[45 Pa.B. 4185]
[Saturday, August 1, 2015]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

CHAPTER 671a. LUNAR POKER

Sec.

671a.1.	Definitions.
671a.2.	Lunar Poker table physical characteristics.
671a.3.	Cards; number of decks.
671a.4.	Opening of the table for gaming.
671a.5.	Shuffle and cut of the cards.
671a.6.	Lunar Poker rankings.
671a.7.	Wagers.
671a.8.	Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
671a.9.	Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand.
671a.10.	Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
671a.11.	Procedures for completion of each round of play.
671a.12.	Payout odds.
671a.13.	Irregularities.

§ 671a.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.

 Draw—When a player exchanges between two and five of the cards held in his hand for an equal number of new cards from the deck or buys a sixth card.

 Fold—The withdraw of a player from a round of play by refusing to make a Bet Wager.

 Options fee—An additional payment made by a player to draw an additional card or cards.

 Super Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make to play against a posted paytable.

§ 671a.2. Lunar Poker table physical characteristics.

 (a) Lunar Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than five 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 Lunar 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) Separate betting areas designated for the placement of the Ante and Bet Wagers for each player.

 (3) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Super Wager for each player and betting areas for the placement of the Super Wager on the dealer's hand and on any other player's hand for each player.

 (4) A separate area designated for the placement of the player's Options fees for each player. The Options area must be inscribed with the following:

 (i) Exchange 2-5 cards.

 (ii) Buy a 6th Card.

 (5) 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 Lunar Poker table.

 (6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the following:

 (i) Dealer plays with an ace-king or higher.

 (ii) Instant payout for a royal flush or straight flush on the first five cards dealt to the player.

 (7) If the information in paragraph (6) is not on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Lunar Poker table.

 (c) Each Lunar 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.

 (d) Each Lunar Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.

§ 671a.3. Cards; number of decks.

 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Lunar Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and one cover card.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Lunar Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:

 (1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.

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

 (3) Both decks are continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.

 (4) The cards from only one deck are placed in the discard rack at any given time.

 (c) The decks of cards used in Lunar Poker shall be changed at least every:

 (1) Four hours if the cards are dealt by hand.

 (2) Eight hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.

§ 671a.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 § 671a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).

 (e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.

§ 671a.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 round of play has been completed 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 automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack. 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) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.

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

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 671a.8, § 671a.9 or § 671a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

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

 (d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The 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.

 (f) If there is no gaming activity at a Lunar Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and 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, the procedures in § 671a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

 (g) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (d)—(f) do not apply.

§ 671a.6. Lunar Poker rankings.

 (a) The rank of the cards used in Lunar Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight with a 2, 3 and 4 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example: king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.

 (b) The permissible Poker hands in the game of Lunar Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:

 (1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.

 (2) A straight flush, which is a hand, other than a royal flush, consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight flush.

 (3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.

 (4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of a three-of-a-kind and a pair, with three aces and two kings being the highest ranking full house and three 2s and two 3s being the lowest ranking full house.

 (5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, not in consecutive order, with ace, king, queen, jack and 9 being the highest ranking flush and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 being the lowest ranking flush.

 (6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight.

 (7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.

 (8) Two pairs, which is a hand consisting of two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.

 (9) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.

 (10) An ace-king, which is a hand consisting of an ace and a king.

 (c) When comparing two Poker hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of equal rank after the application of this section, the hands shall be considered a tie.

 (d) For the Super Wager, the five-card Poker hands eligible for a payout are:

 (1) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank.

 (2) A five picture cards, which is a hand consisting of five cards of any combination of only kings, queens or jacks.

 (3) A full house, which is a hand consisting of a three-of-a-kind and a pair.

 (4) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, not in consecutive order.

 (5) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank.

 (6) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.

 (7) An ace-king-queen, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king and queen in any suit.

 (8) Same colored five, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same color.

§ 671a.7. Wagers.

