RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 465a, 639a, 641a, 643a,
645a, 647a, 649a, 653a, 655a AND 657a ]
Table Games Rules of Play
[44 Pa.B. 7683]
[Saturday, December 13, 2014]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority), amends Chapters 465a, 639a, 641a, 643a, 645a, 647a, 649a, 653a, 655a and 657a to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Final-Form Rulemaking
This final-form rulemaking will add: an alternative to the daily counting of table inventory containers that were not open for gaming; the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, as a linked progressive, to Caribbean Stud, Four Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Mississippi Stud Poker and Crazy 4 Poker; the Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager to Three Card Poker; and a variation of Pai Gow Poker, EZ Pai Gow and four additional side wagers when EZ Pai Gow is being offered including the Queen's Dragon Wager, Dynasty Wager, Protection Wager and the Red/Black Wager.
Explanation
Table inventories
The regulations formerly required that operators open and count table inventory containers on a daily basis. This final-form rulemaking allows operators to utilize an alternative procedure, provided that they update their internal controls, whereby a floorperson or above completes a Closed Table form instead of counting the table inventory container on a daily basis. This Closed Table form is necessary for revenue audit purposes to ensure that all table game drop boxes were, in fact, collected and counted daily.
Five Card Hand Bonus Wager
The Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is an optional side wager that the player's five-card hand will contain a flush or better. This side wager may be offered on a single table (such as one Four Card Poker table), on multiple tables of the same type (a bank of Four Card Poker tables) or across multiple games within the same licensed facility (Four Card Poker, Crazy 4 Poker and Let It Ride Poker tables, for example). The purpose of linking multiple tables and games together is to increase the number of individuals contributing to and playing for the progressive jackpot amount.
With this final-form rulemaking, the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager may be played on any of the following games: Caribbean Stud Poker; Four Card Poker; Let It Ride Poker; Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker; Three Card Poker; Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker; Mississippi Stud; and Crazy 4 Poker. For these games, definitions of ''Magic Card Bonus'' and ''Lucky Bonus'' are added. Language is added specifying that if a facility were to offer a linked progressive, the table game system must have an electronic wagering system and must comply with the requirements in § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). For those games that did not previously include a payout based on a five-card Poker hand, hand rankings are added. A description of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is added to the regulations regarding wagers. The procedure for dealing the cards are updated in the regulations concerning procedures and detail how the wager is to be settled and when it is to be settled. The payout odds and amounts are added to the regulations regarding payout odds.
Sections 647a.11 and 653a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play; and procedures for completion of each round of play) are amended by adding language to ensure that only the player's two cards and the first three community cards (the Flop) may be used to form the best five-card Poker hand for purposes of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager. This clarifying language is included because allowing players to create the best five-card Poker hand from the seven cards dealt (the player's two cards and all five community cards) would create an advantage to players at Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker and Texas Hold 'Em Poker if those players were vying for the linked progressive jackpot against players at tables in which only the player's first five cards were used to create the best possible hand.
Amendments to §§ 649a.8—649a.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) specify that if a player places a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager the dealer shall deal an additional two community cards face down on the table. The cards are not taken into account for any other wager placed on the table and are revealed only after all other wagers have been settled. This additional procedure is also applicable if the operator is offering the Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager.
EZ Pai Gow Poker
In Chapter 645a (relating to Pai Gow Poker), a variation of Pai Gow in which vigorish is not collected is added. If the certificate holder is offering EZ Pai Gow Poker, the layout must indicate that if the dealer's hand is a Queen's Dragon (all different ranks but does not contain a pair, straight, flush, straight flush or royal flush), the player's wager pushes and is returned. The definition of ''Queen's Dragon'' is added in § 645a.1 (relating to definitions). Layout requirements are added to § 645a.2 (relating to Pai Gow Poker table; Pai Gow Poker shaker; physical characteristics).The hand rankings are added to § 645a.6 (relating to Pai Gow Poker rankings). A description of all wagers applicable to the play of EZ Pai Gow Poker is added to § 645a.7 (relating to wagers). Dealing procedures were updated in §§ 645a.8—645a.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). How the wager is to be settled and when it is to be settled is added to § 645a.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play). The payout odds and amounts are added in § 645a.13 (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression; payout limitation).
Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager
The Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager is added to Chapter 649a (relating to Three Card Poker). This progressive side wager may be linked to Caribbean Stud Poker, Four Card Poker, Let It Ride Poker, Texas Hold 'Em Bonus Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Mississippi Stud and Crazy 4 Poker.
Definitions of ''Envy Bonus'' and ''Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand'' are added to § 649a.1 (relating to definitions). In § 649a.2 (relating to Three Card Poker table physical characteristics), language is added specifying that if a facility were to offer a linked progressive, the table game system must comply with § 605a.8. A description of the Progressive Payout Wager is added in § 649a.7 (relating to wagers), how the wager is to be settled and when it is to be settled is added in § 649a.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play) and the payout odds and amounts are added in § 649a.12 (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression).
Comment and Response Summary
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 43 Pa.B. 2827 (May 25, 2013). The Board did not receive comments from the public or the regulated community. On July 24, 2013, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) submitted a comment specific to a cross-reference in the proposed rulemaking to proposed § 605a.8. Section 605a.8 was adopted at 44 Pa.B. 5463 (August 16, 2014).
Revisions or amendments were not made to this final-form rulemaking.
Affected Parties
Slot machine licensees will be impacted by this final-form rulemaking as operators will have a greater number of side wagers and variations to offer at their facilities.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this final-form rulemaking will have fiscal impact on the Board or any other Commonwealth agency. Testing of local area progressive controllers and progressives and updates to Rules Submissions and internal control procedures will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth.
Private sector. This final-form rulemaking will provide certificate holders with additional operational options. If a certificate holder decides to offer the Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager, the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, EZ Pai Gow Poker or linked progressive jackpots within the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to train their dealers on the rules of play and may need to purchase new equipment which will allow for the placement of progressive wagers. Costs incurred to train employees or purchase/lease equipment should be offset by the proceeds of gaming.
Operators that elect to utilize the alternative procedure for counting table inventory containers that were not open for gaming should see some cost savings in that only one floorperson will be required to complete a Closed Table form instead of opening the inventory container and counting the contents.
General public. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder selects different options for the play of table games, the certificate holder will be required to submit an updated Rules Submission reflecting the changes. These forms are available and submitted to Board staff electronically. If a certificate holder elects to utilize the alternative table inventory procedure in this final-form rulemaking, the certificate holder will be required to submit updated internal controls to reflect the change.
Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on May 15, 2013, the Board submitted a copy of the notice of proposed rulemaking, published at 43 Pa.B. 2827, to IRRC and the Chairpersons of the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee for review and comment.
Under section 5(c) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC and the House and Senate Committees were provided with copies of the comments received during the public comment period, as well as other documents when requested. In preparing the final-form rulemaking, the Department has considered all comments from IRRC, the House and Senate Committees and the public.
Under section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5a(j.2)), on October 22, 2014, the final-form rulemaking was deemed approved by the House and Senate Committees. Under section 5.1(e) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC met on October 23, 2014, and approved the final-form rulemaking.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt these amendments was given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The final-form rulemaking 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:
(a) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 465a, 639a, 641a, 643a, 645a, 647a, 649a, 653a, 655a and 657a, are amended by amending §§ 465a.36, 639a.1, 639a.2, 639a.7—639a.12, 641a.1, 641a.2, 641a.7—641a.12, 643a.1, 643a.2, 643a.7—643a.12, 645a.1, 645a.2, 645a.6—645a.11, 645a.13, 647a.1, 647a.2, 647a.7—647a.12, 649a.1, 649a.2, 649a.6—649a.12, 653a.1, 653a.2, 653a.7—653a.12, 655a.1, 655a.2, 655a.7—655a.12, 657a.1, 657a.2 and 657a.7—657a.12 to read as set forth in Annex A, with ellipses referring to the existing text of the regulations.
(b) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: For the text of the order of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission relating to this document, see 44 Pa.B. 7145 (November 8, 2014).)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 125-170 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart E. SLOT MACHINES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 465a. ACCOUNTING AND INTERNAL CONTROLS § 465a.36. Table inventories.
* * * * * (e) Table Inventory Slips must be two-part forms upon which the following is recorded:
(1) The date and identification of the shift ended.
(2) The game and table number.
(3) The total value of each denomination of value chips, coins and plaques remaining at the gaming table.
