RULES AND REGULATIONS

PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD

[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 535, 541, 543, 545, 549, 551, 553, 555, 557, 559, 561, 563, 565 AND 567 ]

Table Game Rules Amendments; Temporary Regulations

[40 Pa.B. 2959]
[Saturday, June 5, 2010]

 The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under its general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A (relating to temporary table game regulations) enacted by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1) (Act 1) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. §§ 1302A(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority), amends temporary regulations in Chapters 535, 541, 543, 545, 549, 551, 553, 555, 557, 559, 561, 563, 565 and 567 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 the Temporary Rulemaking

 This temporary rulemaking amends the rules for table games in response to comments received from certificate holders by amending the sections regarding opening of tables for gaming and shuffling of cards to permit the use of preinspected and preshuffled cards as authorized under § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use). It also makes revisions to the rules for Blackjack and Spanish 21 to incorporate some of the suggestions offered by commentators.

Explanation of Chapters 535, 541, 543, 545, 549, 551, 553, 555, 557, 559, 561, 563, 565 and 567

 The Board received numerous comments on the temporary regulations that it has promulgated so far. The Board found these comments useful and thanks the commentators for their input.

 While the Board does not agree with all of the suggestions offered and is still reviewing a number of the comments that have been made, the Board does agree that improvements can be made in several areas now. This temporary rulemaking, which makes a number of amendments, is just the first of what the Board expects will be a number of changes to improve the Board's regulations.

 Commentators stated that the temporary regulations were not clear as to whether or not the use of preinspected and preshuffled decks of cards would be permitted. In Regulation #125-116, which appeared at 40 Pa.B. 2088 (April 24, 2010), the Board adopted its requirements authorizing the use of preinspected and preshuffled decks of cards. To add additional clarity, in this temporary rulemaking, the rules for table games that are played with decks of cards are being amended to clarify that preinspected and preshuffled cards are permitted to be used and that the provisions related to inspection and shuffling of decks of cards at the opening of the tables do not apply if preinspected and preshuffled cards are used.

 In § 535.2 (relating to Pai Gow table; Pai Gow shaker; physical characteristics), the phrase ''imprinted or impressed'' has been deleted from subsection (d)(2). Because a certificate holder's name or logo can be placed on a Pai Gow shaker using numerous manufacturing processes, requiring the name or logo to be applied by only being imprinted or impressed is unnecessarily restrictive.

 In §§ 541.10, 543.10 and 545.10 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card), additional language has been added to address how the play is to proceed when the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play of Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat and Baccarat is the cover card.

 Additionally, in § 543.9 (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), the last sentence in subsection (c)(3), which was incomplete, has been revised.

 In addition to the changes regarding preinspected and preshuffled cards, a number of other changes have been made in Chapters 549 and 551 (relating to blackjack; and Spanish 21). In §§ 549.2 and 551.2 (relating to Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections; and Spanish 21 table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), the phrases ''or similar language approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations'' and ''or in another location approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations'' have been added to subsections (c)(2) and (f), respectively, to give certificate holders some additional operating flexibility.

 In §§ 549.3 and 551.3 (relating to cards; number of decks; value of cards), subsections (e) and (c), respectively, have been added which will require that the cards used on Blackjack and Spanish 21 tables to be changed every 24 hours. This is needed because time period for changing cards was not included in the initial Blackjack or Spanish 21 temporary regulations.

 In §§ 549.7 and 551.8 (relating to procedure for dealing cards; and procedure for dealing the cards), the word ''hit'' in subsection (b) was deleted to allow dealers the option of dealing all cards, not just hit cards, to the first two positions with the dealer's left hand. In §§ 549.7(i) and 551.8(h), the phrase ''announce Dealer's card,'' which shall be stated by the dealer in a tone of voice calculated to be heard by each person at the table, and'' has been deleted. Commentators noted that this pronouncement is not needed and it can be annoying to players.

 As was done in the chapters regarding Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat and Baccarat, language has been added to §§ 549.7(k) and 551.8(j) to address the how play is to proceed when the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play is the cover card. Additionally, in § 549.7(l), the word ''player'' has been replaced with ''players'' to make it consistent with the rest of the wording in that subsection.

 In §§ 549.12 and 551.12 (relating to splitting pairs), an example has been added to subsection (a) to make it clear that any two cards that have a value of ten may be used to split the hand. In § 549.12(c)(2), the phrase ''and may not elect to receive additional cards'' has been deleted because it is redundant and was confusing to some commentators.

 In §§ 549.15 and 551.15 (relating to continuous shuffling shoe or device), the phrase ''is approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations'' has been added to make it clear that the technical approval of the device will be done by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, while the procedures for using the device for gaming will be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

Affected Parties

 The amendments in this temporary rulemaking will affect how certificate holders may conduct table games at their licensed facilities.

Fiscal Impact

Commonwealth

 The Board does not expect that the revisions in this temporary rulemaking will have any fiscal impact on the Board or other Commonwealth agencies.

Political Subdivisions

 This temporary rulemaking will have no direct fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Eventually, host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding that is mandated by Act 1.

Private Sector

 The amendments in this temporary rulemaking will give certificate holders some additional flexibility as to how they conduct table games which may result in faster play and thereby result in lower costs for certificate holders.

General Public

 This temporary rulemaking will have no direct fiscal impact on the general public.

