No. 3.
(i) The inspection of dice for table games shall take place in the approved storage area in the presence of a floorperson or above, the assistant table games shift manager or above and a security department employee.
(ii) Prior to starting the inspection of the dice, notice shall be provided to the certificate holder's surveillance department.
(iii) The dice shall be inspected by the floorperson or above, or the assistant table games shift manager or above, or both, with a micrometer or another instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet to ensure that the dice are in a condition to assure fair play and otherwise conform to this chapter. These instruments shall be maintained in the approved storage area and at all times readily available for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request.
(iv) After completion of the inspection, the persons performing the inspection shall seal the dice as follows:
(A) For Craps, Mini-Craps and Three Dice Football, after each set of five dice are inspected, the dice shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of the inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection must be attached to each envelope or container.
(B) For Sic Bo, if a manual shaker is being utilized at the gaming table, after each set of dice are inspected, three dice shall be sealed or locked in a manual shaker. A seal that identifies the date of the inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall be placed over the area that allows access to open the shaker. If an automated shaker is being utilized at the gaming table, after each set of three dice is inspected, the dice shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of the inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection must be attached to each envelope or container.
(C) For Pai Gow, after each set of three dice is inspected, the dice shall be placed in a sealed envelope, container or shaker. A label that identifies the date of the inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection must be attached to each envelope, container or shaker.
(D) Reserve dice may be placed in individual sealed envelopes or containers. A label that identifies the date of the inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection must be attached to each envelope or container.
(v) At the beginning of each gaming day and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above and a security department employee shall distribute the dice as follows:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, the sealed envelopes or containers of dice shall be distributed to a pit manager or above in each Craps or Mini-Craps pit or placed in a locked compartment in the pit stand. When the sealed dice are distributed to a Craps or Mini-Craps table, a boxperson at a Craps table or a floorperson at a Mini-Craps table, after assuring the seals are intact and free from tampering, shall open the sealed envelope or container in the presence of a dealer and place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(B) For Sic Bo, if a manual shaker is being utilized at the gaming table, the sealed manual shakers shall be distributed to the pit manager or above supervising the game or placed in a locked compartment in the pit stand. The floor person or above, after assuring the seal on the shaker is intact and free from tampering, shall secure the manual Sic Bo shaker to the table. If an automated shaker is being utilized at the gaming table, the sealed envelope or container shall be distributed to a pit manager or above in a Sic Bo pit or placed in a locked compartment in the pit stand. When the sealed dice are distributed to the Sic Bo table by the pit manager or above, the floorperson, after assuring the seal and envelopes or containers are intact and free from tampering, shall open the sealed envelope or container in the presence of the dealer and place the dice in the Sic Bo shaker.
(C) For Pai Gow, the sealed envelope or container shall be distributed to a pit manager or above in a Pai Gow pit or placed in a locked compartment in the pit stand. When the sealed dice are distributed to the Pai Gow table by the pit manager or above, a floorperson, after assuring the seal and envelopes or containers are intact and free from tampering, shall open the sealed envelope or container in the presence of the dealer and place the dice in the Pai Gow shaker.
(vi) When an envelope, container or seal is damaged, broken or shows indication of tampering, the dice in the envelope, container or shaker may not be used for gaming activity unless the dice are reinspected in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2).
(vii) The pit manager or above shall place extra dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand. Dice in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment. The keys to the locked compartment shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(viii) A micrometer or another instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet shall be maintained in a locked compartment in each pit stand. These instruments shall be readily available at all times for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request. The inspection of dice in the approved storage area in accordance with this alternative shall be performed on a flat surface which allows the dice inspection to be observed through the slot machine licensee's surveillance system.
(g) A certificate holder shall remove any dice at any time of the gaming day and file a Dice Discrepancy Report as required under subsection (h) if there is any indication of tampering, flaws or other defects that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game, or at the request of a casino compliance representative or other Board employee.
* * * * * (Editor's Note: Sections 603a.20 and 603a.21 are new and printed in regular type to enhance readability.)
§ 603a.20. Match Play Coupons; physical characteristics and issuance.