(4) The total value of all denominations of value chips, coins and plaques remaining at the gaming table.
(5) The signatures of the dealer or boxperson and floorperson assigned to the gaming table who conducted the count of the table inventory when the gaming table was closed and when the gaming table was opened.
(f) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsection (c), a certificate holder may utilize the following alternative procedure for table games that are not open for gaming activity during the gaming day:
(1) A floorperson or above shall complete a Closed Table form for every table that was not open for gaming during the gaming day.
(2) The table inventory must remain locked during completion of the Closed Table form.
(3) The Closed Table form must contain:
(i) The date and identification of the shift ended.
(ii) The game and table number.
(iii) The date the table was last opened for gaming (the date on the Table Inventory Slip that is locked in the table inventory container).
(iv) The signature and Board-issued credential number of the floorperson or above who completed the Closed Table form.
(4) After completion, the Closed Table form shall be deposited into the drop box and forwarded to revenue audit at the conclusion of the count in accordance with § 465a.25 (relating to counting and recording of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes).
(5) A Table Inventory Slip shall be completed on all tables, in accordance with §§ 465a.37 and 465a.42, every Saturday prior to the commencement of the table game drop for gaming day ending Sunday at 5:59:59 a.m.
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 639a. CARIBBEAN STUD POKER § 639a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Bet Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Caribbean Stud Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better as defined in § 639a.6(b) (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker rankings).
Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Bet Wager.
Hand—The five-card hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Hole card—Any of the four cards dealt face down to the dealer.
Lucky Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:
(i) The player's hand if the player is seated in the position that is randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealer's hand if the dealer position is randomly selected by the table game system.
Magic Card Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:
(i) The player's hand if one of the player's cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealer's hand if one of the dealer's cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
Progressive Payout Hand—The term means either of the following:
(i) A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better.
(ii) If included in the paytable selected by the certificate holder, a two pair or better as defined in § 639a.6(b).
§ 639a.2. Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Caribbean Stud Poker 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 Caribbean Stud Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) Two separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante and Bet Wagers for each player.
(3) If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(2) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(4) If the certificate holder offers the optional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager for each player.
(5) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(4), each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager.
(6) 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 Caribbean Stud Poker table.
(7) An inscription indicating that the Bet Wager will be returned if the dealer has less than an ace/king. If the information is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Caribbean Stud Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 639a.7(d)(2), the Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive 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.''
(d) If the certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 639a.7(d)(4), the Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 and an electronic wagering system in accordance with §§ 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lockout button, that prevents the placement of any Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards. If the certificate holder is offering a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games).
(e) Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(f) Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 639a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Caribbean Stud Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at the Caribbean Stud Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Bet Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 639a.8, § 639a.9 or § 639a.10 (relating to procedure 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). Except as provided in § 639a.11(b) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Caribbean Stud Poker:
(1) A player shall compete against the dealer's five-card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager, then a Bet Wager, in accordance with § 639a.11(b).
(2) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(3) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager that the player's cards will form a five-card Poker hand with a rank of a pair of 10s or better. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets.''
(4) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager that the player's five-card Poker hand or the dealer's five-card Poker hand, or both, will contain a flush or better as defined in § 639a.6(b) (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker rankings). After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on the player's hand or the dealer's hand, or both, by using the electronic wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's Five Card Hand Bonus Wager has been accepted.
(e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at a Caribbean Stud Poker table.
§ 639a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
* * * * * (b) Prior to dealing the cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 639a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 639a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 639a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 639a.8, § 639a.9 or § 639a.10 (relating to procedure 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) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Caribbean Stud Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep the five cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(3) After each player has made a decision regarding the Bet Wager as required under subsection (b), the player's cards shall be placed face down on the appropriate area of the layout and the player may not touch the cards again.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to make a Bet Wager in an amount equal to two times the amount of the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player has placed an Ante Wager and a Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager, a Progressive Payout Wager or a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager but does not make a Bet Wager, the player shall forfeit all wagers except the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager and does not forfeit the right to receive an Envy Bonus Payout, if applicable.
(c) After each player who has placed an Ante Wager has either placed a Bet Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's four hole cards and place the cards so as to form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand. After the dealer's cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the five cards of each player face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand for each player.