Paperwork Requirements

 This temporary rulemaking will impose no new paperwork requirements on certificate holders.

Effective Date

 This temporary rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

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 rulemaking 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 Richard Sandusky, Director of Regulatory Review, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation #125-119.

Contact Person

 The contact person for questions about this temporary rulemaking is Richard Sandusky, Director of Regulatory Review at (717) 214-8111.

Regulatory Review

 Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A, the Board is authorized to adopt temporary regulations which are not subject to the provisions of sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201—1205), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL), the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. §§ 745.1—745.12) and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (71 P. S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 2 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Findings

 The Board finds that:

 (1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1303A, the temporary regulations are exempt from the requirements of the Regulatory Review Act, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorney Act.

 (2) The adoption of the temporary regulations is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming).

Order

 The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:

 (1) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 535, 541, 543, 545, 549, 551, 553, 555, 557, 559, 561, 563, 565 and 567, are amended by amending §§ 535.2, 541.4, 541.5, 541.10, 543.4, 543.5, 543.9, 543.10, 545.4, 545.5, 545.10, 549.2, 549.3, 549.5—549.7, 549.12, 549.15, 551.2—551.5, 551.8, 551.12, 551.15, 553.5, 553.6, 555.4, 555.5, 557.4, 557.5, 559.4, 559.5, 561.4, 561.5, 563.4, 563.5, 565.4, 565.5, 567.4 and 567.5 to read as set forth in Annex A.

 (2) The temporary regulations are effective June 5, 2010.

 (3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the Board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

 (4) The temporary regulations are subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the Board.

 (5) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.

GREGORY C. FAJT, 
Chairperson

 Fiscal Note: 125-119. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.

Annex A

TITLE 58. RECREATION

PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD

Subpart K. TABLE GAMES

CHAPTER 535. PAI GOW

§ 535.2. Pai Gow table; Pai Gow shaker; physical characteristics.

 (a) Pai Gow shall be played at a table having on one side places for six players and on the opposite side a place for the dealer.

 (b) The layout for a Pai Gow table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum, the following:

 (1) Six separate designated betting areas for the players at the table with each area being numbered one through six.

 (2) A separate area, located to the left of the dealer, for the placement of four tiles which shall be referred to as the Dead Hand.

 (3) The name or logo of the certificate holder offering the game.

 (c) Each Pai Gow table must have a drop box with a tip box attached to it on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, in locations approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (d) Pai Gow shall be played with a Pai Gow shaker, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, used to shake three dice before each hand of Pai Gow is dealt to determine the starting position for the dealing of the Pai Gow tiles. The Pai Gow shaker shall be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game and, at a minimum, adhere to the following specifications:

 (1) The Pai Gow shaker must be capable of housing three dice and be designed to prevent the dice from being seen while being shaken by the dealer.

 (2) The Pai Gow shaker must have the name or logo of the certificate holder thereon.

CHAPTER 541. MINIBACCARAT

§ 541.4. Opening of a table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving the six or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer calling the game shall sort and inspect each deck of cards separately, facedown and the floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in horizontal rows by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two batches of six to eight decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 541.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards in each batch of cards shall be separately sorted, inspected, verified, laid out, inspected, washed and stacked in accordance with subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 541.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each dealing shoe of cards is completed, unless an automated shuffling device is used, the dealer shall shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled by a dealer, the dealer shall leave the entire stack of cards intermixed but not entirely squared off (leave them feathered) so that the floorperson can verify that the shuffle did not result in any uneven distribution of cards.

 (c) After shuffling the cards and, when applicable, reshuffling them, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards, with backs facing away from the dealer, to the players to be cut. The dealer shall begin with the player seated in the highest number position at the table and, working clockwise around the table, shall offer the stack to each player until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The cards shall be cut by placing a cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top or the bottom of the stack.

 (e) Once the cover card has been inserted into the stack, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then insert the second cover card in a position at least 14 cards above the bottom of the stack, and the second cover card at the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson or above determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined by subsection (c).

 (g) Prior to commencement of play, the dealer shall remove the first card from the dealing shoe and place it, and an additional number of cards equal to the face value of the first card drawn, in the discard rack after all cards have been shown to the players. When determining the face value of the first card removed from the dealing shoe, a 10, jack, queen or king shall count as ten and an ace shall count as one.

 (h) If there is no gaming activity at a Minibaccarat table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack, and spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, they shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table and:

 (1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.

 (2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The batch of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player so requests, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler need not be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt, if:

 (i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

§ 541.10. Procedure for dealing a third card.

 (a) After the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 541.9(c)(1) or (2) (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), the dealer shall announce the point count of the Player's Hand and then the Banker's Hand.

 (b) Following the announcement of the Point Counts of each hand, the dealer shall determine whether to deal a third card to each hand in conformity with the requirements of § 541.11 (relating to rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt).

 (c) After the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 541.9(c)(1) or (2), any third card required to be dealt shall first be dealt face up to the Player's Hand and then to the Banker's Hand by the dealer.

 (d) In no event may more than one additional card be dealt to either hand.

 (e) Whenever the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. Upon completion of that hand, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''last hand.'' At the completion of one more hand, the cards shall be reshuffled.