(a) A certificate holder may utilize Match Play Coupons in accordance with this section.
(b) Match Play Coupons may not be issued by a certificate holder or utilized in a licensed facility until:
(1) The design specifications of the proposed Match Play Coupons are 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).
(2) A system of internal procedures and administrative and accounting controls governing the inventory, distribution and redemption of the Match Play Coupons is submitted and approved as part of the certificate holder's internal controls in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(c) Match Play Coupons issued by a certificate holder must contain:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) The value of the coupon which can be identified when viewing the coupon through the surveillance system of the certificate holder.
(3) A sequential serial number.
(4) Restrictions regarding redemption including the type of game or wager on which the coupon may be used.
(5) A statement specifying the date on which the coupon expires.
(6) An area designated for the placement of the required gaming chips so as to not obscure or interfere with the visibility of the denomination of the coupon.
(d) The marketing department, or other department as specified in the certificate holder's internal controls, and the finance department shall be responsible for administering the Match Play Coupon program. The marketing department shall be responsible for distributing the coupons to patrons. The finance department shall be responsible for maintaining the Match Play Coupon ledger and administering the coupon accounting procedures in subsection (m).
(e) Match Play Coupons received from a gaming service provider or produced by the certificate holder in accordance with subsection (p) shall be opened and examined by at least one member of the finance department and one member of the marketing department. Any deviation between the invoice accompanying the coupons and the actual coupons received shall be immediately reported to a supervisor from the finance department and to the Bureau of Casino Compliance.
(f) After checking the Match Play Coupon received from the gaming service provider or produced by the certificate holder, a finance department supervisor shall record the following information in the Match Play Coupon ledger:
(1) The date the coupons were received.
(2) The quantity and denomination of coupons received.
(3) The beginning and ending serial number of the coupons received.
(4) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the individuals who checked the coupons.
(g) A marketing department supervisor shall estimate the number of Match Play Coupons needed for each gaming day or promotion and complete a requisition document which contains the following information:
(1) The date the requisition was prepared.
(2) The date for which the coupons are needed.
(3) The denomination and quantity of coupons requested.
(4) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the marketing department supervisor completing the requisition.
(5) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the finance department supervisor authorizing the requisition.
(h) Upon receipt of the requisition document, the finance department supervisor shall record in the Match Play Coupon ledger the following information before the coupons are issued to the marketing department supervisor:
(1) The beginning and ending serial number of the coupons issued.
(2) The denomination and quantity of coupons issued.
(3) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the finance department supervisor who issued the coupons.
(4) A record and explanation of coupons that were voided.
(i) Match Play Coupons that are not issued to the marketing department shall be controlled by a finance department supervisor or above and stored in a secured and locked area approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The certificate holder shall include in its internal controls the location of the approved storage area.
(j) The marketing department shall maintain a daily Match Play Coupon Reconciliation Form which must contain:
(1) The date.
(2) The beginning and ending serial numbers of the coupons received from the finance department.
(3) The denomination and quantity of coupons the marketing department has to distribute to patrons.
(4) The denomination and quantity of coupons the marketing department distributed to patrons.
(5) The denomination, quantity and serial numbers of coupons remaining.
(6) The serial numbers of coupons that were voided and the reason the coupons were voided.
(7) Variations discovered and an explanation of the variations.
(8) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the marketing department supervisor completing the form.
(k) At the end of the gaming day or promotional period, a copy of the Match Play Coupon Reconciliation Form and Match Play Coupons that were not distributed to patrons shall be returned to the finance department. The marketing department may keep for use during the next gaming day coupons that were not distributed to patrons provided the coupons are stored in a secured and locked area approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) and recoded on the daily Match Play Coupon Reconciliation Form for the next gaming day. Expired coupons shall be returned to the finance department on a daily basis.
(l) When unused and expired Match Play Coupons are returned to the finance department, a finance department supervisor shall record the following information in the Match Play Coupon ledger:
(1) The date the coupons were returned.
(2) The beginning and ending serial numbers of the coupons returned.
(3) The denomination and quantity of coupons returned.
(4) The serial numbers of any coupons that were voided and the reason the coupons were voided.
