PROPOSED RULEMAKING
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 549, 561, 633a AND 645a ]
Table Game Rules for Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker
[41 Pa.B. 4421]
[Saturday, August 13, 2011]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1)—(4) (relating to regulatory authority), proposes to rescind Chapters 549 and 561 (relating to Blackjack; and Pai Gow Poker) and add Chapters 633a and 645a (relating to Blackjack; and Pai Gow Poker) to Subpart K (relating to table games) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Proposed Rulemaking
With this rulemaking, the Board is proposing to replace the temporary regulations in Chapter 549 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 633a and the temporary regulations in Chapter 561 with the permanent regulations in Chapter 645a.
Explanation of Chapter 633a
Chapter 633a contains the rules governing the play of Blackjack. Section 633a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 633a.2 (relating to Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), the physical characteristics of the table and the card reader device, used to determine the value of the dealer's down card, are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Blackjack table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Standardized rules of play ensure fairness to the patrons who participate in table gaming at all licensed facilities in this Commonwealth. Additionally, the Board believes that the fundamental rules of play in Blackjack, including optional surrender and the requirement that dealers stand on a soft 17, achieves a fair and appropriate balance between the revenue generated for the certificate holders, and derivatively to the Commonwealth, and the fairness to patrons. At this time, the Board has maintained its current rules of play to ensure consistency in the rules of play at all licensed facilities during the continued full-implementation of legalized table gaming in this Commonwealth.
The Board did add two variations on Blackjack in § 633a.12 (relating to Blackjack variations). In subsection (a), Blackjack Switch was added to allow patrons to switch the second card of the two hands dealt to each patron to form the best possible Blackjack hand. Subsection (b) allows the dealer to deal the cards from the hand and allows the patrons to touch the cards.
Explanation of Chapter 645a
Chapter 645a contains the rules governing the play of Pai Gow Poker. Section 645a.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions of terms used throughout the chapter. In § 645a.2 (relating to Pai Gow Poker table; Pai Gow Poker shaker; physical characteristics), the physical characteristics of the table are specified.
The remaining sections address the following: the number of decks of cards used for play of the game; the opening of the Pai Gow Poker table for play; the shuffling of cards; the value and rank of the cards; permissible wagers; dealing procedures; the payout odds for all permissible wagers; and how irregularities in play are to be handled.
Based on public comments received on the temporary regulations, the Board added the option of the player acting as the bank or co-bank instead of the dealer. This is a traditional way to play the game and is currently offered in the game of Pai Gow.
Affected Parties
Certificate holders that elect to offer the games of Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker will be required to comply with the requirements in these chapters. The requirements for the games are consistent with the objectives of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming) and are necessary for the protection of the gaming public and the revenues generated from table games.
The Board has experienced increased regulatory demands resulting from the implementation of table games including the review of Rules Submission, table layouts, signage and gaming guides.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board will have to review each certificate holder's table games Rules Submissions, table layouts, signage and gaming guides to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements in this proposed rulemaking. These reviews will be conducted by existing Bureau of Gaming Operations and Bureau of Casino Compliance staff, so the Board does not project that it will incur significant cost increases as a result of this proposed rulemaking.
Political subdivisions. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding mandated by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1).
Private sector. This proposed rulemaking will result in additional costs for certificate holders that elect to offer Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker. Certificate holders will be required to purchase the table games they elect to offer and to hire and train employees to operate the games. The costs for table game equipment do vary depending on the type and number of tables purchased. The costs are expected to be offset by the revenues generated from table game operations.
General public. This proposed rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
This proposed rulemaking will require certificate holders to do the following: post signs at gaming tables; have complete sets of rules for all the games they offer available for public inspection; produce a gaming guide summarizing the rules of the games they offer; and file Rules Submissions for each table game they elect to offer. The Rules Submissions are standardized checklists for each game, relatively simple to fill out and available on the Board web site.
Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed rulemaking, within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, to Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Table Games Rules; Regulation # 125-155.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this proposed rulemaking is Susan Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on August 2, 2011, the Board submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking and a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request and is available on the Board's web site at www.pgcb.state.pa.us.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey any comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections must specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Board, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
GREGORY C. FAJT,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: Proposed Chapters 633a and 645a reference proposed Chapters 601a, 603a and 605a, which will be adopted on or before the date of final adoption of this proposed rulemaking.)
Fiscal Note: 125-155. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 549. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 549 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 549-1—549-22, serial pages (356591)—(356596), (350045)—(350048), (356597), (356598), (354781), (354782), (352371), (352372), (356735), (346736), (356453), (356454) and (356599)—(356602).)
Sec.
549.1—549.22. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 561. (Reserved) (Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Board is proposing to rescind Chapter 561 which appears in 58 Pa. Code pages 561-1—561-27, serial pages (356457)—(356474), (354605)—(354610), (356475)—(356479).)
Sec.
561.1—561.13. (Reserved). 561.13a. (Reserved). 561.13b. (Reserved). 561.13c. (Reserved). 561.13d. (Reserved). 561.14. (Reserved).
CHAPTER 633a. BLACKJACK Sec.
633a.1. Definitions. 633a.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections. 633a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards. 633a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 633a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards. 633a.6. Wagers. 633a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play. 633a.8. Insurance Wager. 633a.9. Surrender. 633a.10. Double Down Wager. 633a.11. Splitting pairs. 633a.12. Blackjack variations. 633a.13. Payout odds; payout limitation. 633a.14. Irregularities. § 633a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Any 20—Two cards of different suits with a total value of 20.
Blackjack—An ace and any card having a point value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to a player or the dealer.
Card reader device—A device which permits the dealer to determine if the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack.
Crown Treasure Bonus—An additional payout when both the player and dealer have a Royal Match.
Determinant card—The first card drawn for each round of play to determine from which side of a double shoe the cards for that hand shall be dealt.
Double shoe—A dealing shoe that has two adjacent compartments in which cards are stacked separately and from which cards may be dealt from only one compartment at any given time.
Four-of-a-kind—Four cards of the same rank.
Hard total—The total point count of a hand which contains no aces or which contains aces that are each counted as 1 in value.
Hole card—The second card dealt face down to the dealer.
Matched 20—Two identical cards with a total value of 20 except for a queen of hearts pair.
Pair—Two cards of the same rank.
Royal Match—King and queen of the same suit.
Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.
Suited Match—Two cards of the same suit that are not a king and queen.
Suited pair—Two cards of the same rank and suit.
Suited 20—Two cards of the same suit with a total value of 20.
Three-of-a-kind—Three cards of the same rank.
Triple Match—The player's initial two cards and the dealer's up card which are all the same rank.
§ 633a.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
(a) Blackjack shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than seven players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for a Blackjack table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Blackjack Wager for each player.
(3) The following inscriptions:
(i) Blackjack pays 3 to 2.
(ii) Insurance pays 2 to 1.
(iii) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17s or other similar language approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.
(4) If the certificate holder offers the Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(1)(relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Twenty Point Bonus Wager for each player.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the Match-the-Dealer Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(2), a separate area designated for the placement of the Match-the-Dealer Wager for each player.
(6) If the certificate holder offers the In Between Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the In Between Wager for each player.
(7) If the certificate holder offers the Royal Match 21 Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(4), a separate area designated for the placement of the Royal Match 21 Wager for each player.
(8) If the certificate holder offers the Bet the Set 21 Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(5), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bet the Set 21 Wager for each player.
(9) If the certificate holder offers the King's Bounty Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(6), a separate area designated for the placement of the King's Bounty Wager for each player.
(10) If a certificate holder offers Blackjack Switch authorized under § 633a.12(a) (relating to Blackjack variations), the table must be designated for play as a Blackjack Switch table and contain:
(i) Two separate areas designated for the placement of the two equal Blackjack Wagers for each player.
(ii) A separate area designated for the placement of the Super Match Wager for each player.
(11) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Blackjack table.
(12) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 633a.13(j) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Blackjack table.