CHAPTER 543. MIDIBACCARAT

§ 543.4. Opening of a table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving the six or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer calling the game shall sort and inspect each deck of cards separately, face down and the floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in horizontal rows by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (d) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(c) do not apply.

§ 543.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the dealer shall shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled by a dealer, the dealer shall leave the entire stack of cards intermixed but not entirely squared off (leave them feathered) so that the floorperson can verify that the shuffle did not result in any uneven distribution of cards.

 (c) After shuffling the cards and, when applicable, reshuffling them, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards, with backs facing away from the dealer, to the players to be cut. The dealer shall begin with the player seated in the highest number position at the table and, working clockwise around the table, shall offer the stack to each player until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The cards shall be cut by placing a cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top or the bottom of the stack.

 (e) Once the cover card has been inserted into the stack, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then insert the second cover card in a position at least 14 cards above the bottom of the stack, and the second cover card at the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson or above determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined by subsection (c).

 (g) Prior to commencement of play, the dealer shall remove the first card from the dealing shoe and place it, and an additional number of cards equal to the face value of the first card drawn, in the discard bucket after all cards have been shown to the players. When determining the face value of the first card removed from the dealing shoe, a 10, jack, queen or king shall count as ten and an ace shall count as one.

§ 543.9. Hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand.

 (a) There shall be two hands dealt in the game of Midibaccarat, one of which shall be designated the Player's Hand and the other designated the Banker's Hand.

 (b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''no more bets.''

 (c) The dealer shall then deal an initial four cards from the dealing shoe. The first and third cards dealt shall constitute the first and second cards of the Player's Hand. The second and fourth cards dealt shall constitute the first and second cards of the Banker's Hand. The dealer shall deal the initial four cards in accordance with one of the following options selected in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):

 (1) The dealer shall remove cards from the dealing shoe with his left hand, turn them face up and then place them on the appropriate area of the layout with his right hand. The first and third cards dealt shall be placed on the area designated for the Player's Hand and the second and fourth cards dealt shall be placed on the area designated for the Banker's Hand.

 (2) 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 underneath the right corner of the dealing shoe until the Player's Hand is called as provided for in § 543.10 (relating to procedure for dealing a third card), at which time the second and fourth cards shall be turned face up and placed on the area designated for the Banker's Hand.

 (3) 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. After all four cards have been dealt, the dealer shall place the Banker's Hand underneath the right corner of the dealing shoe until the procedure in subparagraph (i) is completed.

 (i) The dealer shall then hand the two cards of the Player's Hand, face down, to the player with the highest wager on the Player's Hand. After viewing the Player's Hand, the player shall return the two cards, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the cards face up on the area designated for the Player's Hand and announce the point count of the Player's Hand.

 (ii) The dealer shall then hand the two cards of the Banker's Hand, face down, to the player with the highest wager on the Banker's Hand. After viewing the Banker's Hand, the player shall return the two cards, face up, to the dealer, who shall place the cards face up on the area designated for the Banker's Hand and announce the point count of the Banker's Hand.

 (iii) 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.

 (iv) 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.

 (v) 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.

§ 543.10. Procedure for dealing a third card.

 (a) After the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 543.9(c)(1) or (2) (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), the dealer shall announce the point count of the Player's Hand and then the Banker's Hand. If the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 541.9(c)(3), the point counts of the Player's Hand and Banker's Hand shall be announced as provided therein.

 (b) Following the announcement of the Point Counts of each hand, the dealer shall determine whether to deal a third card to each hand in conformity with the requirements of § 543.11 (relating to rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt).

 (c) If the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 543.9(c)(1) or (2), any third card required to be dealt shall first be dealt face up to the Player's Hand and then to the Banker's Hand by the dealer. If the dealer positions the cards in accordance with § 541.9(c)(3), any third cards required to be dealt shall be dealt as provided therein.

 (d) In no event may more than one additional card be dealt to either hand.

 (e) Whenever the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. Upon completion of that hand, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''last hand.'' At the completion of one more hand, the cards shall be replaced with new decks of cards.

CHAPTER 545. BACCARAT

§ 545.4. Opening of a table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving the six or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer calling the game shall sort and inspect each deck of cards separately, face down and the floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (d) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(c) do not apply.

§ 545.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), one or more of the dealers shall wash and stack the cards, after which each of the dealers shall shuffle the stack of cards independently.

 (b) After shuffling the cards and, when applicable, reshuffling them, the dealer calling the game shall offer the stack of cards, with backs facing away from the dealer, to the players to be cut. The dealer shall begin with the player seated in the highest number position at the table or, in the case of a reshuffle, the last curator and working clockwise around the table, shall offer the stack to each player until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (c) The cards shall be cut by placing a cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top or the bottom of the stack.

 (d) Once the cover card has been inserted into the stack, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then insert the second cover card in a position at least 14 cards above the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (e) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson or above determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (b).

 (f) Prior to commencement of play, the dealer shall remove the first card from the dealing shoe and place it, and an additional number of cards equal to the face value of the first card drawn, in the discard bucket after all cards have been shown to the players. When determining the face value of the first card removed from the dealing shoe, a 10, jack, queen or king shall count as ten and an ace shall count as one.

§ 545.10. Procedure for dealing a third card.

 (a) Except as provided in § 545.9(d) (relating to hands of player and banker; procedure for dealing initial two cards to each hand), after the initial four cards have been dealt and the dealer calling the game places the cards face up in front of himself, the dealer calling the game shall announce the Point Count of the Player's Hand and the Banker's Hand.