(5) The name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the marketing department supervisor returning the unused coupons and the name, signature and Board-issued credential number of the finance department supervisor who received the unused coupons.
(m) Documentation, voided coupons, redeemed coupons and coupons that were not distributed to patrons shall be forwarded on a daily basis to the finance department where the coupons shall be:
(1) Counted and examined for proper calculation and recording.
(2) Reviewed for the propriety of signatures on the documentation and cancelled.
(3) Reconciled by total number of coupons given to the marketing department for distribution to patrons, returned for reissuance, voided, distributed to patrons and redeemed.
(4) Recorded, maintained and controlled by the finance department.
(n) At least once every month, each certificate holder shall inventory the Match Play Coupons that are not distributed to patrons and record the result of the inventory in the Match Play Coupon ledger. The procedures to be utilized to inventory the Match Play Coupons shall be submitted for approval as part of the certificate holder's internal controls.
(o) Each certificate holder shall prepare and file with the Bureau of Casino Compliance a quarterly report which lists, by denomination of Match Play Coupon, the total value of the coupons redeemed by patrons.
(p) A certificate holder may internally manufacture or print Match Play Coupons provided that internal controls governing the production and subsequent reconciliation of the coupons are submitted and approved by the Board.
(q) If included in the certificate holder's internal controls, required under § 465a.2, a certificate holder may authorize a gaming service provider to print and mail Match Play Coupons directly to patrons in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The Match Play Coupons mailed by the gaming service provider must comply with subsections (b) and (c).
(2) The certificate holder shall supply the gaming service provider, through electronic means, a list of the following information for each patron to whom the Match Play Coupon shall be mailed:
(i) The patron's name.
(ii) The patron's address.
(iii) The denomination of the Match Play Coupon.
(iv) The expiration date of the Match Play Coupon.
(v) A serial number on each Match Play Coupon.
(3) The Match Play Coupon issued must include a magnetic strip or bar code that will enable the certificate holder's computer system to identify the information required under subsection (q)(2).
(4) The information in subsection (q)(2) shall be provided to the finance department which shall maintain the information for purposes of reconciliation as required under subsection (m).
(5) Prior to the redemption of the Match Play Coupon, the dealer shall verify the expiration date and confirm that the coupon has not expired.
(6) Match Play Coupons issued must be electronically canceled in the certificate holder's computer system immediately upon redemption or during the counting of the table game drop boxes as provided in § 465a.25 (relating to counting and recording of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes).
(7) The certificate holder is responsible for ensuring that the gaming service provider does not mail Match Play Coupons to individuals on the self-exclusion list under Chapter 503a (relating to self-exclusion) or the exclusion list under Chapter 511a (relating to persons required to be excluded).
(r) A certificate holder may utilize a computerized system that complies with the requirements in this section provided that:
(1) The computerized system creates Match Play Coupons that comply with the requirements in subsection (c).
(2) The computerized system provides an equivalent audit trail and allows for the segregation of duties to satisfy the requirements in this section.
(3) The certificate holder includes in its internal controls required under § 465a.2 procedures governing the production, recording and reconciliation of the computer generated Match Play Coupons.
§ 603a.21. Match Play Coupon use.
(a) A Match Play Coupon may be redeemed only at a gaming table in which patrons wager against the house.
(b) A Match Play Coupon shall be redeemed by a dealer or boxperson if accompanied by gaming chips that are equal to or greater in value to the stated value of the coupon. The Match Play Coupon shall be placed underneath the gaming chips wagered by the patron so that the value of the coupon is visible at all times. If the gaming chips wagered by the patron are greater in value than the stated value of the Match Play Coupon, the dealer shall break down the wager by placing an amount of gaming chips equal to the stated value of the coupon directly on the coupon and the remainder of the gaming chips wagered next to the coupon. If the wager wins, it shall be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the coupon.
(c) A Match Play Coupon and any gaming chips wagered shall be positioned as follows:
(1) For all games other than Craps, Mini-Craps or Roulette, in the patron's betting area.
(2) For Craps and Mini-Craps, on the Pass or Don't Pass Line.