(c) Each Blackjack table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(d) Each Blackjack table must have a card reader device, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Blackjack table shall inspect the card reader device at the beginning of each gaming day to ensure that there has been no tampering with the device and that it is in proper working order.
(e) Each Blackjack table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The height of each discard rack must either:
(1) Equal the height of the cards, stacked one on top of the other, in the total number of decks that are to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
(2) Be taller than the height of the total number of decks being used if the discard rack has a distinct and clearly visible mark on its side to show the exact height for a stack of cards equal to the total number of cards in the number of decks to be used in the dealing shoe at that table.
(f) When a double shoe is used at a Blackjack table, the height and marking requirements in subsection (e) for that table's discard rack shall be determined by the number of decks used in one side of the shoe.
§ 633a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), Blackjack shall be played with at least one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and at least one cover card.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, other than a continuous shuffler, 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. 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 used to play the game.
(4) Both batches of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each batch being used for every other dealing shoe.
(5) The cards from only one batch shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) 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 must be of the same design. The backs of the cards being dealt from one side of the shoe must be of a different color than the cards being dealt from the other side of the shoe. A separate cover card shall be used in each side of the shoe.
(d) The decks of cards opened for use at a Blackjack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours unless the certificate holder is dealing Blackjack from the hand, in accordance with § 633a.12(b) (relating to Blackjack variations), in which the cards shall be changed at least every 4 hours.
(e) The value of the cards 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 10.
(3) An ace shall have a value of 11 unless that value would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case, the ace shall have a value of 1.
§ 633a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.
(c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If a double shoe is utilized, all 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 is 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, other than a continuous shuffler, all the decks in one batch of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c) separate from the decks in the other batch of cards.
(f) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(e) do not apply.
§ 633a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each shoe of cards is dealt or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the decks of cards in a single stack provided, however, that the certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall offer the stack of cards to be cut, with the backs facing up, to the player determined under subsection (c). If no player accepts the cut, the dealer shall cut the cards.
(c) The cut of the cards shall be offered to players in the following order:
(1) The first player arriving at the table, if the game is just beginning.
(2) The player on whose box the cover card appeared during the last round of play.
(3) The player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer if the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(4) The player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer if the reshuffle was initiated at the discretion of a floorperson or above. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.
(d) The player or dealer making the cut shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards from the top or bottom of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards on top of the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The dealer shall then 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 cover card in the stack at a position at least 1/4 of the way in from the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game. If a recut is required, the cards shall be recut either by the player who last cut the cards, or by the next person entitled to cut the cards, as determined under subsection (c).
(f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe, as provided in § 633a.7(e) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play), except that a floorperson may determine that the cards should be reshuffled after any round of play.
(g) If there is no gaming activity at a Blackjack table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and the discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards:
(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 requests otherwise, the batch of cards removed from the shuffler does not need to 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.
(ii) The shuffled cards have been secured, released and prepared for play in accordance with procedures approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
(h) In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements in this section, a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards provided that the device and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
§ 633a.6. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Blackjack shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Blackjack layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may be accepted provided that they are confirmed by the dealer and the cash is expeditiously converted into value chips or plaques.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled as required under § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards), a certificate holder may prohibit any patron, whether seated at the gaming table or not, who does not make a wager on a given round of play from placing a wager on the next round of play and any subsequent round of play at that gaming table until either:
(1) The certificate holder chooses to permit the player to begin wagering again.
(2) A reshuffle of the cards has occurred.
(c) All wagers, except an Insurance Wager under § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), a Double Down Wager under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager) or a wager on split pairs under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), shall be placed prior to the first card being dealt for each round of play. A player may not handle, remove or alter any wagers that have been made until a decision has been rendered and implemented with respect to that wager.
(d) To participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's hand, a player shall place a Blackjack Wager.
(e) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player who placed a Blackjack Wager in accordance with subsection (d) the option of placing the following additional wagers:
(1) A Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager that the player's initial two cards will have a total value of 20.
(2) A Match-the-Dealer Wager that either of the player's initial two cards will match the rank of dealer's up card.