 (b) Following the announcement of the Point Counts of each hand, the dealer calling the game shall instruct the curator whether to deal a third card to either or both hands in conformity with § 545.11 (relating to rules for determining whether a third card shall be dealt).

 (c) Any third card required to be dealt by § 545.11 shall first be dealt face up to the Player's Hand and then to the Banker's Hand by the curator.

 (d) In no event may more than one additional card be dealt to either hand.

 (e) Whenever the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. Upon completion of that hand, the dealer calling the game shall announce ''last hand.'' At the completion of one more hand, the cards shall be replaced with new decks of cards.

CHAPTER 549. BLACKJACK

§ 549.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.

 (a) Blackjack shall be played at a table having on one side places for the players and on the opposite side a place for the dealer.

 (b) The layout for a Blackjack table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and shall contain, at a minimum:

 (1) The name or logo of the certificate holder offering the game.

 (2) No more than seven specific areas designated for the placement of wagers.

 (c) The following must be inscribed on the Blackjack layout:

 (1) Blackjack pays 3 to 2.

 (2) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17's or similar language approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (3) Insurance pays 2 to 1.

 (d) Each Blackjack table shall have a drop box and a tip box attached to it with the location of the boxes on the same side of the gaming table, but on opposite sides of the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (e) A Blackjack table shall have attached to it a card reader device, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, which permits the dealer to determine if the dealer has a Blackjack in accordance with § 549.7 (relating to procedure for dealing cards). The floorperson assigned to the Blackjack table shall inspect the card reader device at the beginning of each gaming day to insure that there has been no tampering with the device and that it is in proper working order.

 (f) To collect the cards at the conclusion of a round of play as required under § 549.7(i), each Blackjack table shall have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table or in another location approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations. The height of each discard rack must either:

 (1) Equal the height of the cards, stacked one on top of the other, contained in the total number of decks that are to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.

 (2) Be taller than the height of the total number of decks being used if the discard rack has a distinct and clearly visible mark on its side to show the exact height for a stack of cards equal to the total number of cards contained in the number of decks to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.

 (g) Whenever a double shoe is used at a Blackjack table, the height and marking requirements as in subsection (f) for that table's discard rack shall be determined by the number of decks used in one side of the shoe.

§ 549.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.

 (a) Blackjack shall be played with at least one deck of cards. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d), all decks of cards used for the play of Blackjack shall be identical in appearance. Blackjack shall also be played with at least one cutting card, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (b) The value of the cards contained in each deck shall be as follows:

 (1) Any card from 2 to 10 shall have its face value.

 (2) Any jack, queen or king shall have a value of ten.

 (3) An ace shall have a value of 11, unless that value would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case, the ace shall have a value of 1.

 (c) If a double shoe is utilized, Blackjack shall be played with at least two decks of cards that shall be dealt from separate sides of the dealing shoe with the same number of decks used in each side of the double shoe. The cards dealt from both sides of the shoe shall be identical in appearance; however, the backs of the cards being dealt from one side of the shoe, shall be of a different color than the backs of the cards being dealt from the other side of the shoe. In addition, a separate cutting card shall be used in each side of the shoe.

 (d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Blackjack shall be played with at least two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:

 (1) The cards shall be separated into two batches, with an equal number of decks included in each batch.

 (2) The cards in each batch must be of the same design, but the backs of the cards in one batch must be of a different color than the cards included in the other batch.

 (3) One batch of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other batch is being dealt or used to play the game.

 (4) Both batches of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each batch being used for every other dealing shoe.

 (5) The cards from only one batch shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.

 (e) The decks of cards opened for use at a Blackjack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.

§ 549.5. Opening of table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face upwards on the table for visual inspection by the first player or players to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence. The cards shall be laid out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player or players are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face downward on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (d) If a double shoe is utilized, all the decks that comprise one side of the dealing shoe shall be spread for inspection on the table separate from the decks that comprise the other side of the dealing shoe. After the player or players are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards that comprise one side of the dealing shoe and the cards that comprise the other side of the dealing shoe shall separately be turned face downward on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (e) If an automated shuffling device is utilized, all the decks in one batch of cards shall be spread for inspection on the table separate from the decks in the other batch of cards. After the player or players is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, each batch of cards shall separately be turned face downward on the table and stacked.

 (f) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(e) do not apply.

§ 549.6. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), after any round of play as may be determined by a floorperson and after each shoe of cards is dealt, the dealer shall shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards, with backs facing upward to the players to be cut. The player to cut the cards shall be:

 (1) The first player to the table if the game is just beginning.

 (2) The player on whose box the cutting card appeared during the last round of play.

 (3) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the cutting card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play.

 (4) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the reshuffle was initiated at the discretion of a floorperson or above.

 (c) If the player designated in subsection (b) refuses the cut, the cards shall be offered to each other player moving clockwise around the table until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The player shall cut the cards by placing the cutting card in the stack at least 10 cards in from the top or bottom of the stack.

 (e) Once the cutting card has been inserted by the player, the dealer shall take all cards above the cutting card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then take the entire stack of cards that was just cut and align them along the side of the dealing shoe which has a mark that will allow the dealer to insert the cutting card in the stack at a position at least approximately one-quarter of the way in from the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut, at the certificate holder's option, by the player who last cut the cards, or by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined by subsection (b)(4).

