RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[58 PA. CODE CHS. 617b, 633b AND 651b]
Roulette Side Wagers and Variations; Blackjack Side Wagers and Variations; Casino War Side Wagers and Variations; Temporary Regulations
[54 Pa.B. 6594]
[Saturday, October 19, 2024]
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority) and § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations), amends the temporary regulations in § 617b.5 (relating to Roulette X) and adopts the temporary regulations in §§ 617b.6, 617b.7, 633b.22 and 651b.2 to read as set forth in Annex A. The board's temporary regulations will be added to Part VII (relating to Gaming Control Board) as part of Subpart K (relating to table games).
Purpose
This temporary rulemaking adds new side wagers and variations to existing games available for play in this Commonwealth.
Explanation
The amendment of § 617b.5 and additions of §§ 617b.6 and 617b.7 (relating to Lightning Roulette—additional allowances; and Mega Fire Blaze Roulette) to Chapter 617b (relating to Roulette side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) add Paytable C as an additional paytable option to Roulette X, the option to offer Lightning Roulette on a double zero wheel and an additional payout configuration option for Lightning Roulette. Additionally, Mega Fire Blaze Roulette, a variant of Roulette with the potential for increased payouts on certain wagers, is added.
The addition of § 633b.22 (relating to Lucky Ladies progressive) to Chapter 633b (relating to Blackjack side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) adds the option to offer the Lucky Ladies side wager with a progressive payout format.
Finally, the addition of § 651b.2 (relating to Casino War—additional tie wager payout odds options) to Chapter 651b (relating to Casino War side wagers and variations—temporary regulations) adds additional payout options for the tie wager.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The board does not expect that this temporary rulemaking will have a fiscal impact on the board or other Commonwealth agencies. Updates to Rules Submission forms and internal control procedures will be reviewed by existing board staff.
Political subdivisions. This temporary rulemaking will have no fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth.
Private sector. This temporary rulemaking will provide certificate holders with additional table game options. If a certificate holder decides to offer any of the side wagers or variations, or both, authorized under this temporary rulemaking within the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to train their dealers on the rules of play and purchase new equipment—specifically table layouts corresponding to the game and wagers offered. Costs incurred to train employees or purchase/lease equipment should be offset by the proceeds of gaming.
General public. This temporary rulemaking will have no fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder seeks to offer any of the side wagers or variations contained in these temporary regulations, the certificate holder will be required to submit a Rules Submission form reflecting the choices in how the game will be offered and with the selected side wagers and variations identified. These forms are available on the board's public web site and submitted to board staff electronically.
Effective Date
This temporary rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will expire 2 years from the date of publication.
Public Comments
While this temporary rulemaking will be effective upon publication, the board is seeking comments from the public and affected parties as to how this temporary rulemaking might be improved. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this temporary rulemaking within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to Robert Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Regulation # 125-251 Public Comment, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, 303 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101, or submitted by way of e-mail, subject: Regulation # 125-251 to PGCBregs@pa.gov.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this temporary rulemaking is Robert Wood, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the board is authorized to adopt temporary regulations which are not subject to the provisions of sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL) (45 P.S. §§ 1201—1205); the Regulatory Review Act (RRA) (71 P.S. §§ 745.1—745.14); and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (CAA) (71 P.S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 2 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Findings
The board finds that:
(1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the temporary regulations are exempt from the requirements of the RRA, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the CAA.
(2) The adoption of the temporary regulations is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming).
Order
The board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(1) The regulations of the board, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 617b, 633b and 651b are amended by amending § 617b.5 and adding §§ 617b.6, 617b.7, 633b.22 and 651b.2 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(2) The temporary regulations are effective October 19, 2024.
(3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(4) The temporary regulations shall be subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the board.
(5) The chairperson of the board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
DENISE J. SMYLER,
Chairperson
Fiscal Note: 125-251. No fiscal impact; recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 617b. ROULETTE SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS
§ 617b.5. Roulette X.
(a) A certificate holder may offer to players a game entitled Roulette X, a variation on Lightning Roulette. Unless otherwise provided under this section, Roulette X shall follow the rules and procedures of Lightning Roulette under § 617c.3 (relating to Lightning Roulette).
(b) The layout for a Roulette X table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations for approval in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). A Roulette X table shall have in place a board-approved Roulette random number generator that determines the multiplier and also determines the specific payout that will be paid for a winning straight wager placed on a multiplier.