(3) An In Between Wager that the dealer's up card will either fall between or will be of the same rank as the player's initial two cards.
(4) A Royal Match 21 Wager that either of the player's initial two cards will be a Suited Match or a Royal Match.
(5) A Bet the Set 21 Wager that the player's initial two cards will be a pair or a suited pair.
(6) A King's Bounty Wager that the player's initial two cards will have a total value of 20.
(7) If offering Blackjack Switch in accordance with § 633a.12(a) (relating to Blackjack variations), a Super Match Wager that the player's first four cards will be a pair, a three-of-a-kind, two pair or a four-of-a-kind.
(f) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a Blackjack Wager in one round of play.
§ 633a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
(a) Except as provided in § 633a.12(b) (relating to Blackjack variations), all cards shall be dealt from a dealing shoe which must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. Once the procedures under § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand provided, however, that the dealer may deal cards to the two betting positions closest to the dealing shoe with the same hand.
(c) After each full batch of cards is placed in the shoe, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. Each new dealer who comes to the table shall also remove one card and place it in the discard rack before dealing any cards to the players.
(d) If 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 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 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) If the cover card appears as the first card in the dealing shoe at the beginning of a round of play or appears during play, the cover card shall be removed and placed to the side and the hand will be completed. The dealer shall then collect and reshuffle the cards as follows:
(1) When 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.
(2) When a double shoe is used, the dealer shall remove the cards remaining in the side of the shoe from which the cover 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 cover card was drawn.
(f) 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 with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal the cards as follows:
(1) One card face up to each box on the layout in which a Blackjack 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 the dealer.
(g) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before any card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the player's optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:
(1) If a player placed a Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wager and the player's initial two cards have a total value of 20, the dealer shall pay the winning Twenty Point Bonus Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) provided, however, that if the first card to the dealer is a 10, jack, queen, king or ace and the player has two queens of hearts, that player's Twenty Point Bonus Wager shall be settled after all other Twenty Point Bonus Wagers as follows:
(i) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid before any other cards are dealt.
(ii) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid when the player's Blackjack Wager is collected.
(2) If a player placed a Match-the-Dealer Wager and either of the player's initial two cards match the rank of the dealer's up card, the dealer shall pay the winning Match-the-Dealer Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(d). If both of the player's initial two cards match the rank of the dealer's up card, the player shall be paid for each matching card provided, however, that any card with a face value of 10 or a point value of 10 (a jack, queen or king) shall only match an identical card without regard to value.
(3) If a player placed an In Between Wager and the dealer's up card:
(i) Falls between the player's initial two cards, the player shall be paid according to the respective card spread. A one card spread occurs when only one card falls between the player's initial two cards. For example, if a player is dealt a 7 and a 9, the player shall win with a one card spread if the dealer's up card is an 8. The dealer shall pay the winning In Between Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(e).
(ii) And the player's initial two cards are all the same rank, the player has a Triple Match. The dealer shall pay the winning In Between Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(e).
(4) If a player placed a Royal Match 21 Wager and the player's initial two cards are a Suited Match or a Royal Match, the dealer shall pay the winning Royal Match 21 Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(f) provided, however, that if the player has a Royal Match and the dealer's up card is a king or a queen, that player's Royal Match 21 Wager shall be settled after the dealer's hole card is exposed but prior to settling the player's Blackjack Wager. If after exposing the hole card, the dealer also has a Royal Match, the player shall be paid a Crown Treasure Bonus, if offered by the certificate holder, in addition to the payout for the player's Royal Match.
(5) If a player placed a Bet the Set 21 Wager and the player's initial two cards are a pair of the same rank or a suited pair of the same rank, the dealer shall pay the winning Bet the Set 21 Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(g).
(6) If a player placed a King's Bounty Wager and the player's initial two cards have a total value of 20, the dealer shall pay the winning King's Bounty Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(h) provided, however, that if the first card to the dealer is a 10, jack, queen, king or ace and the player has two kings of spades, that player's King's Bounty Wager shall be settled after all other King's Bounty Wagers as follows:
(i) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid before any other cards are dealt.
