RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[58 PA. CODE CHS. 625b, 627b, 629b AND 651b]
Sic Bo Side Wagers and Variations; Minibaccarat Side Wagers and Variations; Midibaccarat Side Wagers and Variations; Casino War Side Wagers and Variations; Temporary Regulations
[53 Pa.B. 4409]
[Saturday, August 5, 2023]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority) and § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations), adopts the temporary regulations in §§ 625b.1, 627b.4, 627b.5, 627b.6, 629b.5, 629b.6, 629b.7 and 651b.1 to read as set forth in Annex A. The Board's temporary regulations will be added to Part VII (relating to Gaming Control Board) as part of Subpart K (relating to table games).
Purpose of this Temporary Rulemaking
This temporary rulemaking adds several new side wagers and variations to existing games available for play in this Commonwealth.
Explanation
The addition of Chapter 625b (relating to Sic Bo side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) adds Super Sic Bo, a variation of Sic Bo. Super Sic Bo offers the addition of odd or even wagers as well as incorporating a randomly generated multiplier, which creates increased payout ranges as compared to Sic Bo.
The additions to Chapter 627b (relating to Minibaccarat side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) add Rising Phoenix Baccarat (a Minibaccarat variation), Golden Talons (a Minibaccarat side wager) and Harmony Progressive (a Minibaccarat side wager). Rising Phoenix Baccarat is a variation that can be offered either as commission or commission-free Minibaccarat and incorporates approximately 20 additional Bonus wagers that may be offered. Golden Talons is a Minibaccarat side wager offering, which shall win if the selected hand wins or ties with a natural, or wins by at least four points. The Harmony Progressive is a progressive side wager that wins based upon certain hands.
The additions to Chapter 629b (relating to Midibaccarat side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) add Rising Phoenix Baccarat (a Midibaccarat variation), Golden Talons (a Midibaccarat side wager) and Harmony Progressive (a Midibaccarat side wager). Rising Phoenix Baccarat is a variation that can be offered either as commission or commission-free Midibaccarat and incorporates approximately 20 additional Bonus wagers that may be offered. Golden Talons is a Baccarat side wager offering, which shall win if the selected hand wins or ties with a natural, or wins by at least four points. The Harmony Progressive is a progressive side wager that wins based upon certain hands.
These additions to Chapters 627b and 629b mirror the Rising Phoenix Baccarat, Golden Talons and Harmony Progressive additions made to Chapter 631b (relating toBaccarat side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) as part of temporary rulemaking # 125-243, published at 53 Pa.B. 1671 (March 25, 2023).
The addition to Chapter 651b (relating to Casino War side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) adds Top Card, a variation of Casino War. Top Card allows players to place wagers on whether the Home or Away positions will win or whether the two positions will tie. Unlike Casino War, in the event of a tie, Top Card does not proceed to War—rather the player receives half their initial wager back (a process consistent with the surrender option in Casino War under § 651a.9(c)(1) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play; collection and payment of wagers)).
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this temporary rulemaking will have a fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies. Updates to Rules Submission forms and internal control procedures will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions. This temporary rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth.
Private sector. This temporary rulemaking will provide certificate holders with an additional table game option. If a certificate holder decides to offer any of the side wagers or variations, or both,—temporary regulations within the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to train their dealers on the rules of play and purchase new equipment—specifically table layouts corresponding to the game and wagers offered. Costs incurred to train employees or purchase/lease equipment should be offset by the proceeds of gaming.
General public. This temporary rulemaking will not have a fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder seeks to offer any of the side wagers or variations contained in these temporary regulations the certificate holder will be required to submit a Rules Submission form reflecting the choices in how the game will be offered and with the selected side wagers and variations identified. These forms are available on the Board's public web site and submitted to Board staff electronically.
Effective Date
This temporary rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will expire 3 years from the date of publication.
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 this temporary regulation 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 Robert Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, 303 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation # 125-244.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this temporary rulemaking is Robert Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel at (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the Board is authorized to adopt temporary regulations which are not subject to sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL) (45 P.S. §§ 1201—1205); the Regulatory Review Act (RRA) (71 P.S. §§ 745.1—745.14); and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (CAA) (71 P.S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 3 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the temporary regulations are exempt from the requirements of the RRA, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the CAA.