(c) Roulette X may be played on either a single zero or double zero Roulette wheel.
(d) After all wagers have been placed, the random number generator shall be initiated and will select between two and five numbers on the layout that are the multipliers. The multipliers will be illuminated and will indicate what the increased payout will be for a winning straight wager placed on that multiplier.
(e) If the Roulette ball comes to rest in one of the numbers that has been illuminated as a multiplier and a player has placed a straight wager on that number, the player's straight wager shall win and be paid based upon the increased payout displayed on the layout.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 617a.4 (relating to payout odds), if a player's straight wager wins but the number the player wagered on is not selected as a multiplier by the random number generator, the player shall be paid at odds corresponding to the certificate holder's selected paytable under subsection (g).
(g) Roulette X wagers shall be settled according to one of the following paytables, which shall be included in the certificate holder's Rules Submission form filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
| Paytable A | Paytable B | Paytable C |
|---|
| Roulette wheels authorized | Single zero/double
zero wheels | Double zero wheel | Single zero/double
zero wheels |
| Straight wager payout odds | 28 to 1 | 30 to 1 | 26 to 1 |
| Multipliers | 50 to 1 | 50 to 1 | 50 to 1 |
| 100 to 1 | 100 to 1 | 100 to 1 |
| 250 to 1 | 175 to 1 | 250 to 1 |
| 500 to 1 | 250 to 1 | 1,000 to 1 |
§ 617b.6. Lightning Roulette—additional allowances.
(a) A certificate holder may offer Lightning Roulette with any of the alternative configurations provided for in this section.
(b) Lightning Roulette may be offered for play with either a single zero wheel or a double zero wheel.
(c) Lightning Roulette may be offered with the possible payouts outlined in § 617c.3(g) (relating to Lightning Roulette) or any of the following:
(i) 999 to 1.
(ii) 499 to 1.
(iii) 399 to 1.
(iv) 349 to 1.
(v) 299 to 1.
(vi) 249 to 1.
(vii) 199 to 1.
(viii) 149 to 1.
(ix) 99 to 1.
(x) 49 to 1.
(d) Other aspects of the game of Lightning Roulette shall be governed by § 617c.3.
§ 617b.7. Mega Fire Blaze Roulette.
(a) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to players a game variation entitled Mega Fire Blaze Roulette, where each player who places and wins a straight up, split, street, corner or basket, or line wager has the ability to win an increased payout based upon the results of a random number generator. If the certificate holder is offering Mega Fire Blaze Roulette, it must be played on a single zero Roulette wheel as described in § 617a.1(d) (relating to Roulette ball; Roulette wheel and table; physical characteristics; double zero Roulette wheel used as a single zero Roulette wheel).
(b) The layout for a Mega Fire Blaze Roulette table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations for approval in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). A Mega Fire Blaze Roulette table shall have in place a board-approved Roulette random number generator that determines the Fire Numbers and the Mega Fire Blaze bonus game outcome.
(c) Unless otherwise noted, Mega Fire Blaze Roulette shall follow the rules and procedures of Roulette, as outlined in Chapter 617a (relating to Roulette).
(d) A player may place any of the following wagers before each Roulette spin at any time before the croupier calls, ''no more bets'' in accordance with § 617a.3 (relating to placement of wagers) or before any betting time has expired:
(i) Straight up, which is the Straight wager under § 617a.3(e)(1).
(ii) Split bet, which is the Split wager under § 617a.3(e)(2).
(iii) Street bet, which is the Three Numbers wager under § 617a.3(e)(3).
(iv) Corner bet or Basket bet, which is the Four Numbers wager under § 617a.3(e)(4).
(iv) Line bet, which is the Six Numbers wager under § 617a.3(e)(6).
(v) Column wager under § 617a.3(e)(7).
(vi) Dozen wager under § 617a.3(e)(8).
(vii) Red wager under § 617a.3(e)(9).
(viii) Black wager under § 617a.3(e)(10).
(ix) Odd wager under § 617a.3(e)(11).
(x) Even wager under § 617a.3(e)(12).
(xi) Low wager, which is the 1—18 wager under § 617a.3(e)(13).
(xii) High wager, which is the 19—36 wager under § 617a.3(e)(14).
(e) After all wagers have been placed, the random number generator shall be initiated and will select 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 numbers on the layout that are the Fire Numbers. The Fire Numbers will be illuminated.