 (a) Wagers at Lunar Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved 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 Lunar 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) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Lunar Poker:

 (1) A player shall compete against the dealer's five-card Poker hand by placing both an Ante Wager, then a Bet Wager in accordance with § 671a.11(b) or (d) (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play).

 (2) In addition to the Ante and Bet Wagers, a player shall place a Super Wager on the player's hand equal to or greater than the player's Ante Wager to compete against a posted paytable.

 (3) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Lunar Poker table the option to make an additional Super Wager on the dealer's hand and any other player's hand. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Super Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets.'' The additional Super Wager on the dealer or other player's hand may be made in any amount equal to or greater than the table minimum and is not required to be equal to or greater than the player's Ante Wager.

 (d) The Ante and Super Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 671a.8, § 671a.9 or § 671a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 671a.11(b) and (d), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''

 (e) A player may not wager on more than one player position at a Lunar Poker table.

§ 671a.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 § 671a.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 the automated card shuffling device.

 (b) The dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and begin dealing the cards. Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed face down on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.

 (c) Starting with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal one card at a time face down to each player who placed an Ante Wager and to the dealer until each player and the dealer have five cards. The last card of the dealer shall be turned face up on the layout.

§ 671a.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 § 671a.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.''

 (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 one card at a time to each player who placed and Ante Wager and to the dealer until each player and the dealer have five cards. The last card of the dealer shall be turned face up on the layout.

§ 671a.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 § 671a.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.''

 (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 an Ante Wager. 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 an Ante Wager. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of five cards face down to the dealer. The last card of the dealer shall be turned face up on the layout.

§ 671a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.

 (a) After the dealing procedures required under § 671a.8, § 671a.9 or § 671a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure 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 Lunar 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.

 (3) After the dealer announces ''all decisions are locked in,'' a player may not amend his decision to fold or increase, decrease or place any Bet Wager or Options fee except as provided in subsection (d).

 (b) After five cards have been dealt to each player, the player shall examine his cards. If any player's hand is eligible for a Super Wager or an instant payout, the player shall declare the winning hand and place his cards face down in the player's betting area on the layout. Each player shall then elect to:

 (1) Fold.

 (2) Place a Bet Wager equal to twice the amount of the player's Ante Wager provided that if any player's hand contains a royal flush or a straight flush and is eligible for the instant payout, the player shall not place a Bet Wager.

 (3) Place an Options fee, equal to the player's Ante Wager, to buy a sixth card or draw and exchange between two and five of the player's cards.

 (c) After all players have made a decision to either folded, placed a Bet Wager or Options fee, the dealer shall announce ''all decisions are locked in.'' Once the dealer has announced ''all decisions are locked in'' a player may not change his decision. Prior to any additional cards being dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player to the dealer's left and continuing clockwise around the table:

 (1) If the player did not declare a winning Super Wager, collect the player's losing Super Wager. If any other player placed a Super Wager on that player's hand, the dealer shall collect the player's losing Super Wager first then collect any other player's Super Wager who placed a Super Wager on that player's hand.

 (2) If the player declared a winning Super Wager, the dealer shall verify the winning hand and payout out the player's winning Super Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(b) (relating to payout odds). If any other player placed a Super Wager on that player's hand, the dealer shall pay out the winning player's hand first then any other player who also placed a Super Wager on that player's hand in accordance with § 671a.12(b).

 (3) If any player is eligible for an instant payout, after verifying the player's hand, the dealer shall pay the player's winning Ante Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(a) and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (4) For any player who did not make a Bet Wager or Options Wager and folded, the dealer shall collect the player's Ante Wager and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (d) Once all player Super Wagers and instant payouts have been settled and any player's cards who folded have been collected, beginning with the player to the dealer's left and moving clockwise around the table, for any player who placed an Options fee equal to the player's Ante Wager:

 (1) The dealer shall collect the Options fee and:

 (i) If the player elects to buy the sixth card, the dealer shall deal one additional card.

 (ii) If the player elects to exchange cards, the player shall discard between two and five cards, which will thereafter be replaced by dealer with the same number of cards from the deck.

