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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 13-230a

[43 Pa.B. 834]
[Saturday, February 9, 2013]

[Continued from previous Web Page]

CHAPTER 633a. BLACKJACK

§ 633a.1. Definitions.

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

Ace-king suited—An ace and a king of the same suit.

Any 20—Two cards of different suits with a total point count of 20.

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Triple Match—The player's initial two cards and the dealer's up card which are all the same rank.

Two-card straight—Two cards in consecutive rank regardless of suit.

Two-card straight flush—Two cards in consecutive rank of the same suit.

§ 633a.2. Blackjack table; card reader device; physical characteristics; inspections.

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 (b) 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 contain, at a minimum:

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 (13) If the certificate holder offers the Straight Jack Progressive Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(11), a separate area designated for the placement of the Straight Jack Progressive Wager.

(14) If the certificate holder offers the House Money Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(12), a separate area designated for the placement of the House Money Wager.

(15) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Blackjack table.

[(14)] (16) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 633a.13(m) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Blackjack table.

 (c) If the certificate holder offers the Bad Beat Progressive Wager authorized under § 633a.6(e)(8), the Blackjack table must have a progressive table game system in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table game systems) and an electronic wagering system in accordance with §§ 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Bad Beat Progressive Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the placement of any Bad Beat Progressive Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards.

 (d) If a certificate holder offers the Hit and Run Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.6(e)(10) or the Straight Jack Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.6(e)(11), the Blackjack table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7, for the placement of Hit and Run or Straight Jack Progressive Wagers. The progressive table game system must include:

 (1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Hit and Run or Straight Jack Progressive Wager.

 (2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the placement of any Hit and Run or Straight Jack Progressive Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards.

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§ 633a.6. Wagers.

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 (e) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player who placed a Blackjack Wager in accordance with subsection (d) the option of placing the following additional wagers:

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 (10) A Hit and Run Progressive Wager that the dealer will have Blackjack or a hand containing five or more cards.

(11) A Straight Jack Progressive Wager that the initial two cards dealt to the player will form at least a two-card straight.

(12) A House Money Wager that the initial two cards dealt to the player will form a two-card straight, a pair, a two-card straight flush or an ace-king suited.

 (f) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a Blackjack Wager in one round of play.

§ 633a.7. Procedure for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

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 (g) Immediately after the second card is dealt to each player and the dealer, but prior to any additional cards being dealt or before any card reader device is utilized, the dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, settle the player's optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:

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 (8) If a player placed a Three Card Poker Wager and the dealer's up card and the player's initial two cards form a three-card Poker hand of a straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight or a flush, the dealer shall pay the winning Three Card Poker Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(k).

(9) If a player placed a Straight Jack Progressive Wager and the player's initial two cards do not form a two-card straight, the dealer shall collect the player's Straight Jack Progressive Wager.

(10) If a player placed a House Money Wager and the player's initial two cards do not form a two-card straight, a pair, a two-card straight flush or an ace-king suited, the dealer shall collect the player's House Money Wager. If a player has a winning hand:

(i) And the dealer's up card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer shall determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack in accordance with subsection (h). If the dealer:

(A) Has a Blackjack, the dealer shall pay the winning House Money Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(n).

(B) Does not have a Blackjack, the dealer shall follow the requirements in subparagraph (ii).

(ii) And the dealer's up card is not an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer shall pay all winning wagers in accordance with § 633a.13(n) provided that, at a player's discretion, the player may add the winning House Money payout to the player's Blackjack Wager in accordance with the following:

(A) All of the winning House Money payout or, if specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), only a specified portion of the winning House Money payout shall be added to the area designated for the placement of the player's Blackjack Wager.

(B) A player may not touch the winning House Money payout. The dealer shall either hand the entire winning House Money payout to the player or place all or a portion thereof, if permitted by the certificate holder, on the area designated for the placement of the player's Blackjack Wager. If a player has a Blackjack, the player may add the House Money payout to the Blackjack Wager.

(C) If the player adds the House Money payout to his Blackjack Wager, the House Money payout and the Blackjack Wager must be considered the entire Blackjack Wager. Thus, if the player elects to split in accordance with § 633a.11 (relating to splitting pairs) or doubles down in accordance with § 633a.10 (relating to Double Down Wager), the player shall match the entire Blackjack Wager.

 (h) After settling the player's optional wagers in accordance with subsection (g), if the dealer's first card is an ace, king, queen, jack or 10, the dealer shall, after offering the Insurance Wager or even money in accordance with § 633a.8 (relating to Insurance Wager), determine whether the hole card will give the dealer a Blackjack. The dealer shall insert the hole card into the card reader device by moving the card face down on the layout without exposing it to anyone at the table, including the dealer. If the dealer has a Blackjack, additional cards may not be dealt and each player's Blackjack Wager and the Bad Beat, Hit and Run Progressive and Insurance Wagers, if applicable, shall be settled.

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 (o) After all additional cards have been dealt to the players and the dealer, 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 optional wagers by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers as follows:

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 (2) If a player placed a Hit and Run Progressive Wager:

 (i) A player shall win if the dealer has Blackjack or the dealer's hand has five or more cards inclusive of any card which would give the dealer's hand a total point count of greater than 21. For example, if the dealer's hand has a total point count of 14 with five cards drawn and the dealer draws an additional card resulting in a total point count of 23, the dealer's sixth card shall also count toward the Hit and Run Progressive payout.

 (ii) If a player has won the Hit and Run Progressive Wager, the dealer shall:

 (A) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.

 (B) Have a floorperson or above verify any Hit and Run Progressive payout with odds of 100 for 1 or greater in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2.

 (C) Pay the player the winning Hit and Run Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(l). If a player has won a progressive payout that is 100% 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 the player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed. If more than one player at the table has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, each player shall share the maximum amount equally.

(3) If a player placed a Straight Jack Progressive Wager:

(i) A player shall win if the player's initial two cards were a two-card straight. Each additional card drawn by the player which does not break the sequence of the two-card straight shall result in a payout increase, provided that an ace, king shall be a two-card straight. For example, if the player's initial two cards are a 4 and a 5 and the player draws:

(A) A 6, the player has a three-card straight.