(f) If the Roulette ball comes to rest in one of the Fire Numbers and a player has placed a straight up, split, street, corner or basket, or line wager on that number, the Mega Fire Blaze bonus game shall be played to determine the winning wager's payout.
(g) The Mega Fire Blaze bonus game shall be a random number generator-based game which determines payout odds for qualifying winning wagers. The following apply:
(1) The Mega Fire Blaze bonus game shall consist of a grid comprised of 36 cells divided into 6 segments comprised of 6 cells.
(2) Each six-cell segment shall be designated with a special segment multiplier or a jackpot.
(3) The Mega Fire Blaze bonus game shall begin by applying an equal number of random multipliers as there were Fire Numbers in the base game. For example, if there were five Fire Numbers in the base game, then five cells shall be filled with random multipliers.
(4) The random number generator shall then determine which cells shall be filled with a random multiplier.
(5) The following shall apply when all six cells of a segment are filled with random multipliers:
(i) If the segment has a special segment multiplier, all of the random multipliers shall be increased by the special segment multiplier. For example, if the special segment multiplier is a 2, the cell with a 3 random multiplier would become a 6.
(ii) If the segment has a jackpot, a random number generator shall determine whether the jackpot is a Mini (20×), Minor (100×), Major (500×) or Grand (2,000×). The jackpot value shall not increase the values of the segment cells.
(6) At the conclusion of the Mega Fire Blaze bonus game, the random multipliers shall be totaled, including any winning jackpot values, to determine the payout for the winning base game wager.
(7) Potential random multipliers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or 50.
(8) Potential special segment multipliers are 2, 3 or 5.
(9) The potential payout ranges for the winning base game wagers are as follows:
| Bet | Payout Range |
|---|
| Straight up | 29—5,999 to 1 |
| Split | 29—2,999 to 1 |
| Street | 29—1,999 to 1 |
| Corner or Basket | 29—1,499 to 1 |
| Line | 29—999 to 1 |
(h) Winning wagers that are not subject to the Mega Fire Blaze bonus game shall be paid according to the following paytable:
| Bet | Payout |
|---|
| Straight up | 29 to 1 |
| Split | 14 to 1 |
| Street | 9 to 1 |
| Corner or Basket | 13 to 2 |
| Line | 4 to 1 |
| Dozen | 2 to 1 |
| Column | 2 to 1 |
| Red | 1 to 1 |
| Black | 1 to 1 |
| Even | 1 to 1 |
| Odd | 1 to 1 |
| Low (1—18) | 1 to 1 |
| High (19—36) | 1 to 1 |
CHAPTER 633b. BLACKJACK SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS
§ 633b.22. Lucky Ladies progressive.
(a) A certificate holder may offer players the option to place a Lucky Ladies progressive side wager, which is a progressive variation of the Lucky Ladies Twenty Point bonus wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(1) (relating to wagers).
(b) The Lucky Ladies progressive side wager shall win if the player's initial two cards have a total point count of 20.
(c) The layout for a 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 if the certificate holder offers the Lucky Ladies progressive wager, in addition to the requirements in § 633a.2 (relating to Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections), the layout shall contain a separate area for each player designated for the placement of the Lucky Ladies progressive wager.
(d) If the certificate holder is offering the Lucky Ladies progressive wager, the Blackjack table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of the Lucky Ladies progressive wager. If the certificate holder is offering a progressive payout wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with the requirements in § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include all of the following:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Lucky Ladies progressive wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Lucky Ladies progressive wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any progressive wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(e) If specified in its Rules Submission form required 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 § 633a.6(d) the option of placing a Lucky Ladies progressive wager.
(f) After placing a Blackjack wager as required in § 633a.6(d) and any optional wagers including the Lucky Ladies progressive wager, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and, if the Lucky Ladies progressive wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system to prevent the placement of any additional progressive wagers. If any progressive 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 wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(g) The dealer shall then deal the cards in accordance with § 633a.7(a)—(g) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play). Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before a card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the player's optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers. The following apply:
(1) If a player placed a Lucky Ladies progressive wager and the player's initial two cards do not have a point count total of 20, the Lucky Ladies progressive wager is lost and shall be collected.
(2) If a player placed a Lucky Ladies progressive wager and the player's initial two cards have a point count total of 20, the dealer shall pay the winning Lucky Ladies progressive wager in accordance with subsection (i).