 (2) After dealing the additional cards, the player shall create the best possible five-card Poker hand.

 (3) The dealer shall then ask the player if the player would like to fold and forfeit the player's Ante Wager or place a Bet Wager equal to twice the amount of the player's Ante Wager.

 (4) If the player does not make a Bet Wager and forfeits his Ante Wager, the dealer shall collect the Ante Wager and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (e) After all players have either folded or placed a Bet Wager, the dealer shall reveal the dealer's cards and form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. The dealer shall then settle any Super Wagers placed on the dealer's hand. Beginning with the first player to the dealer's left who placed a Super Wager on the dealer's hand and continuing clockwise around the table, if the dealer's hand:

 (1) Is not eligible for a Super Wager payout, the dealer shall collect each player's losing Super Wager placed on the dealer's hand.

 (2) Is eligible for a Super Wager payout, the dealer shall pay the player's winning Super Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(b).

 (f) After settling the Super Wager placed on the dealer's hand, if the dealer's hand:

 (1) Does not qualify with an ace-king or better, as provided in § 671a.6(b) (relating to Lunar Poker rankings), the dealer shall return the player's Bet Wager, pay the player's Ante Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(c) and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (2) Qualifies with an ace-king or better, as provided in § 671a.6(b), starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, the dealer shall turn the cards of each player who placed a Bet Wager face up on the layout and form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. If the dealer's highest ranking five-card Poker hand is:

 (i) Higher in rank than the player's five-card Poker hand, as provided in § 671a.6(b), the dealer shall collect the player's Ante and Bet Wagers and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (ii) Lower in rank than the player's five-card Poker hand, as provided in § 671a.6(b), the dealer shall return the player's Ante Wager and pay the winning Bet Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(d). If a player's winning hand also contains a second Poker combination, where at least one card in the second combination was not included in the winning combination, the dealer shall pay the second winning Bet Wager in accordance with § 671a.12(d) for the second Poker combination. For example, if a player's winning hand contained two aces, a king, 8 and 9, the player would be paid out for the pair of aces that beat the dealer's hand but would also be paid out for the ace-king. If a player purchased a sixth card, all six cards may be considered for purposes of the second payout.

 (iii) Equal in rank with the dealer's hand, as provided in § 671a.6(b), the dealer shall return the player's Ante and Bet Wagers.

 (g) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove any 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.

 (h) 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 cards at least once after every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards is still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards by counting the cards face down on the layout. If the count indicates:

 (1) That 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the cards in the discard rack.

 (2) That 52 cards are not in the deck, the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

§ 671a.12. Payout odds.

 (a) The certificate holder shall pay an instant payout on a player's Ante Wager in accordance with 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):

Hand	Paytable A	Paytable B	Paytable C
Royal flush	1,500 to 1	1,000 to 1	1,000 to 1
Straight  flush	200 to 1	300 to 1	200 to 1

 (b) A certificate holder shall pay the player's winning Super Wager at the following odds:

Hand	Payout
Four-of-a-kind	250 to 1
Five picture cards	120 to 1
Full house	100 to 1
Flush	60 to 1
Straight	30 to 1
Three-of-a-kind	8 to 1
Ace-king-queen	5 to 1
Same colored five	2 to 1

 (c) When a dealer does not qualify with an ace and king or higher, a player's Ante Wager shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.

 (d) A winning Bet Wager shall be paid at the following odds:

Hand	Payout
Royal flush	100 to 1
Straight flush	50 to 1
Four-of-a-kind	20 to 1
Full house	7 to 1
Flush	5 to 1
Straight	4 to 1
Three-of-a-kind	3 to 1
Two pair	2 to 1
One pair	1 to 1
Ace-king	1 to 1

§ 671a.13. Irregularities.

 (a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.

 (c) If any player or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (d) If any of the dealer's cards that are dealt face down on the layout are inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Bet Wager as provided under § 671a.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (e) 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.

 (f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.

 (g) If an automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe shall be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.

CHAPTER 672a. FREE BET BLACKJACK

Sec.