(ii) If the dealer has determined that the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack, the player shall be paid when the player's Blackjack Wager is collected.
(7) If a player placed a Super Match Wager at a Blackjack Switch table and the player's initial four cards are a pair, a three-of-a-kind, two pair or a four-of-a-kind, the dealer shall pay the winning Super Match Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(i).
(h) After settling the player's optional wagers in accordance with subsection (g), if the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer shall, after offering the Insurance Wager in accordance with § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone at the table, including the dealer. If the dealer has a Blackjack, additional cards may not be dealt and each player's Blackjack and Insurance Wagers, if applicable, shall be settled.
(i) After the procedures in subsection (h) have been completed, if necessary, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, announce the point total of each player. Each player at the table shall be responsible for correctly computing the point count of his hand and a player may not rely on the point counts announced by the dealer.
(j) If the player:
(1) Has Blackjack and the dealer's up card:
(i) Is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, the dealer shall announce and pay the Blackjack and remove the player's cards.
(ii) Is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10 but the dealer's hole card will not give the dealer a Blackjack, the dealer shall announce the player's Blackjack but may not make a payment nor remove any cards until all other cards are dealt to the players and the dealer reveals the hole card.
(2) Does not have Blackjack, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender, as permitted under § 633a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.
(k) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision and announce the new point total of the player after each additional card is dealt.
(l) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that:
(1) A player having Blackjack or a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.
(2) A player electing to make a Double Down Wager may draw only one additional card.
(m) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn the hole card face up. Any additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer, in accordance with subsection (n), shall be dealt face up. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.
(n) Except as provided in subsection (o), the dealer shall draw additional cards until he has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21.
(o) A dealer shall draw no additional cards to his hand, regardless of the point count, if decisions have been made on all players' hands and the point count of the dealer's hand will have no effect on the outcome of the round of play.
(p) A player shall win and be paid in accordance with the payout odd in § 633a.13(a) if:
(1) The total value of the player's hand is 21 or less and the total value of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21.
(2) The total value of the player's hand exceeds the total value of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.
(3) The player has a Blackjack and the dealer's hand has a total value of 21 in more than two cards.
(q) A Blackjack Wager shall tie and be returned to the player if the total value of the player's hand is the same as the dealer's provided, however, that a player's Blackjack Wager shall be lost if the dealer has a Blackjack and the player's hand has a total value of 21 in more than two cards.
(r) The dealer shall collect all losing wagers and pay off all winning wagers in accordance with one of the following procedures designated in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
(1) Collect all losing wagers and then pay off all winning wagers.
(2) Pay off all winning wagers and collect all losing wagers beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction. The dealer shall place any losing wagers directly into the table inventory and may not pay off any winning wagers by using value chips collected from a losing wager.
(s) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
(t) Except as provided in § 633a.12(b), players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Blackjack.
§ 633a.8. Insurance Wager.
(a) If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, each player may make an Insurance Wager which shall win if the dealer's hole card is a king, queen, jack or 10.
(b) An Insurance Wager may be made by placing a value chip on the insurance line of the layout in an amount not more than 1/2 of the player's initial Blackjack Wager. A player may wager an amount in excess of 1/2 of the initial Blackjack Wager to the next unit that can be wagered in chips, when, because of the limitation of the value of chip denominations, half the initial Blackjack Wager cannot be bet. Insurance Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer inserting his hole card into the card reader device.
(c) Winning Insurance Wagers shall be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 633a.13(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
(d) Losing Insurance Wagers shall be collected by the dealer immediately after the dealer inserts his hole card into the card reader device and determines that he does not have a Blackjack and before he draws any additional cards.
§ 633a.9. Surrender.
(a) After the first two cards are dealt to the player and the player's point total is announced, the player may elect to discontinue play on his hand for that round by surrendering 1/2 his wager. All decisions to surrender shall be made prior to the player indicating whether he wishes to double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw. If the first card dealt to the dealer:
(1) Is not an ace or 10 value card, the dealer shall immediately collect 1/2 of the wager and return 1/2 to the player.