(3) If the dealer's highest ranking five-card Poker hand:
(i) Is lower than an ace-king, the dealer shall return each player's Bet Wager and pay out the player's Ante Wager made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(a) and (b) (relating to payout odds; rate of progression).
(ii) Is an ace-king or better, and the player's highest ranking five-card Poker hand:
(A) Is ranked lower than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.
(B) Is ranked higher than the dealer's five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(a) and (b).
(C) Is equal in rank to the dealer's five-card hand, the dealer shall return the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.
(4) The dealer shall settle any Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager made by the player by determining whether the player's five-card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 639a.12(c). A winning Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(5) After settling a player's Ante, Bet and Caribbean Stud Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(iii) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(iv) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 639a.12(d). If a player has won a progressive payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player shall remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(v) Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with § 639a.12(d)(6) if Paytable D in § 639a.12(d)(1) is selected by the certificate holder. Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Caribbean Stud Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.
(6) After settling a player's Ante, Bet and Caribbean Stud Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall settle the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, if offered by the certificate holder, and any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payouts. A winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus or any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Have a floorperson or above verify any Five Card Hand Bonus payout with odds of 500 for 1 or a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(iii) Credit the player's game account for the winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager or the Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout in accordance with § 639a.12(e). If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the payout may not be paid to the player's game account. If a player has won a payout that is not being paid to the player's game account, the winning hand must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(d) After all wagers of the player 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.
§ 639a.12. Payout odds; rate of progression.
* * * * * (d) If a certificate holder offers the Progressive Payout Wager:
(1) A player placing a Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Royal flush 100% of meter 100% of meter 100% of meter Straight flush 5,000 for 1 10% of meter 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 500 for 1 200 for 1 Full house 100 for 1 100 for 1 50 for 1 Flush 50 for 1 50 for 1 40 for 1 Straight 10 for 1 10 for 1 30 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 for 1 3 for 1 9 for 1 Two pair 2 for 1 2 for 1 N/A
Hand Paytable D Paytable E Royal flush 100% of meter 100% of meter Straight flush 10% of meter 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 500 for 1 Full house 50 for 1 100 for 1 Flush 40 for 1 50 for 1 Straight 30 for 1 N/A Three-of-a-kind 9 for 1 N/A (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed.
(3) Paytables A, B, C and E may not be selected by the certificate holder if the Progressive Payout Wager is offered on multiple linked games with a shared progressive jackpot.
(4) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and may not be less than $10,000.
(5) Winning Progressive Payout Hands shall be paid in accordance with the amount on the meter when it is the player's turn to be paid in accordance with § 639a.11(c)(5) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
(6) If the certificate holder selects Paytable D, Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to the following payouts for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:
$1 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $1,000 Straight flush $300
$5 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $5,000 Straight flush $1,500 (e) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Royal flush 100% of meter Straight flush 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 Full house 100 for 1 Flush 50 for 1 (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed. If a player placed a Five Card Bonus Wager on both the dealer's hand and the player's hand, the player shall receive a payout in accordance with paragraph (1) for both the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the dealer and the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the player. If the dealer's hand qualifies for a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter and if more than one player wagered on the dealer's hand, the jackpot will be divided equally among the number of players who wagered on the dealer's hand.
(3) The certificate holder may pay a Magic Card or Lucky Bonus in accordance with the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Magic Card 20 for 1 Lucky Bonus 5 for 1 (4) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and must be at least $10,000.
CHAPTER 641a. FOUR CARD POKER § 641a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Aces Up Wager—The wager that a player is required to make prior to any cards being dealt to compete against a posted paytable, regardless of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand.
Five-Card Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Four Card Poker table is the holder of a Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better, as defined in § 641a.6(d) (relating to Four Card Poker rankings).
Five-Card Progressive Payout Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 641a.6(d).
Four-Card Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Four Card Poker table is the holder of a Four-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Four-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's Four Card Poker hand with a rank of four-of-a-kind or better or a straight flush or better, as defined in § 641a.6(b), depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder.
Four-Card Progressive Payout Hand—A player's Four Card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 641a.6(b).
Hand—The Four Card Poker hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.
Lucky Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:
(i) The player's hand if the player is seated in the position that is randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealer's hand if the dealer position is randomly selected by the table game system.