672a.1.	Definitions.
672a.2.	Free Bet Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
672a.3.	Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
672a.4.	Opening of the table for gaming.
672a.5.	Shuffle and cut of the cards.
672a.6.	Wagers.
672a.7.	Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
672a.8.	Insurance Wager.
672a.9.	Double down.
672a.10.	Splitting pairs.
672a.11.	Payout odds.
672a.12.	Irregularities.

§ 672a.1. Definitions.

 The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

 Blackjack—An ace and any card having a 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.

 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.

 Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.

§ 672a.2. Free Bet Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.

 (a) Free Bet Blackjack 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 Free Bet Blackjack 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) 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 Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a).

 (iv) Blackjack Wagers will push if the dealer's hand has a total point count of 22 or other similar language.

 (v) Surrender is not available on a Free Bet Blackjack table or other similar language. If the language is not inscribed on the layout, a sign specifying that surrender is not available shall be posted at each Free Bet Blackjack table.

 (4) If the certificate holder offers the Push 22 Wager, a separate area designated for the placement of the wager for each player.

 (5) 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 Free Bet Blackjack table.

 (c) Each Free Bet 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 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.

 (d) Each Free Bet Blackjack table must have a card reader device attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Free Bet 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 Free Bet 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.

§ 672a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.

 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Free Bet Blackjack shall be played with six or eight deck shoes 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, Free Bet Blackjack shall be played with at least two shoes of cards in accordance with the following requirements:

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

 (2) The cards in each batch must be of the same design but the backs of the cards in one batch must be of a different color than the cards 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) The decks of cards opened for use at a Free Bet Blackjack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.

 (d) 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.

§ 672a.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 § 672a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) 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.

 (e) 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)—(d) do not apply.

§ 672a.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. 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 away from the dealer, 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 betting area the cover card appeared during the last round of play.

 (3) If the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.

 (4) If the reshuffle was initiated at the direction of the floorperson or above, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.

 (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 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 the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, 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). The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe, as provided in § 672a.7(d) (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 Free Bet 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, the cards shall be:

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

 (2) Stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled if an automated shuffling device is in use. 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 provided that the automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner.

 (h) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (b)—(g) do not apply.

§ 672a.6. Wagers.

 (a) Wagers at Free Bet Blackjack shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the Free Bet Blackjack layout.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled as required under § 672a.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 § 672a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), a wager to double down under § 672a.9 (relating to double down) or a wager on split pairs under § 672a.10 (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) A player shall place a Blackjack Wager to participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's hand.

 (e) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a certificate holder may offer to each player who placed a Blackjack Wager in accordance with subsection (d), the option of placing a Push 22 Wager which shall win if the dealer's hand has a total point count of 22.

 (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.

§ 672a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

 (a) 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 in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures under § 672a.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. 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 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:

 (1) Collect and reshuffle the cards by removing the cards remaining in the shoe and placing them in the discard rack to ensure that no cards are missing.

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

 (e) After all Blackjack and optional Push 22 Wagers have been placed, 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.

 (f) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, if the dealer's first card is an ace, the dealer shall offer the Insurance Wager or even money in accordance with § 672a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).

 (g) If the dealer's first card is an ace or a 10 value card, after the procedures in subsection (f) have been completed, if applicable, the dealer shall 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 if a player:

 (1) Has a Blackjack, the dealer shall return the player's Blackjack Wager, collect the player's Push 22 Wager and pay out any Insurance Wager, if applicable.

 (2) Does not have a Blackjack, the dealer shall collect the player's Blackjack and Push 22 Wagers and pay out any Insurance Wager, if applicable.

 (h) If the dealer's up card was not an ace or 10 value card or if the dealer's hole card did not give the dealer Blackjack, the dealer shall start with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continue around the table in a clockwise direction and if the player:

 (1) Has Blackjack, the dealer shall announce and pay the Blackjack in accordance with § 672a.11(a) (relating to payout odds) and remove the player's cards. If a player also placed a Push 22 Wager, the dealer shall tuck the player's cards under the player's Push 22 Wager until it is resolved in accordance with subsection (n).