(B) A 3 then a 6, the player has a four-card straight.

(C) A 2 then a 3, the 2 breaks the sequence and the player has a two-card straight.

(D) A 6 then a 7, resulting in a hand with a total point count greater than 21, the last card drawn may not count toward the Straight Jack Progressive Payout. The player will receive a payout for only a three-card straight.

(ii) If a player has won the Straight Jack Progressive Wager, the dealer shall:

(A) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.

(B) Have a floorperson or above verify any Straight Jack Progressive Payout with odds of 100 for 1 or greater in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2.

(C) Pay the player the winning Straight Jack Progressive Wager in accordance with § 633a.13(m). If a player has won a progressive payout that is 10% or more 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 the player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed. If more than one player at the table has won a progressive payout that is 100% of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, each player shall share the maximum amount equally.

 (p) A player shall win the Blackjack Wager and be paid in accordance with the payout odds in § 633a.13(a) if:

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§ 633a.13. Payout odds; payout limitation.

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 (m) If the certificate holder offers the Straight Jack Progressive Wager:

(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Straight Jack Progressive Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:

Hand Payout
Player has:
 Six-card straight with an   ace of spades 100% of meter
and 200 to 1
 Six-card straight with an   ace of diamonds, clubs or   hearts 10% of meter
and 200 to 1
 Five-card straight 200 to 1
 Four-card straight 50 to 1
 Three-card straight 15 to 1
 Two-card straight 3 to 1

(2) The rate of progression for the meter used for the Straight Jack Progressive Wager must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2. The initial and reset amounts must also be in the Rules Submission and be at least $5,000.

(n) If a certificate holder offers the House Money Wager and the player elects to take the payout, the player shall be paid in accordance with the following paytable:

(1) If a single deck of cards is being used:

Hand Odds
Ace-king suited 9 to 1
Two-card straight flush 5 to 1
Pair 3 to 1
Two-card straight1 to 1

(2) If multiple decks of cards are being used:

Hand Odds
Ace-king suited 9 to 1
Two-card straight flush 4 to 1
Pair 3 to 1
Two-card straight 1 to 1

(o) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (b) and (g), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player with a queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack that is payable to all winning hands in the aggregate on a single round of play. The maximum payout amount shall be at least $25,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the maximum possible wager, whichever is greater. If a certificate holder establishes a maximum payout, and more than one player at a table has a winning hand of queen of hearts pair and dealer Blackjack or king of spades pair and dealer Blackjack, each player shall share the maximum payout amount proportionately to the amount of the player's respective wager. Any maximum payout limit established by the certificate holder shall apply only to payouts of Royal Match 21 Wagers and King's Bounty Wagers.

CHAPTER 635a. SPANISH 21

§ 635a.10. Double Down Wager; rescue.

 (a) Except when a player has Blackjack, a player may elect to make a Double Down Wager, which may not exceed the amount of his original Spanish 21 Wager[, on the first two cards dealt to him or the first two cards of any split pair]. A player may double down on two or more cards dealt to him or two or more cards of any split pair. Only one additional card shall be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down. The one additional card shall be dealt face up and placed sideways on the layout.

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CHAPTER 637a. POKER

§ 637a.6. Poker rankings.

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 (c) The rank of the cards used in low hand Poker in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, jack, queen and king. In Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Poker, the order of highest to lowest rank shall be: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, jack, queen, king and ace. All suits shall be considered equal in rank.

 (d) The ranking of a five-card low hand shall be the inverse of the rankings for a five-card high hand as set forth in subsection (b). [Straights] In games except Triple Draw Lowball 2-7 Poker, straights and flushes will not be considered for purposes of determining a winning hand at low [hand] Poker.

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 (Editor's Note: Sections 637a.19—637a.21 are new and printed in regular type to enhance readability.)

§ 637a.19. Five-card Omaha Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

 (a) A certificate holder that offers Five-card Omaha High or Five-card Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.

 (b) No more than eight players may participate in a Five-card Omaha Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, and the Kill or Half-kill option, if offered, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.

 (c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:

 (1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:

 (i) The first player to the right of the dealer.

 (ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.

 (2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.

 (d) Before any cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificate holder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.

 (e) The player to the left of the player who placed a Blind Bet may place a Straddle Bet, if offered by the certificate holder. The rules governing the placement of a Straddle Bet and the amount of the Straddle Bet, if any, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at each Poker table. No more than one Straddle Bet may be made during a round of play.

 (f) Starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal five rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.

 (g) After each player has been dealt five cards in accordance with subsection (f), each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet or the player who placed a Straddle Bet, if offered, and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise also applies to a player who made a Blind Bet or Straddle Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.

 (h) The dealer shall then burn the top card of the deck and proceed to deal three community cards face up in the center of the table. The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the next betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.

 (i) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fourth community card face up in the center of the table. The next betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (j) Upon completion of the betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck and deal a fifth and final community card face up in the center of the table. The final betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (k) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. Each player remaining in the game shall form a five-card hand using two of the five cards dealt to the player and three of the five community cards. The winner of the pot shall be:

 (1) In Five-card Omaha High Poker, the player with the highest ranking five-card high hand.

 (2) In Five-card Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker:

 (i) The player with the highest ranking five-card high hand and the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand, subject to subsection (l), shall divide the pot equally. If a pot cannot be divided equally, the excess amount, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high hand.

 (ii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking high hand, the high hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the high hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest ranking high card by suit or to the player specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2.

 (iii) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking low hand, the low hand share of the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the low hand share of the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the lowest ranking low hand Poker card by suit or to the player specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2.

 (iv) For purposes of this subsection, the cards shall be ranked by suit with the highest to lowest rank suit in order as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.

 (l) In Five-card Omaha High-low Split Eight or Better Poker:

 (1) The winning low hand may not contain a pair, a three-of-a-kind or a four-of-a-kind or a 9, 10, jack, queen or king. In the event that none of the hands of the remaining players satisfy this requirement, the entire pot shall be awarded to the player with the highest ranking high hand.