 (g) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cutting card is reached in the shoe as provided for in § 549.7(k) (relating to procedure for dealing cards) except that a floorperson may determine after each round of play that the cards should be reshuffled.

 (h) If there is no gaming activity at a Blackjack table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack, and spread out on the table for inspection, either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, they shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards the cards shall be turned face downward on the table.

 (1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing shuffle of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.

 (2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The batch of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player so requests, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler need not be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt, if:

 (i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

§ 549.7. Procedure for dealing cards.

 (a) All cards used to play Blackjack shall be dealt from a dealing shoe specifically designed for that purpose.

 (b) The dealer shall remove cards from the shoe with his left hand, and then place the cards on the appropriate area of the layout with his right hand, except that the dealer shall have the option to deal cards to the first two positions with his left hand.

 (c) After each full batch of cards is placed in the shoe, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. Each new dealer who comes to the table shall also remove one card and place it in the discard rack before dealing any cards to the players.

 (d) If a double shoe is utilized, the following procedures shall be used in lieu of the procedures in subsection (c).

 (1) Prior to commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall draw a determinate card from either side of the double shoe. The suit of that card shall determine from which side of the shoe that round of play will be dealt. The certificate holder shall designate that the suits of hearts and diamonds shall correspond to the color of the backs of the cards being dealt from one side of the shoe, and that the suits of spades and clubs shall correspond to the color of the backs of the cards being dealt from the other side of the shoe.

 (2) A determinant card corresponding to the side of the shoe from which it was drawn shall become the player's first card. A determinant card that does not correspond to the side of the shoe from which it was dealt shall be placed in a segregated area of the dealing shoe.

 (e) At the commencement of each round of play, or immediately after the determinant card has been drawn and either removed or used as the player's first card, the dealer shall, starting on his left and continuing around the table, deal the cards in the following order:

 (1) One card face upwards to each box on the layout in which a wager is contained.

 (2) One card face upwards to the dealer.

 (3) A second card face upwards to each box in which a wager is contained.

 (4) A second card face downwards to himself.

 (f) If the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10 of any suit, the dealer shall determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack prior to dealing any additional cards to the players at the table. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone, including the dealer, at the table.

 (g) After the cards have been dealt, and if necessary, the procedure in subsection (f) has been executed, the dealer shall, beginning from his left, announce the point total of each player. As each player's point total is announced, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender as permitted under § 549.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 549.11 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 549.12 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw as permitted under § 549.13 (relating to drawing of additional cards by players and the dealer).

 (h) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision consistent with this chapter and shall announce the new point total of the player after each additional card is dealt.

 (i) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn the second card that was dealt to the dealer face upwards. Any additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer by § 549.13(b) shall be dealt face upwards at this time. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.

 (j) At the conclusion of a round of play, all cards still remaining on the layout shall be picked up by the dealer in order and in a way that the cards can be readily arranged to indicate each player's hand in case of question or dispute. The dealer shall pick up the cards beginning with those of the player to his far right and moving counterclockwise around the table. After all the players' cards have been collected the dealer shall pick up his cards against the bottom of the players' cards and place them in the discard rack or in a segregated area of the double shoe.

 (k) Whenever the cutting card is the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or is reached in the deal of the cards, the dealer shall continue dealing the cards until that round of play is completed after which the dealer shall:

 (1) Collect the cards as provided in subsection (j).

 (2) Prepare to shuffle the cards, as follows:

 (i) Whenever a single dealing shoe is used, the dealer shall remove the cards remaining in the shoe and place them in the discard rack to ensure that no cards are missing.

 (ii) Whenever a double shoe is used, the dealer shall remove the cards remaining in the side of the shoe from which the cutting card was drawn and the cards, if any, that were put in a separate segregated area for the discards from that side of the double shoe, after which the dealer shall place those cards face down in the discard rack in order to ensure that no cards are missing.

 (3) Shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed. If a double shoe is utilized, the shuffle of the cards shall be limited to the side of the shoe from which the cutting card was drawn.

 (l) Players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Blackjack.

 (m) Each player at the table shall be responsible for correctly computing the point count of his hand and no player shall rely on the point counts announced by the dealer.

§ 549.12. Splitting pairs.

 (a) Whenever the initial two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands provided that he makes a wager on the second hand so formed in an amount equal to his original wager. For example, if a player has two 7's or a king and a 10, the player may elect to split the hand.

 (b) When a player splits pairs, the dealer shall deal a card to and complete the player's decisions with respect to the first incomplete hand on the dealer's left before proceeding to deal any cards to the second hand.

 (c) After a second card is dealt to each split pair hand, the dealer shall announce the point total of the hand and the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect to that hand except that:

 (1) A player may split one more pair if the second card dealt is identical in value to a card of the split pair, for a total of three hands. A player may not split another identical value pair.

 (2) A player splitting aces may only have one card dealt to each ace.

 (d) If the dealer obtains Blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall only collect the amount of the original wager of the player and may not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.

§ 549.15. Continuous shuffling shoe or device.

 In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements set forth in §§ 549.6 and 549.7 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; and procedure for dealing cards), a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards provided that the shoe or device is approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

CHAPTER 551. SPANISH 21

§ 551.2. Spanish 21 table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.