(h) If a player has won a Lucky Ladies progressive payout, the dealer shall do all of the following:
(1) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(2) Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.
(3) Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder's approved internal control procedures.
(4) Pay the winning Lucky Ladies progressive wager in accordance with the payout odds in subsection (i). 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.
(i) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Lucky Ladies progressive wagers at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission form filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
| Hand Combination | Paytable 1 | Paytable 2 | Paytable 3 |
|---|
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (hearts) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (suited) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (non-suited) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 25% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair | 200 for 1 | 200 for 1 | 250 for 1 |
| Matched 20 | 25 for 1 | 20 for 1 | 50 for 1 |
| Suited 20 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 |
| Any 20 | 2 for 1 | 3 for 1 | 2 for 1 |
| Hand Combination | Paytable 4 | Paytable 5 | Paytable 6 |
|---|
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (hearts) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (suited) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (non-suited) | 1,000 for 1 | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair | 200 for 1 | 250 for 1 | 150 for 1 |
| Matched 20 | 50 for 1 | 30 for 1 | 20 for 1 |
| Suited 20 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 |
| Any 20 | 2 for 1 | 2 for 1 | 3 for 1 |
| Hand Combination | Paytable 7 | Paytable 8 | Paytable 9 |
|---|
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (hearts) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (suited) | 100% of meter | 100% of meter | 25% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (non-suited) | 25% of meter | 750 for 1 | 10% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair | 200 for 1 | 150 for 1 | 250 for 1 |
| Matched 20 | 25 for 1 | 25 for 1 | 25 for 1 |
| Suited 20 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 | 10 for 1 |
| Any 20 | 2 for 1 | 2 for 1 | 2 for 1 |
| Hand Combination | Paytable 10 |
|---|
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (hearts) | 100% of meter |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (suited) | 3,000 for 1 |
| Queen of hearts pair with dealer Blackjack (non-suited) | 1,000 for 1 |
| Queen of hearts pair | 150 for 1 |
| Matched 20 | 25 for 1 |
| Suited 20 | 10 for 1 |
| Any 20 | 2 for 1 |
(j) The initial seed and reseed amounts, increment rate and reserve rate listed in the following chart shall correspond with the paytable selected under subsection (i) and shall be included by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission form filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
| Paytable | Initial Seed (multiple
of wager) | Incrementation Rate | Reserve Rate |
|---|
| Paytable 1 | 2,000× | 17% | 4% |
| Paytable 2 | 2,000× | 17% | 4% |
| Paytable 3 | 5,000× | 16% | 4% |
| Paytable 4 | 5,000× | 16% | 4% |
| Paytable 5 | 2,000× | 17% | N/A reseeded with
initial seed amount |
| Paytable 6 | 2,000× | 17% | N/A reseeded with
initial seed amount |
| Paytable 7 | 5,000× | 18% | 5% |
| Paytable 8 | 5,000× | 18% | 5% |
| Paytable 9 | 5,000× | 18% | 2% |
| Paytable 10 | 10,000× | 18% | 4% |
(k) The paytables outlined under subsection (i) may only be offered in conjunction with Blackjack games which utilize the following number of decks of cards:
| Paytable | Number of Decks |
|---|
| Paytable 1 | 2, 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 2 | 2 |
| Paytable 3 | 2 |
| Paytable 4 | 2 |
| Paytable 5 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 6 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 7 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 8 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 9 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
| Paytable 10 | 4, 5, 6 or 8 |
(l) If in the same round of play two or more players have won the same progressive jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the jackpot amount shall be split equally between the winning players.
(m) After settling the Lucky Ladies progressive wagers, the dealer shall continue the hand in accordance with § 633a.7(i)—(t).
CHAPTER 651b. CASINO WAR SIDE WAGERS AND VARIATIONS—TEMPORARY REGULATIONS
§ 651b.2. Casino War—additional tie wager payout odds options.
(a) If a certificate holder offers the game of Casino War under Chapter 651a (relating to Casino War), if specified in their Rules Submission, they may elect to offer the tie wagers with one of the following payout odds:
(i) 11 to 1.
(ii) 12 to 1.
(b) Except as provided under subsection (a), all aspects of the game shall be governed by the rules and procedures of Chapter 651a.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-1494. Filed for public inspection October 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]
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