 (2) Does not have Blackjack, the player shall indicate whether he wishes to double down as permitted under § 672a.9 (relating to double down), split pairs as permitted under § 672a.10 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards. Players may not surrender in Free Bet Blackjack.

 (i) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision.

 (j) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that:

 (1) A player having a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.

 (2) A player electing to double down in accordance with § 672a.9 may draw only one additional card.

 (k) 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.

 (l) Except as provided in subsection (m), the dealer shall draw additional cards until he has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21. Any additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer shall be dealt face up. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.

 (m) If there are no Push 22 Wagers on the table, a dealer may not draw 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 not have an effect on the outcome of the round of play. If there are Push 22 Wagers still on the table and all player's hands are in excess of 21 or have Blackjack, the dealer shall draw additional cards to settle the Push 22 Wagers.

 (n) After all additional cards have been drawn, if the total point count of the dealer's hand:

 (1) Is a 22, the dealer shall return all remaining player's Blackjack Wagers, collect any Free Bet lammers, as provided in § 672a.9 and § 672a.10, and pay out any Push 22 Wagers in accordance with § 672a.11(c).

 (2) Is not a 22, the dealer shall collect any Push 22 Wagers and settle the player's Blackjack Wagers and Free Bet lammers in accordance with subsections (o)—(q).

 (o) A player shall win and be paid in accordance with § 672a.11(a) for the Blackjack Wager and an equivalent amount for each Free Bet lammer, if applicable, if:

 (1) The total point count of the player's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21 provided that if the total point count of the dealer's hand is 22, the Blackjack Wager shall be returned to the player and any Free Bet lammers shall be collected.

 (2) The total point count of the player's hand exceeds the total point count of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.

 (p) A Blackjack Wager shall tie and be returned to the player and any Free Bet lammers collected if the total point count of the player's hand is the same as the total point count of the dealer's hand.

 (q) A player's Blackjack Wager shall lose and any Free Bet lammers shall be collected if:

 (1) The total point count of the dealer's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the player's hand is in excess of 21.

 (2) The total point count of the dealer's hand exceeds the total point count of the player's hand without exceeding 21.

 (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 beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction and then pay off all winning wagers.

 (2) Collect each player's losing wagers and pay off each player's winning 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 player's winning wagers by using value chips collected from a losing wager.

 (s) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove any 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) Players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Free Bet Blackjack.

§ 672a.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, 1/2 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 § 672a.11(b) (relating to payout odds).

 (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.

 (e) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (a)—(d), if selected in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), a certificate holder may offer a player who has Blackjack the option to be paid even money on the Blackjack Wager instead of making an Insurance Wager. If the player elects to be paid even money, the dealer shall pay out the Blackjack Wager at odds of 1 to 1 and remove the player's cards provided that if the player also placed a Push 22 Wager, the dealer shall tuck the player's cards under the player's Push 22 Wager until it is resolved in accordance with § 672a.7(n) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play).

§ 672a.9. Double down.

 (a) Except when a player has a Blackjack, a player may elect to double down on the first two cards dealt to him or on the first two cards of any split pair. If the total point count of the player's two cards:

 (1) Is a hard 9, 10 or 11, the player may double down without placing an additional wager. If a player is doubling down without placing an additional wager, the dealer shall place a Free Bet lammer next to the player's original Blackjack Wager.

 (2) Is not a hard 9, 10 or 11, the player may place an additional wager next to the player's original Blackjack Wager which may not exceed the amount of the player's original Blackjack Wager.

 (b) If a player elects to double down after splitting pairs, as provided in § 672a.10 (relating to splitting pairs), the player may double down on split pairs as provided in subsection (a).

 (c) Upon a player's election to double down, the dealer shall deal one additional card face up and place it sideways on the layout.

 (d) The dealer shall then complete the procedure in § 672a.7(i)—(s) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play).

§ 672a.10. 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. For example, if a player has two 7s or a king and a 10, the player may elect to split the hand.