(2) Is an ace or 10 value card, the dealer will place the player's wager on top of the player's cards. When the dealer's second card is revealed, the hand will be settled by immediately collecting the entire wager if the dealer has Blackjack or collecting 1/2 of the wager and returning 1/2 of the wager to the player if the dealer does not have Blackjack.
(b) If the player has made an Insurance Wager and then elects to surrender, each wager will be settled separately in accordance with subsection (a) and § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).
§ 633a.10. Double Down Wager.
(a) Except when a player has a Blackjack, a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager, which may not exceed the amount of his original Blackjack Wager, on the first two cards dealt to him or the first two cards of any split pair. Only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down.
(b) If a dealer obtains Blackjack after a player makes a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original Blackjack Wager of the player and may not collect the additional Double Down Wager.
(c) Upon a player's election to make a Double Down Wager, the dealer shall deal the one additional card face up or face down and placed sideways on the layout.
§ 633a.11. Splitting pairs.
(a) If the initial two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands provided that he makes a wager on the second hand formed in an amount equal to his original Blackjack Wager. For example, if a player has two 7s 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 that hand. A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission required under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) the number of additional times a patron may split pairs, including aces.
(d) If the dealer obtains Blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall collect only the amount of the original wager of the player and may not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.
§ 633a.12. Blackjack variations.
(a) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer Blackjack Switch in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) A player shall make two equal Blackjack Wagers by placing value chips on the two designated betting areas prior to the first card being dealt.
(2) In addition to the two equal Blackjack Wagers, a player may make an additional Super Match Wager in accordance with § 633a.6(e)(7) (relating to wagers).
(3) Two hands shall then be dealt to each player in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 633a.7 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play).
(4) As each player's point total is announced, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to switch the second card of each hand dealt. A player may also double down as permitted under § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.
(5) The round of play shall then be completed in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 633a.7 provided, however, that if the dealer's hand:
(i) Has a total value of 21 in more than two cards and the player has Blackjack, the winning Blackjack Wager shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.
(ii) Is a Blackjack and the player's hand is a Blackjack, the Blackjack Wager shall tie and be returned to the player.
(iii) Is a Blackjack and the player has switched to a Blackjack, the player's hand shall have a total value of 21 and that Blackjack Wager shall be lost.
(iv) Has a total value of 21 or 22 and the player has switched to a Blackjack, the player's Blackjack Wager shall be returned to the player.
(v) Has a total value of 22 and a player's hand has a total value of 21 or less, the player's Blackjack Wager shall be returned to the player.
(b) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, deal Blackjack from the hand and allow the players to touch the cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) No more than two decks of cards shall be used in the game.
(2) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(3) After the procedures required under § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the deck or decks of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand when holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(4) The dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout.
(5) Prior to commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall remove the first card and place it in the discard rack. The dealer shall then, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, deal the cards as follows:
(i) One card face down to each box on the layout in which a Blackjack Wager is contained.
(ii) One card face up to the dealer.
(iii) A second card face down to each box in which a wager is contained.
(iv) A second card face down to the dealer.
(6) After two cards have been dealt face down to each player and the dealer, each player shall, with one hand, examine his cards. All players shall keep their cards in full view of the dealer at all times. Each player, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise direction, shall then indicate whether he wishes to surrender as permitted under § 633a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 633a.10, split pairs as permitted under § 633a.11, stand or draw additional cards. If a player:
(i) Indicates that he wishes to surrender, double down or split a pair, the dealer shall turn over the player's two cards and complete the dealing procedures in accordance with § 633a.7.
(ii) Is dealt additional cards which cause the point total to exceed 21, the player shall immediately discard his first to cards face down.
(7) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision.
(8) After the decisions of each player have been implemented and all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn over the hole card and draw any additional cards in accordance with § 633a.7(n). The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.
(9) After all additional cards have been dealt, the dealer shall turn over each player's two cards and shall settle all remaining wagers in accordance with § 633a.7.
§ 633a.13. Payout odds; payout limitation.
