CHAPTER 647a. TEXAS HOLD EM BONUS POKER Sec.
647a.1. Definitions.
647a.2. Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics.
647a.3. Cards; number of decks.
647a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
647a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
647a.6. Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker rankings.
647a.7. Wagers.
647a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
647a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand.
647a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
647a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.
647a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation.
647a.13. Irregularities.Authority The provisions of this Chapter 639a issued under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1)(4), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Chapter 639a adopted July 6, 2012, effective July 7, 2012, 42 Pa.B. 4320, unless otherwise noted.
Cross References This chapter cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647c.1 (relating to Must-Hit-By Mystery bonus).
§ 647a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
BurnTo remove the top or next card from the deck and place it face down in the discard rack without exposing the card to anyone.
Community cardA card which may be used by each player and the dealer to form the best possible five-card Poker hand.
Envy BonusAn additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.
Envy Bonus Qualifying HandA players five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better as defined in § 647a.6(b) (relating to Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker rankings).
FlopThe first three community cards dealt during a round of play.
Flop WagerThe second wager that a player shall make prior to the Flop being dealt to continue participation in the round of play.
FoldThe withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Flop Wager.
HandThe five-card Poker hand formed from the two cards of the player or the dealer and any of the five community cards.
Lucky BonusAn additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:(i) The players hand if the player is seated in the position that is randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealers hand if the dealer position is randomly selected by the table game system.
Magic Card BonusAn additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:(i) The players hand if one of the cards in the players hand or the three-card Flop matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
(ii) The dealers hand if one of the cards in the dealers hand or the three-card Flop matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.
Progressive Payout HandA players five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better as defined in § 647a.6(b).
River cardThe fifth and final community card dealt during a round of play.
River WagerThe fourth wager that a player may place prior to the River card being dealt.
Turn cardThe fourth community card dealt during a round of play.
Turn WagerThe third wager that a player may place prior to the Turn card being dealt.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.1 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.1 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (373223) to (373224).
§ 647a.2. Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics.
(a) Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than six players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for a Texas Hold Em Bonus 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) Four separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers for each player.
(3) A separate area designated for the placement of the five community cards located directly in front of the table inventory container.
(4) A separate area designated for the placement of the dealers two cards.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(2) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) If a certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.
(7) If a certificate holder offers the optional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(4), each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager.
(8) If the certificate holder offers the Six Card Bonus Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(5), the layout must contain:
(i) A separate area designated for the placement of the Six Card Bonus Wager for each player.
(ii) A designated area on the layout for the four Six Card Bonus cards.
(9) 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 Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table.
(10) Inscriptions indicating the following:
(i) The Ante Wager will be returned if the players winning hand is not a straight or better or a flush or better as specified in the certificate holders Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).
(ii) The payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 647a.12(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating that the game is subject to the posted payout limit.
(11) If the information required under paragraph (10) is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table.
(c) If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(3), the Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. If the certificate holder is offering the 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:
(1) A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.
(2) A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced no more bets.
(d) If the certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under § 647a.7(d)(4), the Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table must have a table game system, in accordance with § 605a.7 (relating to progressive table games) and an electronic wagering system in accordance with § § 605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lockout button, that prevents the placement of any Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards. If the certificate holder is offering a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game must comply with § 605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games).
(e) Each Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(f) Each Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealers side of the table.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.2 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.2 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375892) to (375894).
§ 647a.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Texas Hold Em Bonus 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 Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker shall be changed:
(1) At least every 4 hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) At least every 8 hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 647a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread out in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.
(c) After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), subsections (a)(d) do not apply.
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).
§ 647a.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 603a.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by a floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or automated shuffling device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack. The certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is being used, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, and the device reveals that an incorrect number of cards are present, the deck shall be removed from the table.
(c) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, deal the cards in accordance with § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure 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 (d).
(d) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play.
(e) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(f) If there is no gaming activity at a Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be 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 § 647a.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(g) A certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device that automatically reshuffles and counts the cards provided that the device is submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval) prior to its use in the licensed facility. If a certificate holder is utilizing the approved device, subsections (d)(f) do not apply.
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.9 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
§ 647a.6. Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example queen, king, ace, 2 and 3). All suits shall be equal in rank.