Magic Card Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:
(i) The player's hand if one of the player's cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealer's hand if one of the dealer's first five cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
Play Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.
§ 641a.2. Four Card Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Four Card Poker 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 Four Card Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) Three separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante, Play and Aces Up Wagers for each player.
(3) If the certificate holder offers either the Four or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 641a.7(d)(4) or (5) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(4) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bad Beat Bonus Wager authorized under § 641a.7(d)(6), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bad Beat Bonus Wager for each player.
(5) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 641a.7(d)(7), each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager.
(6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If 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 Four Card Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers either the Four or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 641a.7(d)(4) or (5), the Four Card Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive 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.''
(d) If the certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 641a.7(d)(7), the Four Card Poker table must have a table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 and an electronic wagering system in accordance with §§ 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). The system must include a mechanism, such as a lockout button, that prevents the placement of any Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards. If the certificate holder is offering a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games).
(e) Each Four Card 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, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(f) Each Four Card Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 641a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Four Card Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at a Four Card Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers, except the Play Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 641a.8, § 641a.9 or § 641a.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). Except as provided in § 641a.11(b) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Four Card Poker:
(1) A player may compete solely against the dealer's Four Card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager then a Play Wager, in accordance with § 641a.11(b), in an amount from one to three times the amount of the player's Ante Wager.
(2) A player may compete solely against a posted paytable by placing an Aces Up Wager.
(3) A player may compete against both the dealer's Four Card Poker hand and the posted paytable by placing an Ante Wager and an Aces Up Wager in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2).
(4) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Four Card Poker table the option to make an additional Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Four-Card Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager or an Aces Up Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(5) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Four Card Poker table the option to make an additional Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Five-Card Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager or an Aces Up Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(6) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Four Card Poker table the option to make an additional Bad Beat Bonus Wager that either the player's hand contains a two pair or better and the dealer's hand outranks the player's hand, or the dealer's hand contains a two pair or better and the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. After placing an Ante Wager or an Aces Up Wager, or both, a player may make the additional Bad Beat Bonus Wager by placing a value chip onto the designated area of the layout for that player. Winning wagers shall be paid out based on the rank of the losing hand.
(7) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Four Card Poker table the option to make an additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager that the player's five-card Poker hand or the dealer's five-card Poker hand, or both, will contain a flush or better as defined in § 641a.6(d) (relating to Four Card Poker rankings). After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on the player's hand or the dealer's hand, or both, by using the electronic wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's Five Card Hand Bonus Wager has been accepted.
(e) A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play
§ 641a.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
* * * * * (b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 641a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 641a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 641a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
* * * * * § 641a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 641a.8, § 641a.9 or § 641a.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) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at Four Card Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep his five cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(b) After each player has examined his cards and placed the cards face down on the layout, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who placed an Ante Wager if he wishes to make a Play Wager in an amount from one to three times the amount of the player's Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player:
(1) Has placed an Ante Wager and an Aces Up Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit the Ante Wager but may not forfeit the Aces Up Wager.
(2) Has placed an Ante Wager and a Four or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager but does not make a Play Wager, the player shall forfeit both the Ante Wager and the Progressive Payout Wager but may not forfeit the eligibility to receive an Envy Bonus under § 641a.12(d) or (e) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression).
(c) After each player who has placed an Ante Wager has either placed a Play Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his Ante Wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer's cards and select the four cards that form the highest possible ranking Four Card Poker hand. After the dealer's cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the five cards of each player face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and select the four cards that form the highest possible ranking Poker hand for each player.
(3) If a player's highest ranking Four Card Poker hand is ranked:
(i) Lower than the dealer's Four Card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Play Wagers made by the player.
(ii) Higher than or equal to the dealer's Four Card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Play Wagers and any Ante Bonus in accordance with the payout odds in § 641a.12(a) and (b).
(4) After settling a player's Ante and Play Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Aces Up Wagers by determining whether the player's Four Card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with § 641a.12(c). A winning Aces Up Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's Four Card Poker hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(5) The dealer shall then settle the player's Four or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. For the Five-Card Progressive Wager, the dealer shall form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand from the five cards dealt to each player. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(iii) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(iv) Pay the winning Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 641a.12(d) or the winning Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 641a.12(e). If a player has won a progressive payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(v) Pay any Envy Bonus as follows:
(A) A player making a Four-Card Progressive Payout Wager shall receive a Four-Card Envy Bonus when another player at the same Four Card Poker table is the holder of a Four-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Four-Card Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of a Four-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to a Four-Card Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer. Four-Card Envy Bonus payouts shall be made in accordance with the payouts in § 641a.12(d)(5).