 (a) Spanish 21 shall be played at a table having on one side places for the players and on the opposite side a place for the dealer.

 (b) The layout for a Spanish 21 table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:

 (1) The name or logo of the certificate holder offering the game.

 (2) No more than seven player positions containing a separate designated betting area for the placement of the following wagers:

 (i) The required Spanish 21 wager.

 (ii) An optional Match-The-Dealer Wager.

 (c) The following must be inscribed on the Spanish 21 layout:

 (1) Blackjack pays 3 to 2.

 (2) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17's or similar language approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (3) Insurance pays 2 to 1.

 (4) The payout odds for each of the wagers listed in § 551.6(f) and (g) (relating to wagers; payout odds).

 (5) The payout odds for the Match-The-Dealer Wager, if offered, unless these odds are included in the sign required by subsection (g).

 (d) Each Spanish 21 table must have a drop box and a tip box attached to it with the location of the boxes on the same side of the gaming table, but on opposite sides of the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (e) A Spanish 21 table must have attached to it a card reader device, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, which permits the dealer to determine if the dealer has a Blackjack in accordance with § 551.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards). The floorperson assigned to the Spanish 21 table shall inspect the card reader device at the beginning of each gaming day to insure that there has been no tampering with the device and that it is in proper working order.

 (f) To collect the cards at the conclusion of a round of play as required under § 551.8(i), each Spanish 21 table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table or in another location approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations. The height of the discard rack must either:

 (1) Equal the height of the cards, stacked one on top of the other, contained in the total number of decks that are to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.

 (2) Be taller than the height of the total number of decks being used if the discard rack has a distinct and clearly visible mark on its side to show the exact height for a stack of cards equal to the total number of cards contained in the number of decks to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.

 (g) A certificate holder shall post a sign approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations at each Spanish 21 table, which explains:

 (1) That doubled down hands are not eligible for the additional payouts in § 551.6(g) and (h).

 (2) The payout odds for the Match-The-Dealer Wager, if those payout odds are not imprinted on the layout.

§ 551.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.

 (a) Spanish 21 shall be played with six or eight decks of cards identical in appearance. The decks must consist of 48 cards, with the 10 of each suit removed from each deck during the inspection required under § 551.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming). Spanish 21 shall also be played with at least one cutting card.

 (b) The value of the cards contained in each deck shall be as follows:

 (1) Any card from 2 to 9 shall have its face value.

 (2) Any jack, queen or king shall have a value of 10.

 (3) An ace shall have a value of 11, unless that value would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case the ace shall have a value of one.

 (c) The decks of cards opened for use at a Spanish 21 table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.

§ 551.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving the decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) If the decks contain the 10 of any suit, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that these cards are removed from the decks, torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the decks came from. Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, and stacked.

 (d) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(c) do not apply.

§ 551.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), after any round of play as may be determined by a floorperson and after each shoe of cards is dealt, the dealer shall shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards, with backs facing up to the players to be cut. The player to cut the cards shall be:

 (1) The first player to the table if the game is just beginning.

 (2) The player on whose box the cutting card appeared during the last round of play.

 (3) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the cutting card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play.

 (4) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the reshuffle was initiated at the discretion of a floorperson.

 (c) If the player designated in subsection (b) refuses the cut, the cards shall be offered to each other player moving clockwise around the table until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The player shall cut the cards by placing the cutting card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top or bottom of the stack.

 (e) Once the cutting card has been inserted by the player, the dealer shall take all cards above the cutting card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then take the entire stack of cards and align them along the side of the dealing shoe which has a mark that will allow the dealer to insert the cutting card in the stack at a position at least approximately one-quarter of the way in from the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be cut by the next player entitled to cut the cards, as determined by subsection (c).

 (g) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cutting card is reached in the shoe as provided for in § 551.8(j) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards) except that the floorperson may determine after each round of play that the cards should be reshuffled.

 (h) If there is no gaming activity at a Spanish 21 table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack, and spread out on the table for inspection, either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, they shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table.

 (1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.

 (2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The batch of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player so requests, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler need not be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt, if:

 (i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

§ 551.8. Procedure for dealing the cards.

 (a) Cards used to play Spanish 21 shall be dealt from a dealing shoe specifically designed for that purpose.

 (b) The dealer shall remove cards from the shoe with his left hand, and then place the cards on the appropriate area of the layout with his right hand, except that the dealer shall have the option to deal cards to the first two positions with his left hand.

 (c) After each full batch of cards is placed in the shoe, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. Each new dealer who comes to the table shall also remove one card and place it in the discard rack before dealing any cards to the players.

 (d) At the commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall, starting on his left and continuing around the table, deal the cards in the following order:

 (1) One card face up to each box on the layout in which a wager is contained.

 (2) One card face up to the dealer.

 (3) A second card face up to each box in which a wager is contained.

 (4) A second card face down to himself.

 (e) If the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen or jack of any suit, the dealer shall determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack prior to dealing any additional cards to the players at the table. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone, including the dealer, at the table.

 (f) After the cards have been dealt, and if necessary, the procedure in subsection (e) has been executed, the dealer shall, beginning from his left, announce the point total of each player. As each player's point total is announced, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender as permitted under § 551.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 551.11 (relating to Double Down Wager; rescue), split pairs as permitted under § 551.12 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw as permitted by § 551.13 (relating to drawing of additional cards by players and the dealer).