(b) The permissible five-card Poker hands at the game of Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(2) A straight flush, which is a hand, other than a royal flush, consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 being the highest ranking straight flush and ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest straight flush.
(3) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four aces being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(4) A full house, which is a hand consisting of a three-of-a-kind and a pair, with three aces and two kings being the highest ranking full house and three 2s and two 3s being the lowest ranking full house.
(5) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit, not in consecutive order, with ace, king, queen, jack and 9 being the highest ranking flush and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 being the lowest ranking flush.
(6) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of more than one suit and of consecutive rank, with an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(8) Two pair, which is a hand consisting of two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair.
(9) A pair, which is a hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two hands that are of identical rank under subsection (b), or that contain none of the hands listed in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not contained in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the hands are of identical rank after the application of this subsection, the hands shall be considered a tie.
(d) If the certificate holder is offering the optional Six Card Bonus Wager, the Poker hands eligible for a payout are:
(1) A six-card royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack, 10 and 9 of the same suit.
(2) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(3) A straight flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking.
(4) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
(5) A full house, which is a hand consisting of three-of-a-kind and a pair.
(6) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
(7) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit.
(8) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.6 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.6 amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375896) to (375897).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.1 (relating to definitions); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
§ 647a.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker shall be made by placing value chips, plaques or other Board-approved table game wagering instruments on the appropriate areas of the table layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at the Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table may place a wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All Ante, Texas Hold Em Bonus, Five Card Hand Bonus and Progressive Payout Wagers shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing no more bets in accordance with the dealing procedure in § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in § 647a.11(b), (d) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced no more bets.
(d) The following wagers may be placed in the game of Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker:
(1) A player shall compete against the dealers five-card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager then a Flop, Turn and River Wager in accordance with § 647a.11(b), (d) and (f).
(2) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table the option to make an additional Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager that the players first two cards will qualify for a payout in accordance with § 647a.12(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation). A Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager shall have no bearing on any other wager made by the player.
(3) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing the Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the players respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.
(4) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, offer to each player at a Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table the option to make an additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager that the players five-card Poker hand formed from the players two cards and the three-card Flop, the dealers five-card Poker hand formed from the dealers two cards and the three-card Flop, or both, will contain a flush or better as defined in § 647a.6(b) (relating to Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker rankings). After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on the players hand or the dealers hand, or both, by using the electronic wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the players Five Card Hand Bonus Wager has been accepted.
(5) If specified in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player who placed an Ante Wager the option of placing a Six Card Bonus Wager which shall win if the players two cards and the four additional Six Card Bonus cards form a three-of-a-kind or better as described in § 647a.6(d). A Six Card Bonus Wager does not have bearing on any other wagers made by the player.
(e) The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 601a.2 the number of adjacent boxes on which a player may place a wager in one round of play.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.7 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.7 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375898) to (375899).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.2 (relating to Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.9 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe); and 58 Pa. Code § 647c.1 (relating to Must-Hit-By Mystery bonus).
§ 647a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures required under § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe either by the dealer or by the automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing the cards and after all Ante and Texas Hold Em Bonus Wagers have been placed, the dealer shall announce no more bets and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(c) Each card shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is the closest to the dealing shoe and placed on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) If any player placed a Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall deal four cards, face down, to the area on the layout designated for the placement of the Six Card Bonus cards. The dealer shall then, starting with the player farthest to the dealers left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time, face down, to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accor-dance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer, until each player who placed an Ante Wager and the dealer have two cards.
(e) After two cards have been dealt to each player and to the area designated for the placement of the dealers hand, the dealer shall deal the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (g) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.8 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.8 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375899) to (375900).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
§ 647a.9. Procedure for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealers 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 § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(b) The dealer shall announce no more bets and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(c) The dealer shall then deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout.
(d) If any player placed a Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall deal four cards, face down, to the area on the layout designated for the placement of the Six Card Bonus cards. The dealer shall then, starting with the player farthest to the dealers left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers) and to the dealer until each player who placed an Ante Wager and the dealer have two cards.
(e) After two cards have been dealt to each player and to the area designated for the placement of the dealers hand, the dealer shall deal the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(g) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(h) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.9 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.9 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375900) to (375902).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
§ 647a.10. Procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures required under § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce no more bets and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of additional Progressive Payout Wagers. If Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.