 (2) The player may form two different hands of five cards each, enabling that player to contend for both the high hand and low hand share of the pot. Each hand must consist of any three of the community cards and any two of five cards dealt to the player. A player may use the same five-card grouping to make a high hand and a low hand. An ace may be used concurrently as a low hand card to make up a low hand and as a high card to make up a high hand.

 (3) The certificate holder may use either the Half-kill or Kill option. If the certificate holder elects to use either option, the certificate holder shall indicate which option is being used in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and post on a sign at each Omaha Poker table which option is being used and the minimum value of a qualifying pot.

§ 637a.20. Triple Draw Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

 (a) A certificate holder that offers Triple Draw Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.

 (b) No more than seven players may participate in a Triple Draw Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, and the Kill or Half-kill option, if offered, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.

 (c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:

 (1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:

 (i) The first player to the right of the dealer.

 (ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.

 (2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.

 (d) Before any cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificate holder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.

 (e) The player to the left of the player who placed a Blind Bet may place a Straddle Bet, if offered by the certificate holder. The rules governing the placement of a Straddle Bet and the amount of the Straddle Bet, if any, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at each Poker table. No more than one Straddle Bet may be made during a round of play.

 (f) Starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal five rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.

 (g) After each player has been dealt five cards in accordance with subsection (f), each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet or the player who placed a Straddle Bet, if offered, and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise also applies to a player who made a Blind Bet or Straddle Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.

 (h) The dealer shall then burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded, starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing in a clockwise rotation, shall have the opportunity to draw new cards one player at a time. Each player may keep his original hand or discard as many cards as he chooses. Each discarded card shall be replaced by the dealer with a new card from the deck. If an insufficient number of cards remain in the deck for a player to draw new cards, the discarded cards, except the cards discarded by that player, shall be reshuffled and the new cards shall be dealt to the player. The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the next betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the second betting round shall be considered complete.

 (i) Upon completion of the second betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded shall then have the opportunity to draw new cards in accordance with subsection (h). The next betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (j) Upon completion of the third betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded shall then have the opportunity to draw new cards in accordance with subsection (h). The fourth and final betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (k) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot. The winner of the pot shall be the player with the highest ranking five-card low hand provided that:

 (1) Hands are counted from the highest card in the hand to the lowest card in the hand.

 (2) If a tie exists between two or more players for the highest ranking low hand, the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2.

 (3) In 2-7 Lowball Poker:

 (i) An ace is used only as a high card.

 (ii) The best possible 2-7 Lowball Poker hand is 7-5-4-3-2 with all five cards not of the same suit.

 (iii) A straight, flush or pair shall be considered for purposes of determining a winning hand.

 (4) In Ace-5 Lowball Poker:

 (i) An ace is used only as a low card.

 (ii) The best possible A-5 Lowball Poker hand is a 5-4-3-2-A, regardless of suit.

 (iii) A straight or flush shall not be considered for purposes of determining a winning hand.

 (l) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsection (k), if specified in its Rules Submission, the certificate holder may offer Triple Draw Poker and split the pot awarded between players as follows:

 (1) In 2-7 Lowball Poker, if Badeucey is being offered:

 (i) Half of the pot shall be awarded to the highest ranking 2-7 Lowball Poker hand and the other half of the pot shall be awarded to the player with the best Badugi hand. For purposes of Badeucey, a Badugi hand is a hand in which four of the player's five cards are of a different suit from the others and rank in accordance with § 637a.6(c) (relating to Poker rankings) with the best Badugi hand being a 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 (ii) If the pot cannot be split evenly, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest 2-7 Lowball Poker hand.

 (2) In A-5 Lowball Poker, if Badacey is being offered:

 (i) Half of the pot shall be awarded to the highest ranking A-5 Lowball Poker hand and the other half of the pot shall be awarded to the player with the best Badugi hand. For purposes of Badacey, a Badugi hand is a hand in which four of the player's five cards are of a different suit from the others and rank in accordance with § 637a.6(c) with the best Badugi hand being an ace, 2, 3 and 4.

 (ii) If the pot cannot be split evenly, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player with the highest A-5 Lowball Poker hand.

§ 637a.21. Badugi Poker; procedures for dealing the cards; completion of each round of play.

 (a) A certificate holder that offers Badugi Poker shall observe the procedures in this section.

 (b) No more than nine players may participate in a Badugi Poker game. Each player who elects to participate in a round of play may be required to place an Ante bet. The rules governing the placement of an Ante bet and the amount of the Ante bet, if any, and the Kill or Half-kill option, if offered, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions) and posted on a sign at each Poker table.

 (c) A button shall be used to indicate the order in which the cards shall be dealt and the order in which players shall bet in accordance with following procedures:

 (1) At commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of either:

 (i) The first player to the right of the dealer.

 (ii) The player randomly determined by rank of a single card dealt.

 (2) Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.

 (d) Before any cards are dealt, the player to the immediate left of the button shall initiate the first betting round by placing a Blind Bet. A certificate holder may require additional Blind Bets to be made immediately after the initial Blind Bet. The amount and number of all Blind Bets required must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at the table.

 (e) The player to the left of the player who placed a Blind Bet may place a Straddle Bet, if offered by the certificate holder. The rules governing the placement of a Straddle Bet and the amount of the Straddle Bet, if any, must be specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 and posted on a sign at each Poker table. No more than one Straddle Bet may be made during a round of play.

 (f) Starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, the dealer shall deal four rounds of cards face down to each player. The player with the button shall be the last player to receive a card each time.

 (g) After each player has been dealt four cards in accordance with subsection (f), each player, starting with the player to the left of the player or players who were required to place a Blind Bet or the player who placed a Straddle Bet, if offered, and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, may fold, call or raise the bet. The option to raise also applies to a player who made a Blind Bet or Straddle Bet. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the betting round shall be considered complete.