(a) The certificate holder shall pay each winning Blackjack Wager at odds of 1 to 1 with the exception of Blackjack which shall be paid at odds of 3 to 2.
(b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Insurance Wagers at odds of 2 to 1.
(c) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Lucky Ladies Twenty Point Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Queen of Hearts pair and dealer Blackjack 1,000 to 1 Queen of Hearts pair 200 to 1 Matched 20 25 to 1 Suited 20 10 to 1 Any 20 4 to 1 (d) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Match-the-Dealer Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
(1) If six decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of a different suit 4 to 1 Each matching card of the same suit 11 to 1 (2) If eight decks of cards are being used:
Hand Payout Each matching card of a different suit 3 to 1 Each matching card of the same suit 14 to 1 (e) The certificate holder shall pay out winning In Between Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Triple Match 30 to 1 One card spread 10 to 1 Two card spread 6 to 1 Three card spread 4 to 1 All others 1 to 1 (f) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Royal Match 21 Wagers and the Crown Treasure Bonus at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
(1) If a single deck of cards is being used:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Royal Match 10 to 1 5 to 1 Suited Match 3 to 1 3 to 1 Crown Treasure 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 (2) If multiple decks of cards are being used:
Hand Paytable C Paytable D Paytable E Royal Match 30 to 1 25 to 1 50 to 1 Suited Match 2.5 to 1 2.5 to 1 2 to 1 Crown Treasure 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 1,000 for 1 (g) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bet the Set 21 Wagers at the odds in one of the following pay tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
(1) If a single deck is being used:
Hand Paytable A Pairs 15 to 1 (2) If two decks are being used:
Hand Paytable B Pairs 10 to 1 Suited Pairs 25 to 1 (3) If four or more decks are being used:
Hand Paytable C Paytable D Pairs 10 to 1 10 to 1 Suited Pairs 15 to 1 12 to 1 (h) The certificate holder shall pay out winning King's Bounty Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout King of Spades pair and dealer Blackjack 1,000 to 1 King of Spades pair 200 to 1 Suited Kings pair 50 to 1 Suited Queens, Jacks or 10s pair 25 to 1 Suited 20 9 to 1 Pair of kings 6 to 1 Any 20 4 to 1 (i) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Super Match Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
(1) If six decks are being used:
Hand Payout Four-of-a-kind 40 to 1 Two pair 8 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 (2) If eight decks are being used:
Hand Payout Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 Two pair 7 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 Pair 1 to 1 (j) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (b) and (g), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player with a queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack that is payable to all winning hands in the aggregate on a single round of play. The maximum payout amount shall be at least $25,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the maximum possible wager, whichever is greater. If a certificate holder establishes a maximum payout, and more than one player at a table has a winning hand of queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack, each player shall share the maximum payout amount proportionately to the amount of the player's respective wager. Any maximum payout limit established by the certificate holder shall apply only to payouts of Royal Match 21 Wagers and King's Bounty Wagers.
§ 633a.14. Irregularities.
(a) A card found face up in the shoe may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack or in a segregated area of the double shoe.
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe.
(c) After the initial two cards have been dealt to each player and a card is drawn in error and exposed to the players, the card shall be dealt to the players or dealer as though it were the next card from the shoe. Any player refusing to accept the card may not have any additional cards dealt to him during the round. If the card is refused by the players and the dealer cannot use the card, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(d) If the dealer has 17 and accidentally draws a card for himself, the card shall be placed in the discard rack.
(e) If the dealer misses dealing his first or second card to himself, the dealer shall continue dealing the first two cards to each player and then deal the appropriate number of cards to himself.
(f) If there are insufficient cards remaining in the shoe to complete a round of play, all of the cards in the discard rack or in a segregated area of the double shoe shall be shuffled and cut according to the procedures in § 633a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards). The first card shall be drawn face down and placed in the discard rack and the dealer shall complete the round of play.
(g) If no cards are dealt to a player's hand, the hand is dead and the player shall be included in the next deal. If only one card is dealt to a player's hand, at the player's option, the dealer shall deal the second card to the player after all other players have received a second card.