(b) The dealer shall deliver the first stack of two cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealers left who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with § 647a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers). As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack of two cards face down to each of the other players who has placed an Ante Wager. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of two cards face down under a cover card to the area designated for the dealers cards.
(c) After each stack of two cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the automated dealing shoe. If any player placed a Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall, in accordance with the procedures in § 647a.9(a)(2) (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand), deal face down from his hand the top four cards of the stack to the area of the layout designated for the placement of the Six Card Bonus cards then deal the five community cards in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play). After all five community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(d) If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.
(e) If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
(f) If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(g) Notwithstanding the requirements in subsections (b) and (c), if a certificate holder is utilizing an automated dealing shoe which automatically reshuffles the cards, the five community cards may be dispensed before the two cards are dispensed to each player and to the dealer. The community cards shall then be revealed in accordance with § 647a.11(c), (e) and (f).
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.10 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.10 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375902) to (375903).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
§ 647a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 647a.8, § 647a.9 or § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedure for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedure 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 Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.
(2) Each player shall keep his cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(b) After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealers left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to place a Flop Wager prior to the dealing of the Flop. The player may either fold or place a Flop Wager equal to twice the amount of the players Ante Wager. If a player:
(1) Places a Flop Wager, the wager shall be placed in the area designated for the Flop Wager.
(2) Folds, the players Ante Wager shall be collected by the dealer and placed in the table inventory container. If the player:
(i) Has also placed:
(A) A Texas Hold Em Bonus or a Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player face down underneath the Texas Hold Em Bonus or a Six Card Bonus Wager pending its resolution at the conclusion of the round of play.
(B) A Progressive Payout Wager, the player is not eligible to receive a Progressive Payout. The players cards shall remain face down on the table pending resolution of the Envy Bonus in accordance with subsection (i)(5).
(C) A Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player face down on the table pending resolution of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager in accordance with subsection (j).
(ii) Has not placed a Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager, Six Card Hand Bonus Wager, Five Card Hand Bonus Wager or a Progressive Payout Wager, the dealer shall immediately collect the players cards and place them in the discard rack provided that if another player at the table placed a Progressive Payout Wager, the players cards shall remain on the table pending the resolution of the Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with subsection (i).
(c) After each player has either placed a Flop Wager or folded, the dealer shall burn the next card. The dealer shall then deal the Flop face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(d) After the Flop has been dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealers left who has placed a Flop Wager and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player who has placed a Flop Wager if he wishes to place a Turn Wager prior to the dealing of the Turn card. The player may either check and remain in the game or place a Turn Wager in an amount equal to the players Ante Wager.
(e) Once all remaining players have either placed a Turn Wager or checked, the dealer shall burn the next card. The dealer shall then deal the Turn card face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(f) After the Flop and Turn cards have been dealt, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealers left who has placed a Flop Wager and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to place a River Wager prior to the dealing of the River card. The player may either check and remain in the game or place a River Wager in an amount equal to the players Ante Wager.
(g) Once all remaining players have either placed a River Wager or checked, the dealer shall burn the next card face down. The dealer shall then deal the River card face up to the designated area for the community cards.
(h) After the five community cards have been dealt, the dealer shall remove the cover card on top of the dealers cards and turn his two cards face up on the layout. The dealer shall then select five cards using the dealers two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. After the dealers cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealers right who has placed a Flop Wager and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:
(1) The dealer shall turn the two cards of each player who has placed a Flop Wager face up on the layout.
(2) The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and select the five cards using the players two cards and the five community cards to form the highest ranking five-card Poker hand. The wagers of each player shall be resolved one player at a time regardless of outcome. If a players five-card Poker hand:
(i) Is ranked lower than the dealers five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers made by the player.
(ii) Is ranked higher than the dealers five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12 (relating to payout odds; payout limitation). The players Ante Wager will be returned if the players winning hand is not a straight or higher or a flush or higher as specified in the certificate holders Rules Submission under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).
(iii) Is equal in rank to the dealers five-card hand, the dealer shall return the players Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers.
(3) After settling a players Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers, the dealer shall settle any Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager made by the player by determining whether the players two cards qualify for a payout in accordance with § 647a.12(b).