 (h) The dealer shall then burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded, starting with the player to the immediate left of the button and continuing in a clockwise rotation, shall have the opportunity to draw new cards one player at a time. Each player may keep his original hand or discard as many cards as he chooses. Each discarded card shall be replaced by the dealer with a new card from the deck. If an insufficient number of cards remain in the deck for a player to draw new cards, the discarded cards, except the cards discarded by that player, shall be reshuffled and the new cards shall be dealt to the player. The first player to the left of the button who has not folded shall commence the next betting round and may bet or check. Each subsequent player may, in clockwise rotation, fold, call, raise or, if preceding players have not made a bet, make an opening bet or check. After the last player has responded to the most recent bet, the second betting round shall be considered complete.

 (i) Upon completion of the second betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded shall then have the opportunity to draw new cards in accordance with subsection (h). The next betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (j) Upon completion of the third betting round, the dealer shall burn the top card of the deck. Each player who has not folded shall then have the opportunity to draw new cards in accordance with subsection (h). The fourth and final betting round shall be commenced and completed in accordance with subsection (h).

 (k) If more than one player remains in the round of play after the final betting round has been completed, a showdown shall be used to determine the winner of the pot based upon the following rakings in order from highest to lowest:

 (1) The lowest Badugi hand shall win the pot. For purposes of this section, a Badugi hand shall be a hand in which each of the player's four cards are of a different suit from the others and rank in accordance with § 637a.6(c) (relating to Poker rankings) with the best Badugi hand being an ace, 2, 3 and 4.

 (2) If no players have a Badugi, the player with the lowest hand containing three cards, each of which are a different suit and rank.

 (3) If no players have three cards of a different suit and rank than the player with the lowest hand containing two cards, each of which are a different suit and rank shall win the pot.

 (4) If no remaining players have a hand containing two cards of a different suit and rank than the player with the lowest card.

 (5) If a tie exists between two or more players, the pot shall be divided equally among the tied players. If the pot cannot be divided equally among the tied players, the excess, which may not exceed $1, shall be given to the player specified in the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2.

CHAPTER 649a. THREE CARD POKER

§ 649a.6. Three Card Poker rankings.

*  *  *  *  *

 (d) If a certificate holder offers the optional Six Card Bonus Wager under § 649a.7(d)(5) (relating to wagers), the five-card Poker hands eligible for a payout are:

*  *  *  *  *

 (8) A Super Royal, if the certificate holder selects paytable E in § 649a.12(f) (relating to payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression), which is a six-card Poker hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 of the same suit.

(e) If the paytable selected by the certificate holder includes a mini-royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king and queen, a mini-royal flush outranks a straight flush in subsection (b).

§ 649a.12. Payout odds; Envy Bonus; rate of progression.

*  *  *  *  *

(g) If selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2, the paytables in subsections (b) and (d) may include a payout for a mini-royal flush in accordance with the following:

(1) In subsection (b), a mini-royal flush shall pay out at odds of no less than 5 to 1.

(2) In subsection (d), a mini-royal flush shall pay out at odds of no less than 40 to 1.

 (Editor's Note: Chapters 659a, 661a, 663a and 665a are new and printed in regular type to enhance readability.)

CHAPTER 659a. ASIA POKER

Sec.

659a.1.Definitions.
659a.2.Asia Poker table; Asia Poker shaker; physical characteristics.
659a.3.Cards; number of decks.
659a.4.Opening of the table for gaming.
659a.5.Shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards.
659a.6.Asia Poker rankings.
659a.7.Wagers.
659a.8.Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
659a.9.Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
659a.10.Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
659a.11.Procedures for completion of each round of play.
659a.12.Payout odds; payout limitation.
659a.13.Irregularities; invalid roll of dice.

§ 659a.1. Definitions.

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

Copy hand—A high hand, medium hand or low hand of a player that is identical in rank to the corresponding high hand, medium hand or low hand of the dealer.

High hand—The four-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank higher than the medium hand and the low hand.

Low hand—The one-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank lower than the high hand and the medium hand.

Medium hand—The two-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank lower than the high hand and higher than the low hand.

Setting the hands—The process of forming a high hand, medium hand and low hand from the seven cards dealt.

§ 659a.2. Asia Poker table; Asia Poker shaker; physical characteristics.

 (a) Asia Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than six players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.

 (b) The layout for an Asia 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) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Asia Poker Wager for each player.

 (3) Three separate areas designated for the placement of the high hand, medium hand and low hand of each player.

 (4) Three separate areas designated for the placement of the high hand, medium hand and low hand of the dealer.

 (5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bonus Wager authorized under § 659a.7(e) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bonus Wager for each player.

 (6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Asia Poker table.

 (7) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 659a.12(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Asia Poker table.

 (c) To determine the starting position for the dealing or delivery of the cards, Asia Poker may be played with:

 (1) An Asia Poker shaker, approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a), which shall be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game. The Asia Poker shaker shall be the responsibility of the dealer, may not be left unattended while at the table and must:

 (i) Be capable of housing three dice that when not being shaken shall be maintained within the Asia Poker shaker. Dice that have been placed in an Asia Poker shaker for use in gaming may not remain on a table for more than 24 hours.

 (ii) Be designed to prevent the dice from being seen while being shaken.

 (iii) Have the name or logo of the certificate holder imprinted or impressed thereon.

 (2) A computerized random number generator which must be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use.

 (3) A flat button which shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations prior to its use.

 (d) Each Asia Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer and in locations approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance 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.

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

§ 659a.3. Cards; number of decks.

 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Asia Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards. The deck of cards used to play Asia Poker must include one joker. A certificate holder may use decks that are manufactured with two jokers provided that only one joker is used for gaming.

 (b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Asia 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 of cards shall be 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 shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.

 (c) The decks of cards used in Asia Ride 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.

§ 659a.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) If the deck of cards used by the certificate holder contains two jokers, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that only one joker is utilized and that the other joker is torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the deck came from. 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 and include the one joker.

 (c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 659a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing 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.

§ 659a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing 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 the floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack provided, however, that the certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.