(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 Chapters 625b, 627b, 629b and 651b, are amended by adding §§ 625b.1, 627b.4, 627b.5, 627b.6, 629b.5, 629b.6, 629b.7 and 651b.1 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(2) The temporary regulations are effective August 5, 2023.
(3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the Board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(4) The temporary regulations shall be 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.
DENISE J. SMYLER,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 125-244. No fiscal impact; recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 625b. SIC BO SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS Sec.
625b.1. Super Sic Bo. § 625b.1. Super Sic Bo.
(a) A certificate holder may offer to players a game variation entitled Super Sic Bo. Super Sic Bo shall be played consistent with Chapter 625a (relating to Sic Bo), unless otherwise provided in this section.
(b) In addition to the layout requirements of § 625a.1 (relating to Sic Bo table; Sic Bo shaker; physical characteristics), the layout must include:
(1) Specific areas designated for the placement of all wagers authorized under subsection (c).
(2) A method of showing which wagers a multiplier is applied to, and the resulting payout odds of said wager, under subsection (e).
(c) In addition to the wagers outlined in § 625a.3 (relating to wagers), Super Sic Bo wagers shall include:
(1) An even wager option, which wins if the sum of the three dice equals an even number.
(2) An odd wager option, which wins if the sum of the three dice equals an odd number.
(3) Super Sic Bo wagers shall be placed in accordance with § 625a.4 (relating to placement of wagers).
(d) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Super Sic Bo wagers at odds no lower than the following base paytable:
Wager Payout Three-of-a-kind 150 to 1 Two-of-a-kind 8 to 1 Any three-of-a-kind 30 to 1 Total value bet of 4 50 to 1 Total value bet of 5 20 to 1 Total value bet of 6 15 to 1 Total value bet of 7 12 to 1 Total value bet of 8 8 to 1 Total value bet of 9 6 to 1 Total value bet of 10 6 to 1 Total value bet of 11 6 to 1 Total value bet of 12 6 to 1 Total value bet of 13 8 to 1 Total value bet of 14 12 to 1 Total value bet of 15 15 to 1 Total value bet of 16 20 to 1 Total value bet of 17 50 to 1 Any two dice combination 5 to 1 One-of-a-kind 1 to 1 Even 1 to 1 Odd 1 to 1 Small bet 1 to 1 Big bet 1 to 1 (e) For purposes of the one-of-a-kind wager:
(1) If two dice show the numeric value upon which the wager was placed, the one-of-a-kind wager shall be paid at 2 to 1.
(2) If three dice show the numeric value upon which the wager was placed, the one-of-a-kind wager shall be paid at 3 to 1.
(f) Super Sic Bo multipliers shall be handled in accordance with the following:
(1) After ''No More Bets'' is announced under § 625a.5(c) (relating to procedures for opening and dealing the game), but before the winning wager is established, a randomly generated multiplier may be applied to one or more of the betting positions with the exception of small bet, big bet, odd and even.
(2) If no multiplier is applied to a given betting position, the payout for a winning wager shall be paid according to the paytable in subsection (d).
(3) If a multiplier is applied, the payout odds shall fall within the following ranges:
Wager Payout Three-of-a-kind 150—999 to 1 Two-of-a-kind 8—87 to 1 Any three-of-a-kind 30—87 to 1 Total value bet of 4 50—499 to 1 Total value bet of 5 20—249 to 1 Total value bet of 6 15—87 to 1 Total value bet of 7 12—29 to 1 Total value bet of 8 8—24 to 1 Total value bet of 9 6—49 to 1 Total value bet of 10 6—24 to 1 Total value bet of 11 6—24 to 1 Total value bet of 12 6—49 to 1 Total value bet of 13 8—24 to 1 Total value bet of 14 12—29 to 1 Total value bet of 15 15—87 to 1 Total value bet of 16 20—249 to 1 Total value bet of 17 50—499 to 1 Any two dice combination 5—24 to 1 One-of-a-kind (one dice) 1 to 1 One-of-a-kind (two dice) 2—19 to 1 One-of-a-kind (three dice) 3—87 to 1 Even 1 to 1 Odd 1 to 1 Small bet 1 to 1 Big bet 1 to 1
CHAPTER 627b. MINIBACCARAT SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS § 627b.4. Rising Phoenix Baccarat.