(B) A player making a Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager shall receive a Five-Card Envy Bonus when another player at the same Four Card Poker table is the holder of a Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Five-Card Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of a Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to a Five-Card Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer. Five-Card Envy Bonus payouts shall be made in accordance with the payouts in § 641a.12(e)(5).
(6) After settling any Aces Up Wagers, the dealer shall settle a player's Bad Beat Bonus Wager. A player shall win a Bad Beat Bonus payout, in accordance with § 641a.12(f), based on the rank of the losing hand if:
(i) The player's hand contains a two pair or better and the dealer's hand outranks the player's hand.
(ii) The dealer's hand contains a two pair or better and the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand.
(7) After settling a player's Aces Up Wagers, the dealer shall settle the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, if offered by the certificate holder, and any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payouts. The dealer shall form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the player and the dealer. For the dealer's hand, the dealer shall form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand from the first five cards dealt to the dealer. A winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player's hand outranks the dealer's hand. If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus or any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout, the dealer shall:
(i) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(ii) Have a floorperson or above verify any Five Card Hand Bonus payout with odds of 500 for 1 or a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(iii) Credit the player's game account for the winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager or the Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout in accordance with § 641a.12(g). If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the payout may not be paid to the player's game account. If a player has won a payout that is not being paid to the player's game account, the winning hand must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(d) After all wagers of the player 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.
§ 641a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression.
* * * * * (f) If a certificate holder offers the Bad Beat Bonus Wager, the certificate holder shall pay out winning Bad Beat Wagers at the amounts in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Four-of-a-kind 25,000 to 1 10,000 to 1 Straight flush 10,000 to 1 5,000 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 100 to 1 100 to 1 Flush 25 to 1 25 to 1 Straight 15 to 1 15 to 1 Two pair 4 to 1 4 to 1 (g) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Royal flush 100% of meter Straight flush 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 Full house 100 for 1 Flush 50 for 1 (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed. If a player placed a Five Card Bonus Wager on both the dealer's hand and the player's hand, the player shall receive a payout in accordance with paragraph (1) for both the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the dealer and the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the player. If the dealer's hand qualifies for a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter and if more than one player wagered on the dealer's hand, the jackpot will be divided equally among the number of players who wagered on the dealer's hand.
(3) The certificate holder may pay a Magic Card or Lucky Bonus in accordance with the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Magic Card 20 for 1 Lucky Bonus 5 for 1 (4) The rate of progression for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amount must also be in the certificate holder's Rules Submission and must be at least $10,000.
CHAPTER 643a. LET IT RIDE POKER § 643a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Community card—A card which is used by all players to form a five-card Poker hand.
Five-Card Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Let It Ride Poker table is the holder of a Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Five-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better, as defined in § 643a.6(b) (relating to Let It Ride Poker rankings).
Five-Card Progressive Payout Hand—A player's five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 643a.6(b).
Hand—The five-card Poker hand formed for each player by combining the three cards dealt to the player and the two community cards.
Let It Ride—When a player does not withdraw a wager as permitted under § 643a.11(b) and (d) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).
Lucky Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager if the player is seated in the position that is randomly selected by the table game system.
Magic Card Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager if one of the player's three cards or the two community cards match the card randomly selected by the table game system.
Three-Card Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Three-Card Progressive Wager when another player at the Let It Ride Poker table is the holder of a Three Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Three-Card Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A mini-royal, as defined in § 643a.6(d), formed using the three cards dealt to a player.
Three-Card Progressive Payout Hand—A player's three cards with a rank of a three-of-a-kind or better or a straight or better, as defined in § 643a.6(d), depending on the paytable selected by the certificate holder.
§ 643a.2. Let It Ride Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Let It Ride Poker 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 Let It Ride Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) Three separate betting areas designated for the placement of the Let It Ride Poker Wagers required under § 643a.7(d) (relating to wagers) for each player.
(3) Separate areas designated for the placement of the cards of each player.