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

 (1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, determine the starting position in accordance with subsection (g), then deal the cards in accordance with § 659a.8, § 659a.9 or § 659a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

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

 (c) 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. The dealer shall then determine the starting position in accordance with subsection (g), and deal the cards in accordance with § 659a.8, § 659a.9 or § 659a.10.

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

 (e) If there is no gaming activity at an Asia 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 § 659a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.

 (f) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle 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 by certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (c)—(e) do not apply.

 (g) To determine the starting position for the dealing of cards, the certificate holder shall use one of the following:

 (1) An Asia Poker shaker in accordance with the following procedures:

 (i) The dealer shall shake the Asia Poker shaker at least three times to cause a random mixture of the dice.

 (ii) The dealer shall then remove the lid covering the Asia Poker shaker and place the uncovered shaker on the designated area of the table layout. The dealer shall then total the dice and announce the total.

 (iii) To determine the starting position, the dealer shall count each betting position in order, regardless of whether there is a wager at the betting position, beginning with the dealer as number one and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise manner, until the count matches the total of the three dice.

 (iv) After the dealing procedures required under § 659a.8, § 659a.9 or § 659a.10 have been completed, the dealer shall place the cover on the Asia Poker shaker and shake the shaker once. The Asia Poker shaker shall then be placed to the right of the dealer.

 (2) A computerized random number generator to select and display a number from 1 to 7. To determine the starting position, the dealer shall count each betting position in order, regardless of whether there is a wager at the betting position, beginning with the dealer as number one and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise manner, until the count matches the number displayed by the random number generator.

 (3) If an automated card shuffling device and dealing shoe are used under § 659a.10, a flat button to indicate the starting position. At the commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of the dealer. Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.

 (h) After the starting position for a round of play has been determined, a certificate holder may mark that position with an additional cover card or similar object approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.

§ 659a.6. Asia Poker rankings.

 (a) The rank of the cards used in Asia Poker, in order of highest to lowest, 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 formed with a 2, 3 and 4 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example: queen, king, ace and 2). The joker shall be used and ranked as an ace or may be used as any card to complete a straight, a flush, a straight flush or a royal flush.

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

 (1) Four aces, which is a high hand consisting of four aces or three aces and a joker.

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

 (3) A straight flush, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with ace, 2, 3 and 4 being the highest ranking straight flush; king, queen, jack and 10 being the second highest ranking straight flush; and 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight flush. The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), specify that a straight flush formed with an ace, 2, 3 and 4 of the same suit is the lowest ranking straight flush.

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

 (5) A flush, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of the same suit. When comparing two flushes, the provisions in subsection (c) shall be applied.

 (6) A straight, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit, with an ace, king, queen and jack being the highest ranking straight; an ace, 2, 3 and 4 being the second highest ranking straight; and a 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight. The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, specify that a straight formed with an ace, 2, 3 and 4, regardless of suit, is the lowest ranking straight.

 (7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a high hand containing 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 pair, which is a high hand containing two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair hand and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two-pair hand.

 (9) A pair, which is either a high hand or a low 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.

 (c) When comparing two high hands, two medium hands or two low hands that are of identical hand rank under subsection (b), or contain none of the hands 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 two hands are of identical rank after the application of this section, the hands shall be considered a copy.

 (d) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bonus Wager under § 659a.7(e) (relating to wagers), the following hands shall be used to determine the amount of the bonus payout to a winning player:

 (1) A three-of-a-kind and four 8s.

 (2) Five aces, which is a hand consisting of four aces and a joker.

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

 (4) A natural straight flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive rank with no joker.

 (5) A straight flush with a joker, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive rank, one of which is a joker.

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

 (7) A 9-high, which is a seven-card hand that contains a 9, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3 and 2 or a 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3 and 2.

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

 (9) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.

 (10) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand containing three cards of the same rank regardless of suit.

 (11) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit.

§ 659a.7. Wagers.

 (a) Wagers at Asia Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Asia Poker layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.

 (b) Only players who are seated at an Asia 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 player, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.

 (c) All wagers at Asia Poker shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 659a.8, § 659a.9 or § 659a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). A wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''

 (d) To participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's high hand, medium hand and low hand, a player shall place an Asia Poker Wager.

 (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 an Asia Poker Wager, the option of placing a Bonus Wager that the seven cards dealt to the player will form a hand with a rank of 9-high or better as described in § 659a.6(d) (relating to Asia Poker rankings).

 (f) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may permit a player to wager on two adjacent betting areas at an Asia Poker table. If a certificate holder permits a player to wager on adjacent betting areas, the cards dealt to each betting area shall be played separately. If the two wagers are not equal, the player shall set the hand with the larger wager before ranking and setting the other hand. If the amounts wagered are equal, each hand shall be played separately in a counterclockwise rotation with the first hand being ranked and set before the player proceeds to rank and set the second hand. Once a hand has been ranked, set and placed face down on the layout, the hands may not be changed.

§ 659a.8. Procedures 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. Once the procedures required under § 659a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe either by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.

 (b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 659a.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards.

 (c) The dealer shall then deal the first card to the starting position as determined in subsection (b) and, continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to all other positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer, until each position and the dealer has seven cards. Each card dealt 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.

 (d) After seven cards have been dealt to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.

 (e) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

 (f) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

§ 659a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.

 (a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:

 (1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.

 (2) After the procedures required under § 659a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the 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 when holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.

 (3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 659a.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards. The dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and shall use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout.

 (b) The dealer shall then deal the first card to the starting position as determined in subsection (a) and, continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to all other positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer, until each position and the dealer has seven cards.

 (c) After seven cards have been dealt to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.

 (d) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

 (e) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

§ 659a.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 under § 659a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.

 (2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 659a.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards.

 (b) After the starting position for delivering the cards has been determined, the dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to that position. 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 positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer.

 (c) After seven cards have been dispensed and delivered to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the shoe and determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.

 (d) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

 (e) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

§ 659a.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.