(a) A certificate holder may offer to players a Minibaccarat game variation entitled Rising Phoenix Baccarat.
(b) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission whether it will offer Rising Phoenix Baccarat as a standard commission or a commission-free Minibaccarat offering.
(c) Unless otherwise provided in this section, Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played consistent with Chapter 627a (relating to Minibaccarat) or § 627b.2 (relating to commission-free Minibaccarat).
(d) Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played on a table with those characteristics provided in § 627a.2(a) through (b)(4) and (b)(7) through (e) (relating to Minibaccarat table physical characteristics).
(e) In addition to the table characteristics provided in subsection (d), the Rising Phoenix Baccarat table shall include:
(1) If a certificate holder offers the Sun 7 wager, authorized under subsection (g)(4)(i), separate areas designated for the placement of the Sun 7 Bonus for each player.
(2) If a certificate holder offers the Moon 8 wager, authorized under subsection (g)(4)(ii), separate areas designated for the placement of the Moon 8 Bonus of each player.
(3) If a certificate holder offers any of the Bonus wagers, authorized under subsection (g)(4), separate areas designated for the placement of the Bonus wagers for each player.
(4) If a certificate holder offers the Harmony Progressive wager, authorized under § 627b.6 (relating to Harmony Progressive), separate areas designated for the placement of the Harmony Progressive for each player.
(f) Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played with six or eight decks of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards.
(g) The following are permissible wagers in the game of Rising Phoenix Baccarat:
(1) A wager on the Banker's hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Banker's hand has a point count higher than that of the Player's hand.
(ii) Lose if the Banker's hand has a point count lower than that of the Player's hand.
(iii) Tie and be returned to the player if the Banker's hand and the Player's hand have an equal point count.
(iv) Tie and be returned to the player if a certificate holder offers Rising Phoenix Baccarat as commission-free and a Banker's hand consisting of three cards with a point count of seven wins the round of play.
(2) A wager on the Player's hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's hand has a point count higher than that of the Banker's hand.
(ii) Lose if the Player's hand has a point count lower than that of the Banker's hand.
(iii) Tie and be returned to the player if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand have an equal point count.
(3) A tie wager which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand have an equal point count.
(ii) Lose if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand do not have an equal point count.
(4) Any of the following Bonus wagers:
(i) A Sun 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand wins with three cards with a point count equaling 7.
(ii) A Moon 8 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand wins with three cards with a point count equaling 8.
(iii) A 9 over 7 wager, which shall win if either the Player or Banker hand wins with a point count of 9 over the losing hand with a point count of 7.
(iv) A 2-card 8 over a 2-card 1 wager, which shall win if either the Player or Banker hand wins with a 2-card hand with a point count of 8 over the losing 2-card hand with a point count of 1.
(v) A Player wins with a 3-card 6 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand wins with a point count of 6 consisting of 3 cards.
(vi) A Banker wins with a 1 or 2 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand, regardless of the number of cards, wins with a point count equal to 1 or 2.
(vii) Player and Banker have an 8 or 9 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand and Banker's hand each have a point count of 8 or 9 regardless of whether the Player's or Banker's hand win or if they tie.
(viii) A 1 over 0 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a point count of 1 and the losing hand has a point count of 0.
(ix) A 3-card 6 over 3-card 3 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with point count of 6 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 3.
(x) A 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 8 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 0.
(xi) A Banker win over a 2-card 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand, regardless of the number of cards, wins over a 2-card Player's hand with a point count of 7.
(xii) A 3-card 9 over 3-card 6 wager, which shall win if the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 9 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 6.
(xiii) A 3-card 9 over 3-card 8 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 9 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 8.
(xiv) A Player wins with 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 wager, which shall win when the Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 8 over a losing Banker's hand consisting of 3 cards with a point count of 0.
(xv) A tie with 0 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 0.
(xvi) A tie with 1, 2 or 3 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 1, 2 or 3.
(xvii) A tie with 4, 5, 6 or 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 4, 5, 6 or 7.
(xviii) A tie with 8 or 9 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 8 or 9.
(xix) A Player pair wager, which shall win if the Player's initial two cards match (that is, two 4's or two kings).