(3) For Roulette, in the box marked ''Black,'' ''Red,'' ''Odd,'' ''Even,'' ''1-18,'' ''19-36,'' ''1st 12,'' ''2nd 12'' or ''3rd 12.''
(d) A patron may use only one Match Play Coupon per round of play.
(e) Whether the wager wins or loses, the dealer shall deposit the Match Play Coupon into the drop box attached to the gaming table at the time the winning wager is paid or the losing wager is collected.
CHAPTER 609a. CREDIT § 609a.13. Requirements for Counter Checks.
* * * * * (c) For Counter Checks that are manually prepared:
* * * * * (3) Access to the Counter Checks shall be maintained and controlled [at all times] by the finance department employees responsible for the control of and accounting for the unused supply of Counter Checks[, and for the preparation of Counter Checks for a patron's signature]. The finance department may issue the book containing the manually prepared Counter Checks to the table games department. The finance department shall establish sign in and sign out procedures in its internal controls to document the transfer and return.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 623a. CRAPS AND MINI-CRAPS § 623a.2. Craps and Mini-Craps tables; physical characteristics.
* * * * * (d) The layout for a Craps or Mini-Craps 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) Specific areas designated for the placement of wagers authorized under § 623a.3 (relating to wagers).
(3) The words ''no call bets.''
(4) If the certificate holder offers the Fire Bet in accordance with § 623a.11 (relating to additional procedures and rules for the Fire Bet):
(i) No more than 16 areas designated for the placement of Fire Bets. The Fire Bet areas must be located around the perimeter of the layout, corresponding to player positions at the table, and sequentially numbered in a clockwise direction, with the area numbered 1 being located immediately to the left of the boxperson or dealer.
(ii) A designated area of the layout for the relocation and identification of all Fire Bets placed by players prior to the come out roll of a shooter. The designated area must be located in front of the boxperson and contain numbered areas which correspond to the location of the numbered areas described in subparagraph (i).
(iii) The following information, visible to all player positions, on the inside wall of the table:
(A) The payout odds for four, five and six different unique points made.
(B) Fire Bets shall be accepted only prior to a shooter's initial come out roll.
(C) The wager limitations applicable to the Fire Bet.
(5) If the certificate holder offers Bonus Craps:
(i) A designated area of the layout in front of the boxperson for the placement of the following wagers:
(A) The All Small Wager.
(B) The All Or Nothing At All Wager.
(C) The All Tall Wager.
(ii) A designated area of the layout for the placement of a marker button on numbers 2 through 6 and numbers 8 through 12.
(iii) The payout odds for permissible Bonus Craps wagers.
(e) Each Craps and Mini-Craps table must have a drop box and tip box attached to the table in locations approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g).
§ 623a.3. Wagers.
(a) The following wagers are authorized in the games of Craps and Mini-Craps:
* * * * * (42) In addition to or in lieu of the Place Bets to Lose on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, a certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer players the option of placing a Lay Bet to receive true odds on the Place Bet to Lose. A Lay Bet shall be active on a come out roll unless called ''off'' by the player and confirmed by the dealer through placement of an ''off'' marker button on top of the player's wager. A winning or losing Lay Bets shall be determined as follows:
(i) A Lay Bet shall win if a 7 is thrown before the particular number against which the wager is placed is thrown.
(ii) A Lay Bet shall lose if the particular number against which the wager is placed is thrown before a 7 is thrown.
(43) If Bonus Craps is being offered, the following wagers may be made immediately prior to the come out roll:
(i) An All Small Wager which will win if all of the numbers 2 through 6 are thrown before a 7 is thrown.
(ii) An All Or Nothing At All Wager which shall win if all of the numbers 2 through 6 and 8 through 12 are thrown before a 7 is thrown.
(iii) An All Tall Wager which shall win if all numbers 8 through 12 are thrown before a 7 is thrown.
(b) Except as permitted under § 623a.6(e) (relating to supplemental wagers made after the come out roll in support of Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come Bets (taking and laying odds)), the amount of a Craps or Mini-Craps wager:
(1) May not be less than the minimum wager.
(2) May not be more than the maximum wager.
(c) The minimum and maximum wagers shall be posted at each Craps or Mini-Craps table.