 (a) After the dealing procedures required under § 659a.8, § 659a.9 or § 659a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:

 (1) Each player who wagers at an Asia Poker table shall be responsible for setting his own hands and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player. If a player requests assistance in the setting of his hands, the dealer shall inform the player of the manner in which the certificate holder requires the hands of the dealer to be set in accordance with the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).

 (2) Each player shall keep his seven cards in full view of the dealer at all times.

 (3) Once each player has set his three hands and placed them face down on the appropriate area of the layout, the player may not touch the cards again.

 (b) Each player shall set his hands by arranging the cards into a high hand, a medium hand and a low hand. When setting the three hands, the four-card high hand must be higher in rank than the two-card medium hand and the medium hand must be higher in rank than the one-card low hand. For example, if the two-card medium hand contains a pair of sevens, the four-card high hand must contain at least a pair of sevens and the two remaining cards.

 (c) After all players have set their hands and placed the cards on the table, the seven cards of the dealer shall be turned over and the dealer shall set his hands by arranging the cards into a high hand, medium hand and low hand. The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the manner in which the hands of the dealer shall be set. The dealer shall then place the three hands face up on the appropriate area of the layout.

 (d) Unless a player has placed an optional Bonus Wager in accordance with § 659a.7(e) (relating to wagers), a player may surrender his wager after the hands of the dealer have been set. The player shall announce his intention to surrender prior to the dealer exposing any of the three hands of that player as provided in subsection (e). Once the player has announced his intention to surrender, the dealer shall immediately collect the Asia Poker Wager from that player and collect the seven cards dealt to that player without exposing the cards to anyone at the table. The dealer shall verify that seven cards were collected by counting them face down on the layout prior to placing them in the discard rack.

 (e) After the dealer has set a high hand, medium hand and a low hand, the dealer shall reveal all three hands of each player, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction. The dealer shall compare the high, medium and low hand of each player to the high, medium and low hand of the dealer and shall announce if the Asia Poker Wager of that player wins or loses.

 (f) An Asia Poker Wager will:

 (1) Lose and will immediately be collected if:

 (i) Any two of the player's three hands are identical or lower in rank than the dealer's corresponding hands.

 (ii) Any one of the player's three hands is identical in rank to the corresponding hand of the dealer and one of the player's remaining hands is lower in rank than the dealer's corresponding hand.

 (iii) The high hand of the player was not set so as to rank higher than the medium hand of that player.

 (iv) The medium hand of the player was not set so as to rank higher than the low hand of that player.

 (v) The three hands of the player were not otherwise set correctly in accordance with this chapter.

 (2) Win if any two of the player's three hands are higher in rank than the dealer's corresponding hands. The dealer shall pay the winning Asia Poker Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 659a.12(a) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).

 (g) Except as provide in subsection (h), after settling the player's Asia Poker Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player in the discard rack.

 (h) If a player placed a Bonus Wager, after settling the player's Asia Poker Wager, the dealer shall rearrange the seven cards of any player and form the highest ranking hand and shall be responsible for creating the hand for purposes of the Bonus Wager. If a player:

 (1) Does not have a 9-high or better, as described in § 659a.6(d) (relating to Asia Poker rankings), the dealer shall collect the Bonus Wager and place the cards of the player in the discard rack.

 (2) Has a 9-high or better, the dealer shall pay the winning Bonus Wager in accordance with § 659a.12(b) and place the cards of the player in the discard rack.

 (i) All cards removed from the table shall be placed in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.

§ 659a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation.

 (a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Asia Poker Wager at odds of 1 to 1.

 (b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bonus Wagers 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 Paytable C
Three-of-a-kind  and four 8s 5,000 to 1 5,000 to 1 5,000 to 1
Five aces 800 to 1 800 to 1 800 to 1
Royal flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 200 to 1
Natural straight  flush 80 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1
Straight flush  with a joker 40 to 1 40 to 1 40 to 1
Four-of-a-kind 30 to 1 30 to 1 25 to 1
9-high 10 to 1 10 to 110 to 1
Full house 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1
Flush 4 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1
Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1
Straight 2 to 1 2 to 1 2 to 1

 (c) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (a) and (b), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player on a single hand. The maximum payout amount shall be at least $50,000 or the maximum amount that one player could win per round when betting the minimum permissible wager, whichever is greater.

§ 659a.13. Irregularities; invalid roll of dice.

 (a) If the dealer uncovers the Asia Poker shaker and all three dice do not land flat on the bottom of the shaker, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and reshake the dice.

 (b) If the dealer uncovers the Asia Poker shaker and a die or dice fall out of the shaker, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and reshake the dice.

 (c) If the dealer incorrectly totals the dice and deals the first card to the wrong position, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (d) If the dealer exposes any of the cards dealt to a player, the player may void the hand. The player shall make the decision to either play out the hand or to void the hand without looking at the unexposed cards.

 (e) If a card or cards in the dealer's hand are exposed, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (f) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt shall 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.

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

 (h) 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.

 (i) If the dealer does not set his hands in the manner in which the certificate holder requires the hands of the dealer to be set, the hands shall be reset in accordance with the certificate holder's Rules Submission and the round of play shall be completed.

 (j) If any of the dealer's cards are inadvertently exposed while the dealer is dealing the cards, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

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

 (l) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.

 (m) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal all 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.

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

CHAPTER 661a. THREE DICE FOOTBALL

Sec.

661a.1.Definitions.
661a.2.Three Dice Football table; physical characteristics.
661a.3.Wagers.
661a.4.Dice; physical characteristics, retention and selection.
661a.5.Throw of the dice; invalid roll of the dice.
661a.6.Rules of the game; settlement of wagers.
661a.7.Continuation of Quarterback; selection of new Quarterback.
661a.8.Payout odds.

§ 661a.1. Definitions.

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

Defensive Die—The red die thrown by the Quarterback.

Down—Each time the Quarterback throws the dice with a corresponding outcome occurring on the field.

Extra point roll—An additional throw that occurs after a touchdown or Trips TD is scored.

Offensive Dice—Two green dice thrown by the Quarterback.