(xx) A Banker pair wager, which shall win if the Banker's initial two cards match (that is, two 4's or two kings).
(5) The Golden Talons wager, offered in accordance with the provisions of § 627b.5 (relating to Golden Talons).
(6) The Harmony Progressive wager, offered in accordance with the provisions of § 627b.6.
(h) Payout odds and vigorish shall be handled as follows:
(1) Winning wagers made on the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or on a tie wager shall be paid consistent with § 627a.12(a)—(d) (relating to payout odds; vigorish).
(2) The Bonus wagers provided in subsection (g)(4) shall be paid according to the following odds:
Hand Odds Sun 7 40 to 1 Moon 8 25 to 1 9 over 7 25 to 1 2-card 8 over 2-card 1 50 to 1 Player win with a 3-card 6 40 to 1 Banker win with 1 or 2 60 to 1 Player and Banker have an 8 or 9 20 to 1 1 over 0 90 to 1 3-card 6 over 3-card 3 150 to 1 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 130 to 1 Banker win over a 2-card 7 30 to 1 3-card 9 over 3-card 6 200 to 1 3-card 9 over 3-card 8 200 to 1 Player win with a 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 250 to 1 Tie with 0 150 to 1 Tie with 1, 2 or 3 70 to 1 Tie with 4, 5, 6 or 7 15 to 1 Tie with 8 or 9 40 to 1 Player pair (initial two cards) 11 to 1 Banker pair (initial two cards) 11 to 1 § 627b.5. Golden Talons.
(a) The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission, offer to each player who has placed a Minibaccarat wager in accordance with § 627a.7(a) (relating to wagers), the operation of placing a Golden Talons wager.
(b) After placing a Minibaccarat wager, a player may place a Golden Talons wager prior to the dealer calling, ''No more bets.''
(c) The dealer shall then deal the cards in accordance with § 627a.8 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), and the round of play shall be played and completed in accordance with the house rules and the provisions of §§ 627a.9—627a.11 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card; rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt; and announcement of result of round; payment and collection of wagers).
(d) After the round of play is completed and the announcement of the result is made, the dealer shall settle the Player's Golden Talons wager while settling the Minibaccarat wagers and other optional wagers placed by each player.
(e) The Golden Talons wager may be placed on the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or both, and shall win if:
(1) The hand wagered upon wins by at least 4 points, or
(2) The hand wagered upon is a natural win or a natural tie, or
(3) The hand wagered upon wins or ties pursuant to the approved paytable.
(f) The Golden Talons wager shall be paid out based upon one of the following paytables, which shall be specified in and approved as part of the certificate holder's Rules Submission.
Scenario Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Paytable D Paytable E Win by 9 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 Win by 8 10 to 1 10 to 1 12 to 1 8 to 1 10 to 1 Win by 7 6 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 7 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 6 4 to 1 4 to 1 3 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 5 2 to 1 2 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1 2 to 1 Win by 4 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 2 to 1 Natural win 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 Natural tie Push 2 to 1 Push Push Push
(g) A Golden Talons win with a natural will only pay the Natural Win odds of 1 to 1, not the higher odds related to wins by 4 or more.
§ 627b.6. Harmony Progressive.
(a) If the certificate holder offers Minibaccarat or Minibaccarat variations as described in Chapter 627a or Chapter 627b (relating to Minibaccarat; and Minibaccarat side wagers and variations—temporary regulations), the certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission, offer to each player who has placed a Minibaccarat wager in accordance with § 627a.7(a) (relating to wagers), the option of placing a Harmony Progressive wager, a wager based on the combination of the player and banker hands.
(b) If the certificate holder offers the Harmony Progressive wager, in addition to the requirements in § 627a.2 (relating to Minibaccarat table physical characteristics), the layout shall contain a separate area designated for the placement of the Harmony Progressive wager for each player.
(c) After placing a Minibaccarat wager, as required in § 627a.7(a), and any other available optional wagers, a player may place a Harmony Progressive wager at any time before the dealer calls, ''No more bets.''
(d) If the certificate holder is offering the Harmony Progressive wager, the Minibaccarat table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of the Harmony Progressive wager. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with the requirements in § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''No more bets.''