 (b) If a player elects to split pairs and the player has:

 (1) A pair of 10 value cards (10, jack, queen or king), the player shall place an amount equal to the original Blackjack Wager for the split pair.

 (2) Any pair other than 10 value cards, the player may split pairs without placing an additional wager. If a player is splitting pairs without placing an additional wager:

 (i) The dealer shall place a Free Bet lammer next to the player's original Blackjack Wager.

 (ii) The original Blackjack Wager shall move with the first split hand and the Free Bet lammer shall be the wager for the second split hand.

 (c) 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. If the first split hand busts and if the player's hand:

 (1) Does not contain any Free Bet lammers, the dealer shall collect the losing Blackjack Wager and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (2) Contains a Free Bet lammer, the player's cards shall be tucked under the original Blackjack Wager until the hand is settled or until the split hand or hands bust as well.

 (d) After a second card is dealt to each split pair, the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw, double down or resplit with respect that hand. A player may resplit any additional pairs, in accordance with subsection (b), for a total of up to four hands.

§ 672a.11. Payout odds.

 (a) The certificate holder shall pay each winning Blackjack Wager and any Free Bet lammers at odds of 1 to 1 with the exception of player 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 Push 22 Wagers based on the dealer's hand 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):

Hand	Paytable A	Paytable B
Same suit 22	50 to 1	50 to 1
Same color 22	20 to 1	20 to 1
Other 22	8 to 1	7 to 1

§ 672a.12. 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 shall be shuffled and cut according to the procedures in § 672a.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) 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.

 (i) 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 above, shall continue play.

 (j) 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.

 (k) 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.

 (l) 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 673a. DOUBLE BACK JACK

Sec.

673a.1.	Definitions.
673a.2.	Double Back Jack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.
673a.3.	Cards; number of decks; value of cards.
673a.4.	Opening of the table for gaming.
673a.5.	Shuffle and cut of the cards.
673a.6.	Wagers.
673a.7.	Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.
673a.8.	Insurance Wager.
673a.9.	Surrender.
673a.10.	Double down.
673a.11.	Splitting pairs.
673a.12.	Payout odds.
673a.13.	Irregularities.

§ 673a.1. Definitions.

 The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

 Blackjack—An ace and any card having a value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards to a player or the dealer.

 Bust—The total point count of a hand that is greater than 21.

 Card reader device—A device which permits the dealer to determine if the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack.

 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.

 Soft total—The total point count of a hand containing an ace when the ace is counted as 11 in value.

§ 673a.2. Double Back Jack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.

 (a) Double Back Jack 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 Double Back Jack 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) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Blackjack Wager for each player.

 (3) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Second Chance Wager for each player.

 (4) The following inscriptions or other similar language approved by the Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a):

 (i) Blackjack and Insurance pays 2 to 1.

 (ii) Dealer shall draw to 16 and stand on all 17s.

 (iii) Blackjack Wagers will push if the dealer's hand has a total point count of 22, player 21 pays right away, Second Chance pays even money.

 (5) 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 Double Back Jack table.

 (c) Each Double Back Jack 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.

 (d) Each Double Back Jack table must have a card reader device attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table. The floorperson assigned to the Double Back Jack 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 Double Back Jack 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.

§ 673a.3. Cards; number of decks; value of cards.

 (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), Double Back Jack 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, Double Back Jack shall be played with at least two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:

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

 (2) The cards in each batch must be of the same design but the backs of the cards in one batch must be of a different color than the cards 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) The decks of cards opened for use at a Double Back Jack table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours.

 (d) 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.

§ 673a.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 § 673a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

 (d) 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.

 (e) 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)—(d) do not apply.

§ 673a.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. 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 away from the dealer, 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 betting area the cover card appeared during the last round of play.

 (3) If the cover card appeared on the dealer's hand during the last round of play, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.

 (4) If the reshuffle was initiated at the direction of the floorperson or above, the player at the farthest position to the right of the dealer. If this player refuses, the offer to cut the cards shall rotate to each player in a counterclockwise manner.