Penalty—When the total of the Offensive Dice is less than the value of the Defensive Die. A turnover is not a penalty.

Quarterback—The player responsible for throwing the dice.

Stickperson—An employee of the certificate holder whose primary function is to control the selection and use of the dice at a Three Dice Football table.

Touchdown—When, through downs, the 0 yard line is passed by the Quarterback resulting in the end of the game.

Triple—On an extra point roll when all three dice show the same number.

Trips TD—When all three dice show the same number resulting in an instant end of the game.

Turnover—When the Defensive Die is a 6 and the Offensive Dice have a total of 2 or 3 resulting in an instant end of the game.

§ 661a.2. Three Dice Football table; physical characteristics.

 (a) Three Dice Football shall be played on an oblong table with rounded corners, high walled sides and wagering locations for a maximum of 16 players.

 (b) The layout for a Three Dice Football 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) Specific areas designated for the placement of wagers authorized under § 661a.3(b) and (d) (relating to wagers).

 (3) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Three Dice Football table.

 (4) A football field containing two end zones, two 10 yard lines and two 20 yard lines. Each yard, from 1 through 23, shall also be labeled in the center of the football field.

 (5) An area designated for the following:

 (i) 1st Down.

 (ii) 2nd Down.

 (iii) 3rd Down.

 (iv) 1st & Goal.

 (v) 2nd & Goal.

 (vi) 3rd & Goal.

 (vii) Extra Point.

 (6) An area designated for the game length, labeled 1 through 6.

 (c) Each Three Dice Football table must have a drop box and tip box attached to the table in locations approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g).

§ 661a.3. Wagers.

 (a) Wagers shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.

 (b) The following full game wagers are authorized in Three Dice Football:

 (1) A Touchdown Wager which shall win if a touchdown or Trips TD is scored.

 (2) A Defense Wager which shall win if a touchdown or Trips TD is not scored.

 (3) An Extra Point Wager which shall win if a touchdown or Trips TD is made and on the extra point roll either:

 (i) One or more of the three dice shows a 1.

 (ii) Any triple, other than three 1s, is rolled.

 (4) A Quick Strike TD Wager which shall win if a touchdown or Trips TD is scored in 4 downs or fewer.

 (5) A Game Changer Wager which shall win if a Trips TD or a turnover occurs.

 (6) The following Game Length Wagers which shall win if the game lasts exactly:

 (i) One play.

 (ii) Two plays.

 (iii) Three plays.

 (iv) Four plays.

 (v) Five plays.

 (vi) Six plays.

 (c) The full game wagers authorized in subsection (b) shall be placed prior to the start of each new game and may not be increased or withdrawn after the first throw of the dice.

 (d) The following single play wagers are authorized in Three Dice Football:

 (1) A Trips TD Wager which shall win if a Trips TD is scored.

 (2) A Penalty Wager which shall win if a penalty or turnover occurs.

 (3) A Turnover Wager which shall win if a turnover occurs. A turnover on downs does not qualify.

 (4) A Cover Three Wager which shall win if a Trips TD is scored or a penalty or turnover occurs.

 (5) A No Gain Wager which shall win if zero yards are gained or if a penalty or turnover occurs.

 (6) A Big Play Wager which shall win if 7 yards or more are gained or if a Trips TD is scored.

 (7) An Over Four Yards Wager which shall win if 5 yards or more are gained or if a Trips TD is scored.

 (8) An Under Four Yards Wager which shall win if 3 yards or less are gained or if a penalty or turnover occurs. A Trips TD does not qualify.

 (e) The single play wagers authorized in subsection (d) may be placed at any time during the game prior to the Quarterback's throw of the dice. Single play wagers shall be settled after each throw of the dice.

§ 661a.4. Dice; physical characteristics, retention and selection.

 (a) The physical characteristics of the dice used in Three Dice Football must comply with the requirements of § 603a.12(a) (relating to dice; physical characteristics) except a set of four green and two red dice must be present at the table during gaming. Control of the dice at the table is the responsibility of the stickperson. The stickperson shall retain all dice, except those in active play, in a dice cup at the table.

 (b) At the commencement of play, the stickperson shall offer the set of dice to the player immediately to the left of the stickperson. If that player rejects the dice, the stickperson shall offer the dice to each of the other players in turn clockwise around the table until one of the players accepts the dice.

 (c) The first player to accept the dice when offered shall become the Quarterback who selects and retains two of the green dice and one red die offered. The remaining dice of the set shall be returned to the dice cup which shall be placed immediately in front of the stickperson.

 (d) A set of dice used at a Three Dice Football table shall be changed at least once every 24 hours. A new set of dice shall be used when a Three Dice Football table is reopened for gaming, if a die goes off the table during play and is lost or if the dice show signs of tampering or alteration or are otherwise marked, chipped, scratched or no longer suitable for play.

§ 661a.5. Throw of the dice; invalid roll of the dice.

 (a) After selecting the Offensive and Defensive Dice, the Quarterback shall throw the three selected dice so that they leave the Quarterback's hand simultaneously and in a manner which causes the dice to strike the end of the table farthest from the Quarterback.

 (b) A roll of the dice shall be invalid if any of the dice go off the table or if one die comes to rest on top of the other.

 (c) The stickperson shall have the authority to invalidate a roll of the dice by calling ''no roll'' for any of the following reasons:

 (1) The dice do not leave the Quarterback's hand simultaneously.

 (2) Any of the dice fail to strike the end of the table farthest from the Quarterback.

 (3) Any of the dice come to rest on the chips constituting the bank of chips located in front of the stickperson.

 (4) Any of the dice come to rest in the dice cup in front of the stickperson or on one of the rails surrounding the table.

 (5) The use of a cheating, crooked or fixed device or technique in the roll of the dice.

 (6) The stickperson considers the throw to be improper.

 (d) A throw of the dice which results in the dice coming into contact with any chips or plaques on the table, other than the bank of chips located in front of the stickperson, is not a cause for a call of ''no roll.''