(e) The dealer shall deal the cards in accordance with § 627a.8 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), and the round of play shall be played and completed in accordance with the house rules and provisions of §§ 627a.9—627a.11 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card; rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt; and announcement of result of round; payment and collection of wagers).
(f) After the round of play is completed and the announcement of the result is made, the dealer shall settle the players' Harmony Progressive wagers while settling the Minibaccarat wagers and other optional wagers placed by each player.
(g) A Harmony Progressive wager placed shall win and be paid out in accordance with one of the outcomes and odds prescribed in the paytables in subsection (i). The following outcomes, if part of the paytable selected and approved as part of the Rules Submission by the certificate holder, may constitute a winning Harmony Progressive wager:
(1) The Banker and the Player tie with a six-of-a-kind.
(2) The Banker and the Player tie with four 8's and only four cards were dealt.
(3) The Banker and the Player tie with four-of-a-kind and only four cards were dealt.
(4) The Banker and the Player tie with any combination of six 0-value cards.
(5) The Banker and the Player tie with point counts of 0.
(6) The Banker and the Player tie with a point count between 1 and 5.
(7) The Banker and the Player tie with a point count between 6 and 9.
(8) The Banker and the Player tie with hands consisting of all of the same color.
(9) The Banker and the Player tie regardless of hand composition.
(10) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of five cards between the two hands.
(11) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of six cards between the two hands.
(12) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of four cards between the two hands.
(h) Each Harmony Progressive wager placed shall lose and be collected by the dealer if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins or one of the outcomes specified in subsection (g) does not occur.
(i) If a Harmony Progressive wager wins, it shall be paid out based upon the following paytables:
Outcome Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 600 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 300 for 1 200 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 100 for 1 100 for 1 100 for 1 Tie with 0 20 for 1 20 for 1 20 for 1 Tie with 1—5 6 for 1 5 for 1 5 for 1 Tie with 6—9 3 for 1 3 for 1 5 for 1
Outcome Paytable D Paytable E Paytable F Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 600 for 1 1,000 for 1 300 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 300 for 1 300 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 200 for 1 100 for 1 100 for 1 Tie (all cards same color) 20 for 1 20 for 1 20 for 1 Any tie 3 for 1 3 for 1 5 for 1
Outcome Paytable G Paytable H Paytable I Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 600 for 1 1,000 for 1 300 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 200 for 1 200 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 100 for 1 50 for 1 50 for 1 5 card tie 10 for 1 8 for 1 10 for 1 6 card tie 3 for 1 4 for 1 6 for 1 4 card tie 3 for 1 3 for 1 4 for 1 (j) The rate of progression (incrementation rate) and the reseed amounts (reserve incrementation rate) for the Harmony Progressive wager must be based upon the paytable which corresponds to the selected paytable from subsection (i):
Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
Paytable D Paytable E Paytable F Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
Paytable G Paytable H Paytable I Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
CHAPTER 629b. MIDIBACCARAT SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS § 629b.5. Rising Phoenix Baccarat.
(a) A certificate holder may offer to players a Midibaccarat game variation entitled Rising Phoenix Baccarat.
(b) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission whether it will offer Rising Phoenix Baccarat as a standard commission or a commission-free Midibaccarat offering.
(c) Unless otherwise provided in this section, Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played consistent with Chapter 629a (relating to Midibaccarat) or § 629b.2 (relating to commission-free Midibaccarat).
(d) Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played on a table with those characteristics provided in § 629a.2 (a) through (b)(4) and (b)(7) through (e) (relating to Midibaccarat table physical characteristics).
(e) In addition to the table characteristics provided in subsection (d), the Rising Phoenix Baccarat table shall include:
(1) If a certificate holder offers the Sun 7 wager, authorized under subsection (g)(4)(i), separate areas designated for the placement of the Sun 7 Bonus for each player.
(2) If a certificate holder offers the Moon 8 wager, authorized under subsection 5(g)(4)(ii), separate areas designated for the placement of the Moon 8 Bonus of each player.
(3) If a certificate holder offers any of the Bonus wagers, authorized under subsection (g)(4), separate areas designated for the placement of the Bonus wagers for each player.
(4) If a certificate holder offers the Harmony Progressive wager, authorized under § 629b.7 (relating to Harmony Progressive), separate areas designated for the placement of the Harmony Progressive for each player.