(4) A separate area designated for the placement of the community cards located directly in front of the table inventory container.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Five Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(e), a separate area designed for the placement of the Five Card Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) If a certificate holder offers the optional Three Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(f), a separate area designated for the placement of the Three Card Bonus Wager for each player.
(7) If the certificate holder offers either the Three or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 643a.7(g) or (h), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(8) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(i), each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager.
(9) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If 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 Let It Ride Poker table.
(10) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 643a.12(e) (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 Let It Ride Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Bonus Wager in accordance with § 643a.7(e), the certificate holder may utilize a table game system, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval), which includes:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Five Card Bonus Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Five Card Bonus Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Five Card Bonus Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) If a certificate holder offers either the Three or Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 643a.7(g) or (h), the Let It Ride Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive 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) If the certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 643a.7(i), the Let It Ride Poker table must have a table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 and an electronic wagering system in accordance with §§ 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lockout button, that prevents the placement of any Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards. If the certificate holder is offering a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games).
(f) Each Let It Ride Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(g) Each Let It Ride Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 643a.7. Wagers.
* * * * * (h) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player the option to make an additional Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Five-Card Progressive Payout Hand. After placing the Let It Ride Poker Wagers, a player may make an additional Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip into the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's respective Five-Card Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(i) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Let It Ride Poker table the option to make an additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager that the player's five-card Poker hand will contain a flush or better as defined in § 643a.6(b) (relating to Let It Ride Poker rankings). After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager by using the electronic wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player's Five Card Hand Bonus Wager has been accepted.
(j) A Five Card Bonus Wager, Three Card Bonus Wager, a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager and Progressive Payout Wager do not have a bearing on any other wagers made by the player.
(k) A certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play.
§ 643a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures required under § 643a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and:
(1) If the Five Card Bonus Wager is being offered utilizing a table game system, use the table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Five Card Bonus Wager. If any Five Card Bonus Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Five Card Bonus Wagers accepted by the table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(2) If the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. The dealer shall then collect any Progressive Payout Wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(3) If the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 down to each player who has placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d) (relating to wagers).
(2) One card face down to the area designated for the placement of the community cards.
(3) A second card face down to each player who has placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d).
(4) A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the community cards, which card shall be placed to the right of the first card dealt to this area.
(5) A third card face down to each player who has placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d).
(e) After three cards have been dealt to each player and two cards have been dealt to the area designated for the placement of the community cards, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 3 cards or the area designed for the placement of the community cards has more or less than 2 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 643a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 643a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and:
(i) If the Five Card Bonus Wager is being offered utilizing a table game system, use the table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Five Card Bonus Wagers. If any Five Card Bonus Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Five Card Bonus Wagers accepted by the table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(ii) If the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. The dealer shall then collect any Progressive Payout Wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(iii) If the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers.
(b) 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. 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 down to each player who placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d) (relating to wagers).
(2) One card face down to the area designated for the placement of the community cards.
(3) A second card face down to each player who placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d).
(4) A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the community cards, which card shall be placed to the right of the first card dealt to this area.
(5) A third card face down to each player who placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d).
(c) After three cards have been dealt to each player and two cards have been dealt to the area designated for the placement of the community cards, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 3 cards or the area designed for the placement of the community cards has more or less than 2 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
§ 643a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 643a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and:
(i) If the Five Card Bonus Wager is being offered utilizing a table game system, use the table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Five Card Bonus Wagers. If any Five Card Bonus Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Five Card Bonus Wagers accepted by the table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(ii) If the Progressive Payout Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. The dealer shall then collect any Progressive Payout Wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(iii) If the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers.
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer's left who has placed the three required Let It Ride Poker Wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d) (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the other players who has placed the three required wagers in accordance with § 643a.7(d). The dealer shall then deliver a stack of three cards face down to the area designated for the placement of the community cards and spread the stack within the designated area so that the top card is to the dealer's right and the bottom card is to the dealer's left. The dealer shall then remove the community card that is to his left and place that card in the discard rack without exposing the card.
(c) After each stack of three cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the stub from the automated dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the cards in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player has more or less than 3 cards or the area designed for the placement of the community cards has more or less than 2 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(g) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsections (b) and (c), if a certificate holder is utilizing an automated dealing shoe that automatically reshuffles the cards, the two community cards may be dispensed before the three cards are dispensed to each player.
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