 (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 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 the cards have been placed in the dealing shoe, 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). The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.

 (f) A reshuffle of the cards in the shoe shall take place after the cover card is reached in the shoe, as provided in § 673a.7(d) (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 Double Back Jack 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, the cards shall be:

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

 (2) Stacked and placed into the automated shuffling device to be shuffled, if an automated shuffling device is in use. 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 the automated card shuffling device stores a single batch of shuffled cards inside the shuffler in a secure manner.

 (h) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (b)—(g) do not apply.

§ 673a.6. Wagers.

 (a) Wagers at Double Back Jack shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the Double Back Jack layout.

 (b) After the cards have been shuffled as required under § 673a.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 a Second Chance Wager under § 673a.7(l) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play), an Insurance Wager under § 673a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), a wager to double down under § 673a.10 (relating to double down) or a wager on split pairs under § 673a.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) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a Blackjack Wager in one round of play.

§ 673a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

 (a) 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 in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures under § 673a.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. 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 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:

 (1) Collect and reshuffle the cards by removing the cards remaining in the shoe and placing them in the discard rack to ensure that no cards are missing.

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

 (e) After all Blackjack Wagers have been placed, 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.

 (f) 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, if any player has a Blackjack, the dealer shall settle the player's Blackjack Wager. Starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, the dealer shall pay the winning Blackjack Wager in accordance with § 673a.12(a) (relating to payout odds) and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (g) After paying out any winning Blackjack Wagers in accordance with subsection (f), if the dealer's first card is an ace, the dealer shall offer the Insurance Wager in accordance with § 673a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).

 (h) If the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, after all Insurance Wagers have been placed, if applicable, the dealer shall 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 Wager will be collected.

 (i) If the dealer's up card was not an ace or 10 value card or if the dealer's hole card did not give the dealer Blackjack, the dealer shall start with the player farthest to the dealer's left and continue around the table in a clockwise direction and each player shall indicate whether he wishes to surrender, as permitted under § 673a.9 (relating to surrender), double down as permitted under § 673a.10 (relating to double down), split pairs as permitted under § 673a.11 (relating to splitting pairs), stand or draw additional cards.

 (j) As each player indicates his decision, the dealer shall deal face upwards whatever additional cards are necessary to effectuate the player's decision.

 (k) A player may elect to draw additional cards whenever his point count total is less than 21, except that:

 (1) A player having a hard or soft total of 21 may not draw additional cards.

 (2) A player electing to double down may draw only one additional card.

 (l) After drawing additional cards in accordance with subsection (k), if the player's hand is greater than 21, the dealer shall ask if the player would like to place a Second Chance Wager to draw one additional card, the value of which will be subtracted from the player's hand. To draw an additional card, the player shall place a Second Chance Wager equal to the amount of the player's current Blackjack Wager. The dealer shall deal one additional card face up and place it sideways on the layout. The value of the second chance card shall be subtracted from the total value of the player's hand. For example, if a player elects to place a Second Chance Wager when the player's hand has a total value of 25 after all additional cards are dealt in accordance with subsection (k), and the player receives a second chance card with a value of 5, the 5 shall be subtracted from the player's hand making the total value of the player's hand a 20. For purposes of the Second Chance Wager, an additional ace drawn is counted as a 1. After drawing the additional second chance card, if the player's hand has a total value:

 (1) Greater than 21, the dealer shall collect the player's Blackjack and Second Chance Wagers and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (2) Of 21, the dealer shall pay the player's winning Second Chance Wager in accordance with § 673a.12(b), return the player's Blackjack Wager and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (3) Less than 21, the round of play shall continue in accordance with subsection (n).

 (m) If a player did not place a Second Chance Wager, after all additional cards have been dealt, if any player's hand has a total value of 21, the dealer shall pay the player's winning Blackjack Wager in accordance with § 673a.12(a) and place the player's cards in the discard rack.

 (n) After settling any player's hand who had a total value of 21, the dealer shall turn the dealer's hole card face up.