§ 623a.4. Making and removal of wagers.
* * * * * (c) A wager made on any bet may be removed or reduced at any time prior to a roll that decides the outcome of the wager except that:
(1) A Pass Bet may not be removed or reduced after a come out point is established with respect to the Pass Bet.
(2) A Come Bet may not be removed or reduced after a come point is established with respect to the Come Bet.
(3) A Fire Bet may not be reduced or increased at any time, and may not be removed prior to the throwing of a loser 7.
(4) Any of the Bonus Craps wagers may not be reduced or increased at any time.
(d) A Don't Come Bet and a Don't Pass Bet may be removed or reduced at any time but may not be replaced or increased after the bet has been removed or reduced.
(e) Only players who are seated at a Mini-Craps 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.
§ 623a.5. Payout odds.
* * * * * (h) A certificate holder that offers Bonus Craps in accordance with § 623a.12(a)(43) (relating to additional procedures and rules for Bonus Craps) shall pay winning:
(1) All Small Wagers at odds of 34 to 1.
(2) All Or Nothing At All Wagers at odds of 175 to 1.
(3) All Tall Wagers at odds of 34 to 1.
(i) Except as permitted under subsection (g)(3), a certificate holder may not charge a percentage, fee or vigorish to a player in making any wager in the game of Craps or Mini-Craps.
[(i)] (j) Except as permitted under § 623a.6(e) (relating to supplemental wagers made after the come out roll in support of Pass, Don't Pass, Come and Don't Come Bets (taking and laying odds)), a certificate holder may not accept any wager in excess of the maximum bet posted at the table.
(Editor's Note: The following section is new and printed in regular type to enhance readability.)
§ 623a.12. Additional procedures and rules for Bonus Craps.
If a certificate holder elects to offer Bonus Craps as permitted under § 623a.3 (relating to wagers), the following additional rules and procedures apply:
(1) Prior to a new shooter's initial come out roll, each player may place one or more of the permissible wagers described in § 623a.3(43).
(2) The dealer shall place each player's wagers in the corresponding designated area in front of the boxperson, where the wagers must remain until they are either collected or paid.
(3) With each point made by a shooter, the dealer shall place a marker button inscribed with the point value in the area of the table layout containing the point value of the throw (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12) which was just made. Each button must be visually distinguishable from and have a diameter larger than an authorized value chip. Marker buttons shall be maintained by the boxperson or dealers at the Craps table.
(4) Once all numbers necessary for the wager have been thrown and marked on the layout with the marker buttons, the dealer will pay the winning wagers in accordance with § 623a.5(h) (relating to payout odds). For example, if a player placed an All Small Wager and an All Or Nothing At All Wager and all of the numbers 2 through 6 were thrown and marked before a 7 was thrown, the dealer shall pay the winning All Small Wager but leave the marker buttons on the layout until either all other numbers necessary for the All Or Nothing At All Wager are thrown or the shooter throws a 7.
(5) If a 7 is thrown at any time, including a 7 on the come out roll, the dealer shall collect all Bonus Craps wagers and remove all marker buttons from the Bonus Craps area of the layout.
(6) The numbers required to win are not required to be made in a specific order or combination.
CHAPTER 627a. MINIBACCARAT § 627a.2. Minibaccarat table physical characteristics.
* * * * * (b) The layout for a Minibaccarat 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:
* * * * * (7) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager, authorized under § 627a.7(a)(7), separate areas designated for the placement of the House Money Wager for each player.
(8) Numbered areas that correspond to the seat numbers for the purpose of marking vigorish unless the dealer, in accordance with the option selected in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), collects the vigorish from a player at the time the winning payout is made or the table is designated for play as an EZ Baccarat table in which vigorish is not collected.
* * * * * § 627a.7. Wagers.
(a) The following are permissible wagers in the game of Minibaccarat:
* * * * * (7) If offered by a certificate holder, a House Money Wager which shall:
(i) Win if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand, or both, are a pair. For purposes of the House Money Wager, a pair must be of same rank (two queens, for example), regardless of suit.
(ii) Lose if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand do not contain a pair.