(f) Rising Phoenix Baccarat shall be played with six or eight decks of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards.
(g) The following are permissible wagers in the game of Rising Phoenix Baccarat:
(1) A wager on the Banker's hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Banker's hand has a point count higher than that of the Player's hand.
(ii) Lose if the Banker's hand has a point count lower than that of the Player's hand.
(iii) Tie and be returned to the player if the Banker's hand and the Player's hand have an equal point count.
(iv) Tie and be returned to the player if a certificate holder offers Rising Phoenix Baccarat as commission-free and a Banker's hand consisting of three cards with a point count of seven wins the round of play.
(2) A wager on the Player's hand which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's hand has a point count higher than that of the Banker's hand.
(ii) Lose if the Player's hand has a point count lower than that of the Banker's hand.
(iii) Tie and be returned to the player if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand have an equal point count.
(3) A tie wager which shall:
(i) Win if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand have an equal point count.
(ii) Lose if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand do not have an equal point count.
(4) Any of the following Bonus wagers:
(i) A Sun 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand wins with three cards with a point count equaling 7.
(ii) A Moon 8 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand wins with three cards with a point count equaling 8.
(iii) A 9 over 7 wager, which shall win if either the Player or Banker hand wins with a point count of 9 over the losing hand with a point count of 7.
(iv) A 2-card 8 over a 2-card 1 wager, which shall win if either the Player or Banker hand wins with a 2-card hand with a point count of 8 over the losing 2-card hand with a point count of 1.
(v) A Player wins with a 3-card 6 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand wins with a point count of 6 consisting of 3 cards.
(vi) A Banker wins with a 1 or 2 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand, regardless of the number of cards, wins with a point count equal to 1 or 2.
(vii) Player and Banker have an 8 or 9 wager, which shall win if the Player's hand and Banker's hand each have a point count of 8 or 9 regardless of whether the Player's or Banker's hand win or if they tie.
(viii) A 1 over 0 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a point count of 1 and the losing hand has a point count of 0.
(ix) A 3-card 6 over 3-card 3 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with point count of 6 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 3.
(x) A 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 8 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 0.
(xi) A Banker win over a 2-card 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's hand, regardless of the number of cards, wins over a 2-card Player's hand with a point count of 7.
(xii) A 3-card 9 over 3-card 6 wager, which shall win if the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 9 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 6.
(xiii) A 3-card 9 over 3-card 8 wager, which shall win if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 9 over a losing 3-card hand with a point count of 8.
(xiv) A Player wins with 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 wager, which shall win when the Player's hand wins with a 3-card hand with a point count of 8 over a losing Banker's hand consisting of 3 cards with a point count of 0.
(xv) A tie with 0 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 0.
(xvi) A tie with 1, 2 or 3 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 1, 2 or 3.
(xvii) A tie with 4, 5, 6 or 7 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 4, 5, 6 or 7.
(xviii) A tie with 8 or 9 wager, which shall win if the Banker's and Player's hands, regardless of the number of cards in either hand, tie with a point count of 8 or 9.
(xix) A Player pair wager, which shall win if the Player's initial two cards match (that is, two 4's or two kings).
(xx) A Banker pair wager, which shall win if the Banker's initial two cards match (that is, two 4's or two kings).
(5) The Golden Talons wager, offered in accordance with the provisions of § 629b.6 (relating to Golden Talons).
(6) The Harmony Progressive wager, offered in accordance with the provisions of § 629b.7.
(h) Payout odds and vigorish shall be handled as follows:
(1) Winning wagers made on the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or on a tie wager shall be paid consistent with § 629a.12(a)—(d) (relating to payout odds; vigorish).
(2) The Bonus wagers provided in subsection (g)(4) shall be paid according to the following odds:
Hand Odds Sun 7 40 to 1 Moon 8 25 to 1 9 over 7 25 to 1 2-card 8 over 2-card 1 50 to 1 Player win with a 3-card 6 40 to 1 Banker win with 1 or 2 60 to 1 Player and Banker have an 8 or 9 20 to 1 1 over 0 90 to 1 3-card 6 over 3-card 3 150 to 1 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 130 to 1 Banker win over a 2-card 7 30 to 1 3-card 9 over 3-card 6 200 to 1 3-card 9 over 3-card 8 200 to 1 Player win with a 3-card 8 over 3-card 0 250 to 1 Tie with 0 150 to 1 Tie with 1, 2 or 3 70 to 1 Tie with 4, 5, 6 or 7 15 to 1 Tie with 8 or 9 40 to 1 Player pair (initial two cards) 11 to 1 Banker pair (initial two cards) 11 to 1 § 629b.6. Golden Talons.