 (o) Except as provided in subsection (p), the dealer shall draw additional cards until he has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21. Any additional cards required to be dealt to the hand of the dealer shall be dealt face up. The dealer shall announce the dealer's total point count after each additional card is dealt.

 (p) 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 not have an effect on the outcome of the round of play.

 (q) After all additional cards have been dealt to the dealer, if the total point count of the dealer's hand:

 (1) Is 22, the dealer shall return all remaining player's Blackjack Wagers and Second Chance Wagers, if applicable.

 (2) Is 21 or less, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the remaining player's hands in accordance with subsections (r) and (s).

 (r) In comparing the total point count of the dealer's hand versus the total point count of the player's hand, a player's hand shall:

 (1) Win if:

 (i) The total point count of the player's hand is less than 21 and the total point count of the dealer's hand is in excess of 21.

 (ii) The total point count of the player's hand exceeds the total point count of the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.

 (2) Tie if the total point count of the player's hand is the same as the total point count of the dealer's hand.

 (3) Lose if:

 (i) The total point count of the dealer's hand is 21 or less and the total point count of the player's hand is in excess of 21.

 (ii) The total point count of the dealer's hand exceeds the total point count of the player's hand without exceeding 21.

 (s) If a player's hand:

 (1) Is a winning hand, in accordance with subsection (r), and the player:

 (i) Placed a Second Chance Wager, the dealer shall return the player's Blackjack Wager and pay out the winning Second Chance Wager in accordance with § 673a.12(b).

 (ii) Did not place a Second Chance Wager, the dealer shall pay out the winning Blackjack Wager in accordance with § 673a.12(a).

 (2) Ties with the dealer's hand, the dealer shall return the player's Blackjack Wager and Second Chance Wager, if applicable.

 (3) Loses against the dealer's hand, the dealer shall collect the player's Blackjack Wager and Second Chance Wager, if applicable.

 (t) 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 beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction and then pay off all winning wagers.

 (2) Collect each player's losing wagers and pay off each player's winning 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 player's winning wagers by using value chips collected from a losing wager.

 (u) After all wagers have been settled, the dealer shall remove any 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.

 (v) Players and spectators may not handle, remove or alter any cards used to play Double Back Jack.

§ 673a.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 § 673a.12(c) (relating to payout odds).

 (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.

§ 673a.9. Surrender.

 (a) After the first two cards are dealt to the player, the player may elect to discontinue play on his hand for that round by surrendering 1/2 of his wager. All decisions to surrender shall be made prior to the player indicating whether he wishes to double down as permitted under § 673a.10 (relating to double down), split pairs as permitted under § 673a.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. After the Insurance Wager is offered and the card reader device is utilized, 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 § 673a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager).

§ 673a.10. Double down.

 (a) Except when a player has a Blackjack, a player may elect to double down on the first two cards dealt to him or the first two cards of any split pair. To double down, the player shall place an additional wager next to the player's original Blackjack Wager which may not exceed the amount of the player's original Blackjack Wager. Only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down.

 (b) Upon a player's election to double down, the dealer shall deal the one additional card face up and place it sideways on the layout.

 (c) A player may double down after splitting pairs as provided in § 673a.11 (relating to splitting pairs).

§ 673a.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 a maximum of 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. If a player's hand contains an ace and a 10 value card after the player's hand is split and an additional card is dealt, the player shall be paid out for a 21 not a Blackjack.

 (c) After a second card is dealt to each split pair hand, the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect that hand.

§ 673a.12. Payout odds.

 (a) The certificate holder shall pay each winning Blackjack Wager at odds of 1 to 1 with the exception of a player Blackjack which shall be paid at odds of 2 to 1.

 (b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Second Chance Wagers at odds of 1 to 1.

 (c) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Insurance Wagers at odds of 2 to 1.

§ 673a.13. 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 shall be shuffled and cut according to the procedures in § 673a.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) 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.

 (i) 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 above, shall continue play.

 (j) 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.

 (k) 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.

 (l) 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.

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