 (e) When the dice come to rest from a valid throw, the stickperson shall at once call out the numbers on the uppermost or skyward sides of the three dice. Only one face on each die shall be considered uppermost or skyward.

 (f) In the event any of the dice do not land flat on the table (for example, one edge of the die is resting cocked on a stack of chips), the side directly opposite the side that is resting on the chips or other object shall be considered uppermost or skyward. If more than one side of a die is resting on a stack of chips or other object, the roll shall be void and the dice shall be rethrown.

 (g) In the event of a dispute as to which face is uppermost, the stickperson has discretion to determine which face is uppermost or to order the throw be void and the dice be rethrown.

 (h) After calling the throw, the stickperson shall collect the dice and bring them to the center of the table. All wagers decided by that throw shall then be settled. The stickperson shall then pass the dice to the Quarterback for the next throw. When collecting the dice and passing them to the Quarterback, the stickperson shall use a stick designed for that purpose.

§ 661a.6. Rules of the game; settlement of wagers.

 (a) Immediately prior to the commencement of each round of play, the dealer shall place the Down Puck on the area of the table layout designated for the 1st Down. The Yard Marker shall be placed on the football field in the 20 yard line circle. The Game Length Puck shall be placed on the area of the table layout designated for Play 1.

 (b) Prior to the first throw of the dice, each player shall place a wager authorized under § 661a.3(b) or (d) (relating to wagers). Prior to each subsequent roll of the dice, a player may place any single play wager authorized under § 661a.3(d).

 (c) Each roll of the dice shall determine the result of each down as follows:

 (1) If the total of the Offensive Dice is greater than the value of the Defensive Die, a gain of yards has occurred. The dealer shall subtract the value of the Defensive Die from the total of the Offensive Dice and move the Yard Marker down the field toward the end zone the total number of yards earned during that down. For example, if the total of the Offensive Dice is 10 and the value of the Defensive Die is 2, the dealer shall move the Yard Marker toward the end zone 8 yards from its previous position on the field. The dealer shall then place the Down Puck on the next down and the Game Length Puck to the next play.

 (2) If the total of the Offensive Dice is less than the value of the Defensive Die, a penalty has occurred which shall result in the loss of only 1 yard and the loss of the current down. The dealer shall move the Yard Marker back 1 yard from its previous position on the field, place the Down Puck on the next down and the Game Length Puck to the next play.

 (3) If the total of the Offensive Dice is equal to the value of the Defensive Die, a gain or penalty has not occurred. The dealer shall place the Down Puck on the next down and the Game Length Puck to the next play.

 (4) If the Quarterback rolls a turnover, the dealer shall announce the turnover and end the game.

 (5) If the Quarterback rolls a Trips TD, the dealer shall move the Yard Marker to the end zone and end the game.

 (d) After each down, the dealer shall settle all single play wagers placed in accordance with § 661a.3(d). The value of the dice determines the outcome of single play wagers, not the actual yards moved on the field. The dealer shall then announce the number of downs and the distance to the end zone.

 (e) The Quarterback shall have three downs to either score a touchdown, Trips TD or earn a 1st & Goal. A 1st & Goal is earned by reaching the 10 yard line. If after three downs:

 (1) The Quarterback has not scored a touchdown, Trips TD or earned a 1st & Goal, the game ends.

 (2) The Quarterback has earned a 1st & Goal, the Quarterback has three more downs to score a touchdown or a Trips TD.

 (f) If the Quarterback:

 (1) Scores a touchdown or a Trips TD, the dealer shall first collect all Defense Wagers then settle all single play wagers, placed in accordance with § 661a.3(d), and all full game wagers, placed in accordance with § 661a.3(b), with the exception of the Touchdown and Extra Point Wagers. If any player at the table has placed an Extra Point Wager, the Quarterback shall then throw an extra point roll. The dealer shall then pay out winning Touchdown Wagers and settle the Extra Point Wagers.

 (2) Does not score a touchdown or a Trips TD, the dealer shall first collect all Touchdown and Extra Point Wagers and pay out winning Defense Wagers. The dealer shall then settle all single play wagers, placed in accordance with § 661a.3(d), and the remaining full game wagers placed in accordance with § 661a.3(b).

 (g) All winning wagers shall be paid in accordance with § 661a.8 (relating to payout odds).

§ 661a.7. Continuation of Quarterback; selection of new Quarterback.

 (a) If a game ends in a touchdown or Trips TD, the Quarterback shall retain the dice. If the game ends with defense winning, the stickperson shall offer the dice to the player to the immediate left of the previous Quarterback. If the player does not accept the dice, the stickperson shall offer the dice to each of the other players in turn clockwise around the table.

 (b) The first player to accept the dice when offered shall become the new Quarterback who shall select and retain two of the green dice and one of the red die offered. The remaining dice of the set shall be returned to the dice cup which shall be placed immediately in front of the stickperson.

§ 661a.8. Payout odds.

 (a) The certificate holder shall pay out winning full game wagers in accordance with the following odds:

Wager Payout
Touchdown Wager 1 to 1
Defense Wager 4 to 5
Extra Point Wager with:
 A 1 appearing on one of the dice 1 to 1
 A 1 appearing on two of the dice 10 to 1
 A triple of 1s 50 to 1
 Any triple other than 1s 10 to 1
Quick Strike TD Wager on:
 Play One 8 to 1
 Play Two 5 to 1
 Play Three 3 to 1
 Play Four 1 to 1
Game Change Wager 5 to 1
Game Length Wager lasting:
 One play 22 to 1
 Two plays 22 to 1
 Three plays 6 to 5
 Four plays 5 to 1
 Five plays 3 to 1
 Six plays 6 to 1

 (b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning single play wagers in accordance with the following odds:

Wager Paytable
Trips TD Wager 30 to 1
Penalty Wager 9 to 1
Turnover Wager 60 to 1
Cover Three Wager 7 to 1
No Gain Wager 5 to 1
Big Play Wager 4 to 1
Over 4 Yards Wager 1 to 1
Over 4 Yards Wager with Trips TD 7 to 1
Under 4 Yards Wager 1 to 1

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