(h) Any round of play drawn from the incorrect side of a double shoe shall be treated as if it were drawn from the correct side of the shoe and concluded.
(i) If after receiving the first two cards, the dealer fails to deal an additional card to a player who has requested a card, then, at the player's option, the dealer shall either deal the additional card after all other players have received their additional cards but prior to the dealer revealing his hole card or call the player's hand dead and return the player's original Blackjack Wager.
(j) If the dealer inserts his hole card into a card reader device when the value of his first card is not an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer, after notification to a floorperson or higher, shall:
(1) If the particular card reader device in use provides any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, call all hands dead, collect the cards and return each player's wager.
(2) If the particular card reader device in use does not provide any player with the opportunity to determine the value of the hole card, continue play.
(k) If a card reader device malfunctions, the dealer may not continue dealing the game of Blackjack at that table until the card reader device is repaired or replaced.
(l) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(m) If an automated shuffling device malfunctions and cannot be used, the device must be covered or have a sign indicating that it is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling may be utilized at that table.
CHAPTER 645a. PAI GOW POKER Sec.
645a.1. Definitions. 645a.2. Pai Gow Poker table; Pai Gow Poker shaker; physical characteristics. 645a.3. Cards; number of decks. 645a.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 645a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards. 645a.6. Pai Gow Poker rankings. 645a.7. Wagers. 645a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 645a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand. 645a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 645a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 645a.12. Player bank; co-banking; selection of bank; procedures for dealing. 645a.13. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation. 645a.14. Irregularities; invalid roll of dice. § 645a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Bank—A player who elects to have the other players and the dealer play against him and accepts the responsibility of paying all winning Pai Gow Poker Wagers.
Co-banking—When the bank and the certificate holder each cover 50% of all winning Pai Gow Poker Wagers.
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Qualifying Wager when another player at the Pai Gow Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's Pai Gow Poker hand with a rank of a four-of-a-kind or better formed from the seven cards dealt to a player.
High hand—The five-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank equal to or higher than the two-card low hand.
Low hand—The two-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank equal to or lower than the five-card high hand.
Qualifying Wager—An Emperor's Treasure Wager or a Fortune Bonus Wager of at least $5 which may entitle a player to an Envy Bonus.
Setting the hands—The process of forming a high hand and low hand from the seven cards dealt.
§ 645a.2. Pai Gow Poker table; Pai Gow Poker shaker; physical characteristics.
(a) Pai Gow Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than six players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for a Pai Gow Poker table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Pai Gow Poker Wager for each player.
(3) Two separate areas designated for the placement of the high and low hands of each player.
(4) Two separate areas designated for the placement of the high and low hands of the dealer.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Fortune Bonus Wager authorized under § 645a.7(e)(1) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Fortune Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) If the certificate holder offers the optional Emperor's Treasure Wager authorized under § 645a.7(e)(2), a separate area designated for the placement of the Emperor's Treasure Wager for each player.
(7) If the certificate holder offers the optional Pai Gow Insurance Wager authorized under § 645a.7(e)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the Pai Gow Insurance Wager for each player.
(8) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 645a.7(e)(4), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(9) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Pai Gow Poker table.
(10) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 645a.13(f) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Pai Gow Poker table.
(c) To determine the starting position for the dealing or delivery of the cards, Pai Gow Poker may be played with:
(1) A Pai Gow Poker shaker, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, which shall be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game. The Pai Gow Poker shaker shall be the responsibility of the dealer, may not be left unattended while at the table and must:
(i) Be capable of housing three dice that when not being shaken must be maintained within the Pai Gow Poker shaker. Dice that have been placed in a Pai Gow Poker shaker for use in gaming may not remain on a table for more than 24 hours.
(ii) Be designed to prevent the dice from being seen while being shaken.
(iii) Have the name or logo of the certificate holder imprinted or impressed thereon.
(2) A computerized random number generator which shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations prior to its use.
(3) A flat button which shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations prior to its use.
(d) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 645a.7(e)(4), the Pai Gow Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(e) Each Pai Gow Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, and in locations approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(f) Each Pai Gow Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
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