 (g) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face up whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision consistent with this chapter and shall announce the new point total of the player after each additional card is dealt.

 (h) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn the second card that was dealt to the dealer face up. Additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer by § 551.13(b) shall be dealt face up at this time. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.

 (i) At the conclusion of a round of play, all cards still remaining on the layout shall be picked up by the dealer in order and in such a way that they can be readily arranged to indicate each player's hand in case of question or dispute. The dealer shall pick up the cards beginning with those of the player to his far right and moving counterclockwise around the table. After all the players' cards have been collected the dealer shall pick up his cards against the bottom of the players' cards and place them in the discard rack.

 (j) Whenever the cutting card is the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or is reached in the deal of the cards, the dealer shall continue dealing the cards until that round of play is completed, after which the dealer shall:

 (1) Collect the cards as provided in subsection (i).

 (2) Remove the cards remaining in the shoe and place them in the discard rack to ensure that no cards are missing.

 (3) Shuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed.

 (k) Players may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play at Spanish 21.

 (l) Each player at the table shall be responsible for correctly computing the point count of his hand, and no player shall rely on the point counts announced by the dealer.

§ 551.12. Splitting pairs.

 (a) Whenever the initial two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands, provided that he makes a wager on the second hand so formed in an amount equal to his original wager. For example, if a player has two 7's or a king and a jack, he may elect to split the hand.

 (b) When a player splits pairs, the dealer shall deal a card to and complete the player's decisions with respect to the first incomplete hand on the dealer's left before proceeding to deal any cards to the second hand.

 (c) After a second card is dealt to a split pair hand, the dealer shall announce the point total of the hand and the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect to that hand. A player may split one more pair if the second card dealt is identical in value to a card of the split pair, for a total of three hands. A player may not split another identical value pair.

 (d) If the dealer obtains Blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall only collect the amount of the original wager of the player, and may not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.

 (e) The additional payouts provided in § 551.6(h) (relating to wagers; payout odds) are not applicable to a winning wager on a split hand.

§ 551.15. Continuous shuffling shoe or device.

 In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements in §§ 551.5 and 551.8 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; and procedure for dealing cards), a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards, provided that the shoe or device is approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

CHAPTER 553. POKER

§ 553.5. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving two decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by a floorperson or higher, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first two players to be seated at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) Immediately prior to the commencement of play and after a minimum of two players are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards from each deck at the table, each deck shall be separately turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Each deck of cards shall then be shuffled in accordance with § 553.6 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If an automated card shuffling device is not being used, one of the decks shall be cut in accordance with § 553.6 and the other deck shall be placed in the area designated under § 553.2(c) (relating to poker table physical characteristics). In the alternative, a certificate holder may wash, shuffle and cut only the deck intended for immediate use and place the other deck in the area designated under § 553.2(c). Upon rotation of the decks of cards as required under § 553.3 (relating to cards; number of decks), the other deck shall be washed, shuffled and cut in accordance with the requirements in this section.

 (e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, one of the decks shall be cut in accordance with § 553.6 and the other deck shall be placed or left in the automated shuffler for the next round of play.

 (f) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(c) do not apply.

§ 553.6. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after the completion of each round of play, the dealer shall shuffle the entire deck of cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that they are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled, stacked, and placed on the table in front of the dealer, the dealer shall, using one hand, cut the deck by:

 (1) Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (2) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (3) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on the cover card.

 (c) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (d) If there is no gaming activity at the Poker table, each deck of cards at the table shall be spread out on the table face up. After the first two players who arrive at the table are afforded an opportunity to visually inspect both of the decks, the procedures required under § 553.5(c) (relating to opening the table for gaming) shall be completed.

CHAPTER 555. CARIBBEAN STUD POKER

§ 555.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be laid out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 555.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards.)

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 555.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, laid out, inspected, mixed, stacked and washed in accordance with subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 555.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing herein prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device that counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present is being used and reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

 (c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with the procedures in § 555.8, § 555.9 or § 555.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with subsection (d).

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall:

 (1) Cut the deck, using one hand, by:

 (i) Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (ii) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (iii) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on the cover card.

 (2) Deal the cards in accordance with § 555.8, § 555.9 or § 555.10.

 (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), after the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (f) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Caribbean Stud Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, they shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 555.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

CHAPTER 557. FOUR CARD POKER

§ 557.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 557.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 557.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, spread, inspected, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 557.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing in this section prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device that counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present is being used and reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

 (c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 557.8, § 557.9 or § 557.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall:

 (1) Cut the deck, using one hand, by:

 (i) Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (ii) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (iii) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on the cover card.

 (2) Deal the cards in accordance with § 557.8, § 557.9 or § 557.10.

 (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), after the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (f) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Four Card Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, the cards shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 557.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

CHAPTER 559. LET IT RIDE POKER

§ 559.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 559.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 559.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, spread, inspected, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with the provisions of subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 559.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing herein prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device that counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present is being used and reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

 (c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 559.10, § 559.11 or § 559.12 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were pre-shuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall:

 (1) Cut the deck, using one hand, by:

 (i) Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (ii) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (iii) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on top of the cover card.