(a) The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission, offer to each player who has placed a Midibaccarat wager in accordance with § 629a.7 (relating to wagers), the operation of placing a Golden Talons wager.
(b) After placing a Midibaccarat wager, a player may place a Golden Talons wager prior to the dealer calling, ''No more bets.''
(c) The dealer shall then deal the cards in accordance with § 629a.8 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), and the round of play shall be played and completed in accordance with the house rules and the provisions of §§ 629a.9—629a.11 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card; rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt; and announcement of result of round; payment and collection of wagers).
(d) After the round of play is completed and the announcement of the result is made, the dealer shall settle the Player's Golden Talons wager while settling the Midibaccarat wagers and other optional wagers placed by each player.
(e) The Golden Talons wager may be placed on the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or both, and shall win if:
(1) The hand wagered upon wins by at least 4 points, or
(2) The hand wagered upon is a natural win or a natural tie, or
(3) The hand wagered upon wins or ties under the approved paytable.
(f) The Golden Talons wager shall be paid out based upon one of the following paytables, which shall be specified in and approved as part of the certificate holder's Rules Submission:
Scenario Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Paytable D Paytable E Win by 9 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 20 to 1 30 to 1 Win by 8 10 to 1 10 to 1 12 to 1 8 to 1 10 to 1 Win by 7 6 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 7 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 6 4 to 1 4 to 1 3 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Win by 5 2 to 1 2 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1 2 to 1 Win by 4 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 2 to 1 Natural win 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1 Natural tie Push 2 to 1 Push Push Push
(g) A Golden Talons win with a natural will only pay the Natural Win odds of 1 to 1, not the higher odds related to wins by 4 or more.
§ 629b.7. Harmony Progressive.
(a) If the certificate holder offers Midibaccarat or Midibaccarat variations as described in Chapter 629a or Chapter 629b (relating to Midibaccarat; and Midibaccarat side wagers and variations—temporary regulations), the certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission, offer to each player who has placed a Midibaccarat wager in accordance with § 629a.7 (relating to wagers), the option of placing a Harmony Progressive wager, a wager based on the combination of the player and banker hands.
(b) If the certificate holder offers the Harmony Progressive wager, in addition to the requirements in § 629a.2 (relating to Midibaccarat table physical characteristics), the layout shall contain a separate area designated for the placement of the Harmony Progressive wager for each player.
(c) After placing a Midibaccarat wager, as required in § 629a.7, and any other available optional wagers, a player may place a Harmony Progressive wager at any time before the dealer calls, ''No more bets.''
(d) If the certificate holder is offering the Harmony Progressive wager, the Baccarat table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of the Harmony Progressive wager. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with the requirements in § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''No more bets.''
(e) The dealer shall deal the cards in accordance with § 629a.8 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), and the round of play shall be played and completed in accordance with the house rules and provisions of §§ 629a.9—629a.11 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card; rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt; and announcement of result of round; payment and collection of wagers).
(f) After the round of play is completed and the announcement of the result is made, the dealer shall settle the players' Harmony Progressive wagers while settling the Midibaccarat wagers and other optional wagers placed by each player.
(g) A Harmony Progressive wager placed shall win and be paid out in accordance with one of the outcomes and odds prescribed in the paytables in subsection (i). The following outcomes, if part of the paytable selected and approved as part of the Rules Submission by the certificate holder, may constitute a winning Harmony Progressive wager:
(1) The Banker and the Player tie with a six-of-a-kind.
(2) The Banker and the Player tie with four 8's and only four cards were dealt.
(3) The Banker and the Player tie with four-of-a-kind and only four cards were dealt.
(4) The Banker and the Player tie with any combination of six 0-value cards.
(5) The Banker and the Player tie with point counts of 0.