(b) Wagers at Minibaccarat shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Minibaccarat 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.
(c) A wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
§ 627a.8. Hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand.
* * * * * (d) Prior to dealing a third card to the Player's or Banker's Hand, the dealer shall settle all House Money Wagers as follows:
(1) If a player placed a House Money Wager, beginning from the dealer's right and moving counterclockwise around the table, the dealer shall collect all losing House Money Wagers and pay all winning wagers in accordance with § 627a.12(h) (relating to payout odds; vigorish) provided that, at a player's discretion, the player may add the winning House Money payout to the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand in accordance with the following:
(i) All of the winning House Money payout or, if specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2, only a specified portion of the winning House Money payout shall be added to the area designated for the placement of the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand. The player's original wager and the House Money payout which was added to the player's original wager shall be settled based on the outcome of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(ii) A player may not touch the winning House Money payout. The dealer shall either hand the entire winning House Money payout to the player or place all or a portion thereof, if permitted by the certificate holder, on the area designated for the placement of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(2) After settling the House Money Wagers, the game shall resume by dealing any third cards that are required to be dealt in accordance with § 627a.9.
(e) Players may not touch, handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Minibaccarat.
§ 627a.12. Payout odds; vigorish.
* * * * * (f) A winning Dragon 7 Insurance Wager, as described in § 627a.7(a)(5), shall be paid at odds of 40 to 1.
(g) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager and the player elects to take the payout, the player shall be paid in accordance with the following paytable:
Hand Odds Player and Banker Pair 15 to 1 Player or Banker Pair 3 to 1
CHAPTER 629a. MIDIBACCARAT § 629a.2. Midibaccarat table physical characteristics.
* * * * * (b) The layout for a Midibaccarat 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:
* * * * * (7) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager, authorized under § 629a.7(a)(7), separate areas designated for the placement of the House Money Wager for each player.
(8) Numbered areas that correspond to the seat numbers for the purpose of marking vigorish unless the dealer, in accordance with the option selected in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), collects the vigorish from a player at the time the winning payout is made or the table is designated for play as an EZ Baccarat table in which vigorish is not collected.
* * * * * § 629a.7. Wagers.
(a) The following are permissible wagers in the game of Midibaccarat:
* * * * * (7) If offered by a certificate holder, a House Money Wager which shall:
(i) Win if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand, or both, are a pair. For purposes of the House Money Wager, a pair must be of same rank (two queens, for example), regardless of suit.
(ii) Lose if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand do not contain a pair.
(b) Wagers at Midibaccarat shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Midibaccarat layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may be accepted provided that the verbal wagers are confirmed by the dealer and the cash is expeditiously converted into value chips or plaques.
(c) A wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
§ 629a.8. Hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand.
* * * * * (c) The dealer shall then deal an initial four cards from the dealing shoe. The first and third cards dealt shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Player's Hand and the second and fourth cards dealt shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Banker's Hand.
* * * * * (3) Prior to dealing a third card to the Player's or Banker's Hand, the dealer shall settle all House Money Wagers as follows:
(i) If a player placed a House Money Wager, after the initial two cards of the Player's Hand and Banker's Hand have been turned face up on the layout, beginning from the dealer's right and moving counterclockwise around the table, the dealer shall collect all losing House Money wagers and pay all winning wagers in accordance with § 629a.12(h) (relating to payout odds; vigorish) provided that, at a player's discretion, the player may add the winning House Money payout to the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand in accordance with the following:
(A) All of the winning House Money payout or, if specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), only a specified portion of the winning House Money payout shall be added to the area designated for the placement of the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand. The player's original wager and the House Money payout which was added to the player's original wager shall then be settled based on the outcome of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(B) A player may not touch the winning House Money payout. The dealer shall either hand the entire winning House Money payout to the player or place all or a portion thereof, if permitted by the certificate holder, on the area designated for the placement of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(ii) After settling the House Money Wagers, the game shall resume by dealing any third cards that are required to be dealt.
(4) Any third card required to be dealt to the Player's Hand shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Player's Hand. The dealer shall then hand the card, face down, to the player who was handed and returned the Player's Hand. After viewing the card, the player shall return the card, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the card face up on the area designated for the Player's Hand.