 (2) Deal the cards in accordance with § 559.10, § 559.11 or § 559.12.

 (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), after the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (f) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Let It Ride Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, the cards shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 559.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) shall be completed.

CHAPTER 561. PAI GOW POKER

§ 561.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving a deck of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) If the deck of cards used by the certificate holder contains two jokers, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that only one joker is utilized and that the other joker is torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the deck came from. Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence and include the one joker.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 561.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game of Pai Gow Poker and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 561.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, spread, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 561.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing herein prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the cards directly into an automated or manual dealing shoe.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal or deliver the cards in accordance with § 561.9, § 561.10 or § 561.11 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards by hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were pre-shuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsections (c)—(e).

 (c) Upon completion of a manual shuffle, the dealer shall place the stack of cards on top of one of the cover cards. The dealer shall offer the stack of cards to be cut, with the backs facing up, to the player determined under subsection (d). If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The cut of the cards shall be offered to players in the following order:

 (1) The first player arriving at the table, if the game is just beginning.

 (2) The player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.

 (e) The player or dealer making the cut shall place the second cover card in the stack at least 10 cards from the top or the bottom of the deck. Once the second cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take the second cover card and all the cards on top of the second cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then remove the first cover card and place it on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall remove one of the cover cards and either place it in the discard rack or use it as an additional cover card to be inserted four cards from the bottom of the deck. The dealer shall then deal the cards in accordance with § 561.9, § 561.10 or § 561.11.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or higher may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut either by the player who last cut the cards, or by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (d).

 (g) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Pai Gow Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, the cards shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the table may be opened and the cards shuffled and cut in accordance with § 561.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section.

CHAPTER 563. TEXAS HOLD 'EM BONUS POKER

§ 563.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving the cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 563.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 563.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, spread, inspected, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 563.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing in this section prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device that counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present is being used and reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

 (c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal or deliver the cards in accordance with the procedures in § 563.8, § 563.9 or § 563.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were pre-shuffled, cut the cards in accordance with subsection (d).

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall:

 (1) Cut the deck, using one hand, by:

 (i) Placing a cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (ii) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (iii) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on the cover card.

 (2) Deal the cards in accordance with § 563.8, § 563.9 or § 563.10.

 (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), after the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or higher may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (f) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker table that is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, the cards shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 563.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

CHAPTER 565. THREE CARD POKER

§ 565.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 565.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If a certificate holder uses an automated card shuffling device to play the game and two decks of cards are received at the table as permitted under § 565.3(b) (relating to cards; number of decks), each deck of cards shall be separately spread, inspected, verified, spread, inspected, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with the subsections (a), (b) and (c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 565.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack; provided, however, that nothing in this section prohibits the use of an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device that counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present is being used and reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

 (c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 565.8, § 565.9 or § 565.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

 (2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were pre-shuffled, cut the cards in accordance with the procedures in subsection (d).

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall:

 (1) Cut the deck, using one hand, by:

 (i) Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards.

 (ii) Taking a stack of at least 10 cards from the top of the deck and placing them on top of the cover card.

 (iii) Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that were cut and placed on the cover card.

 (2) Deal the cards in accordance with § 565.8, § 565.9 or § 565.10.

 (e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), after the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if he determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.

 (f) Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Three Card Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, the cards shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 565.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

CHAPTER 567. WAR

§ 567.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a) After receiving six or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall sort and inspect each deck of cards separately, face down, and the floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.

 (b) Following the inspection of the cards by the dealer and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out according to suit and in sequence.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked.

 (d) If an automated shuffling device is utilized, all the decks in one batch of cards shall be spread for inspection on the table separate from the decks in the other batch of cards. After the first player to arrive at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, each batch of cards shall separately be turned face downward on the table and stacked.

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 567.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.

 (a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), and after each dealing shoe of cards is dealt or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards to be cut, with the backs facing away from the dealer, to players in the following order:

 (1) The first player to the table, if the game is just beginning.

 (2) The player on whose betting area the cover card appeared during the last round of play.

 (3) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play.

 (4) The player at the farthest point to the right of the dealer if the reshuffle was initiated at the discretion of a floorperson or above.

 (c) If the player designated in subsection (b) refuses to cut, the dealer shall offer the cut to each other player moving clockwise around the table until a player accepts the cut. If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.

 (d) The player or dealer making the cut shall place a cover card in the stack at least 10 cards in from the top or the bottom of the stack.

 (e) Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then insert the second cover card in the stack at a position at least approximately one-quarter of the way in from the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) After the cards have been cut and before the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson or above determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (b)(4).

 (g) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe as required under § 567.8(d) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards).

 (h) If there is no gaming activity at the War table, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack, and spread out on the table either face up or face down. If the cards are spread face down, they shall be turned face up once a player arrives at the table. After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face downward on the table and:

 (1) If there is no automated shuffling device in use, the cards shall be mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards, stacked, then shuffled and cut in accordance with this section.

 (2) If an automated shuffling device is in use, the cards shall be stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled. The batch of cards already in the shuffler shall then be removed. Unless a player so requests, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler need not be spread for inspection and reshuffled prior to being dealt, if:

 (i) The automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

 (ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 10-1039. Filed for public inspection June 4, 2010, 9:00 a.m.]

 

---

No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.

This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.

---