(6) The Banker and the Player tie with a point count between 1 and 5.
(7) The Banker and the Player tie with a point count between 6 and 9.
(8) The Banker and the Player tie with hands consisting of all of the same color.
(9) The Banker and the Player tie regardless of hand composition.
(10) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of five cards between the two hands.
(11) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of six cards between the two hands.
(12) The Banker and the Player tie with a total of four cards between the two hands.
(h) Each Harmony Progressive wager placed shall lose and be collected by the dealer if either the Banker's or Player's hand wins or one of the outcomes specified in subsection (g) does not occur.
(i) If a Harmony Progressive wager wins, it shall be paid out based upon the following paytables:
Outcome Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 600 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 300 for 1 200 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 100 for 1 100 for 1 100 for 1 Tie with 0 20 for 1 20 for 1 20 for 1 Tie with 1—5 6 for 1 5 for 1 5 for 1 Tie with 6—9 3 for 1 3 for 1 5 for 1
Outcome Paytable D Paytable E Paytable F Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 600 for 1 1,000 for 1 300 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 300 for 1 300 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 200 for 1 100 for 1 100 for 1 Tie (all cards same color) 20 for 1 20 for 1 20 for 1 Any tie 3 for 1 3 for 1 5 for 1
Outcome Paytable G Paytable H Paytable I Six-of-a-kind 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive 100% of Progressive Four 8's (4 cards dealt) 600 for 1 1,000 for 1 300 for 1 Four-of-a-kind (4 cards dealt) 200 for 1 200 for 1 300 for 1 Six 0-value cards 100 for 1 50 for 1 50 for 1 5 card tie 10 for 1 8 for 1 10 for 1 6 card tie 3 for 1 4 for 1 6 for 1 4 card tie 3 for 1 3 for 1 4 for 1 (j) The rate of progression (incrementation rate) and the reseed amounts (reserve incrementation rate) for the Harmony Progressive wager must be based upon the paytable which corresponds to the selected paytable from subsection (i):
Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
Paytable D Paytable E Paytable F Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
Paytable G Paytable H Paytable I Incrementation rate 15% 19% 15% Reserve incrementation rate 3% 5% 3%
CHAPTER 651b. CASINO WAR SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS Sec.
651b.1. Top Card. § 651b.1. Top Card.
(a) A certificate holder may offer to players a game variation entitled Top Card. Top Card shall be played consistent with Chapter 651a (relating to Casino War), unless otherwise provided in this section.
(b) In addition to the layout requirements of § 651a.2(b)(1) and (4) (relating to Casino War table; physical characteristics), the layout for Top Card must contain:
(1) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Home wager
(2) A separate betting area designation for the placement of the Away wager, and
(3) A separate betting area designation for the placement of the tie wager.
(c) Top Card shall operate consistent with § 651a.3 (relating to cards; number of decks; dealing shoe) except that Top Card shall be played with eight decks of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards.
(d) Wagers in Top Card shall consist of:
(1) A Home wager, which shall win of the card dealt to the Home wager position is ranked higher than the Away wager position;
(2) An Away wager, which shall win if the card dealt to the Away wager position is ranked higher than the Home wager position;
(3) A tie wager, which shall win if the cards dealt to the Home and Away wager positions are of equal rank (a tie hand).
(e) Procedures for dealing the cards
(1) Except as provided for in this section, Top Card shall be dealt consistent with § 651a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards).
(2) Rather than the procedures provided in § 651a.8(c), the following shall occur:
(i) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''No more bets.''
(ii) The dealer shall deal the first non-discarded card to the Home betting position.
(iii) The dealer shall deal the second non-discarded card to the Away betting position.
(f) After the dealing procedures required under subsection (e) have been completed, the dealer shall, starting from his right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle all wagers consistent with subsection (d) regarding wagers and subsection (g) regarding payout odds.
(g) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Top Card wagers as follows:
(1) A winning Home wager shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.
(2) A winning Away wager shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.
(3) A winning tie wager shall be paid at odds of 11 to 1.
(4) In the event that a Home wager or Away wager was made, and the hand resulted in a tie, half of the Home wager or Away wager shall be returned to the player.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 23-1033. Filed for public inspection August 4, 2023, 9:00 a.m.]
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