[(4)] (5) Any third card required to be dealt to the Banker's Hand shall be placed face down on the area designated for the Banker's Hand. The dealer shall then hand the card, face down, to the player who was handed and returned the Banker's Hand. After viewing the card, the player shall return the card, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the card face up on the area designated for the Banker's Hand.
[(5)] (6) If two or more players wager an equally high amount on the Player's Hand, the player making the wager who is closest to the dealer, moving counterclockwise around the table, shall be handed the Player's Hand and any third card required to be dealt. If two or more players wager an equally high amount on the Banker's Hand, the player making the wager who is closest to the dealer, moving counterclockwise around the table, shall be handed the Banker's Hand and any third card required to be dealt.
* * * * * § 629a.12. Payout odds; vigorish.
* * * * * (h) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager and the player elects to take the payout, the player shall be paid in accordance with the following paytable:
Hand Odds Player and Banker Pair 15 to 1 Player or Banker Pair 3 to 1
CHAPTER 631a. BACCARAT § 631a.2. Baccarat table physical characteristics.
* * * * * (b) The layout for a Baccarat table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:
* * * * * (7) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager, authorized under § 631a.8(a)(7), separate areas designated for the placement of the House Money Wager for each player.
(8) Numbered areas that correspond to the seat numbers for the purpose of marking vigorish unless the dealer, in accordance with the option selected in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), collects the vigorish from a player at the time the winning payout is made or the table is designated for play as an EZ Baccarat table in which vigorish is not collected.
* * * * * § 631a.8. Wagers.
(a) The following are permissible wagers in the game of Baccarat:
* * * * * (7) If offered by a certificate holder, a House Money Wager which shall:
(i) Win if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand, or both, are a pair. For purposes of the House Money Wager, a pair must be of the same rank (two queens, for example), regardless of suit.
(ii) Lose if the first two cards of either the Player's Hand or Banker's Hand do not contain a pair.
(b) Wagers at Baccarat shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Baccarat layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may be accepted provided that the verbal wagers are confirmed by the dealer and the cash is expeditiously converted into value chips or plaques.
(c) A wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
§ 631a.9. Hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand.
* * * * * (e) After the initial two cards of the Player's Hand and Banker's Hand have been turned face up on the layout but prior to dealing a third card in accordance with subsections (c) and (d), the dealer shall settle all House Money Wagers as follows:
(1) If a player placed a House Money Wager, beginning from the dealer's right and moving counterclockwise around the table, the dealer shall collect all losing House Money wagers and pay all winning wagers in accordance with § 631a.13(h) (relating to payout odds; vigorish) provided that, at a player's discretion, the player may add the winning House Money payout to the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand in accordance with the following:
(i) All of the winning House Money payout or, if specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2, only a specified portion of the winning House Money payout shall be added to the area designated for the placement of the player's original wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand. The player's original wager and the House Money payout which was added to the player's original wager shall then be settled based on the outcome of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(ii) A player may not touch the winning House Money payout. The dealer shall either hand the entire winning House Money payout to the player or place all or a portion thereof, if permitted by the certificate holder, on the area designated for the placement of the player's wager on the Player's or Banker's Hand.
(2) After settling the House Money Wagers, the game shall resume by dealing any third cards that are required to be dealt in accordance with subsection (c) or (d)(4).
(f) The dealer or floorperson assigned to the table may require any player to relinquish the right to turn over the cards in accordance with subsection (d) if the player unreasonably delays the game. If the voluntary or compulsory relinquishment of that right occurs, the dealer shall offer it to the player immediately to the right of the previous player. If the player does not accept it or there is not a player in that position, the dealer shall offer it to each of the other players in turn, moving counterclockwise around the table for the remainder of that round of play. If no player accepts the cards, the dealer shall turn the cards over and place them on the designated areas of the layout.
§ 631a.13. Payout odds; vigorish.
* * * * * (h) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager and the player elects to take the payout, the player shall be paid in accordance with the following paytable:
Hand Odds Player and Banker Pair 15 to 1 Player or Banker Pair 3 to 1
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