(i) The dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the players hand outranks the dealers hand and be based on the rank of the players two cards and the three-card Flop. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:
(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 holders approved internal control procedures.
(4) Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12(d). If a player has won a progressive payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(5) Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with § 647a.12(d). Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Ultimate Texas Hold Em Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.
(j) The dealer shall settle the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, if offered by the certificate holder, and any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payouts. A winning Five Card Hand Bonus shall be paid irrespective of whether the players hand outranks the dealers hand and based on the rank of the players or the dealers two cards and the three-card Flop. If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus or any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout, the dealer shall:
(1) Verify that the hand is a winning hand.
(2) Have a floorperson or above verify any Five Card Hand Bonus payout with odds of 500 for 1 or a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(3) Credit the players game account for the winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager or the Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout in accordance with § 647a.12(e). If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the payout may not be paid to the players game account. If a player has won a payout that is not being paid to the players game account, the winning hand must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.
(k) To settle the Six Card Bonus Wager, the dealer shall reveal the four additional Six Card Bonus cards and combine them with the players two cards to form the highest ranking Poker hand as provided in § 647a.6(d) (relating to Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker rankings). If the players hand:
(1) Does not contain a three-of-a-kind or better, the dealer shall collect the players losing Six Card Bonus Wager.
(2) Contains a three-of-a-kind or better, the dealer shall pay the winning Six Card Bonus Wager in accordance with § 647a.12(f).
(l) After all wagers of the player have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.11 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.11 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375903) to (375907).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.9 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from the hand); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.12 (relating to payout odds; payout limitation); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.13 (relating to irregularities).
§ 647a.12. Payout odds; payout limitation.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager 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 Ace-ace (dealer and player) 1,000 to 1 N/A Ace-ace 30 to 1 30 to 1 Ace-king (same suit) 25 to 1 25 to 1 Ace-queen or ace-jack (same suit) 20 to 1 20 to 1 Ace-king (different suits) 15 to 1 15 to 1 King-king, queen-queen or jack-jack 10 to 1 10 to 1 Ace-queen or ace-jack (different suits) 5 to 1 5 to 1 A pair of 10-10 through 2-2 3 to 1 3 to 1 (c) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsection (a), the maximum aggregate payout limit on all winning Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers for any hand shall be $50,000 or the maximum amount that one patron could win per round when betting the minimum wager, whichever is greater.
(d) If a certificate holder offers the Progressive Payout Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay each winning Progressive Payout Wager at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Paytable D Royal flush 100% of meter 100% mega jackpot 100% mega jackpot 100% mega jackpot Straight flush 10% of meter 100% major jackpot 100% major jackpot 100% major jackpot Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 300 for 1 100% minor jackpot 100% minor jackpot Full house 50 for 1 50 for 1 50 for 1 50 for 1 Flush 40 for 1 40 for 1 40 for 1 40 for 1 Straight 30 for 1 30 for 1 30 for 1 30 for 1 Three-of-a-kind 9 for 1 9 for 1 10 for 1 9 for 1 (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed.
(3) The rate of progression (incrementation rate) and the seed and reseed amounts for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager being offered and must be as follows:
Paytable A Seed/reseed $10,000 for 1 Incrementation rate Primary 21% Reserve N/A
Paytable B Paytable C Paytable D Seed/reseed Mega $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1 Major $1,000 for 1 $1,000 for 1 $1,000 for 1 Minor N/A $250 for 1 $250 for 1 Incrementation rate Mega 11% 9% 10% Major 10% 7% 8% Minor N/A 3% 3% (4) Winning Progressive Payout Hands shall be paid in accordance with the amount on the meter when it is the players turn to be paid in accordance with § 647a.11(i) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).
(5) Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to the following payouts for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:
$1 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $1,000 Straight flush $300
$5 Progressive Payout Wager
Hand Envy Bonus Royal flush $5,000 Straight flush $1,500 (e) If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager:
(1) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Royal flush 100% of meter Straight flush 10% of meter Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 Full house 100 for 1 Flush 50 for 1 (2) A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed. If a player placed a Five Card Bonus Wager on both the dealers hand and the players hand, the player shall receive a payout in accordance with paragraph (1) for both the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the dealer and the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the player. If the dealers hand qualifies for a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter and if more than one player wagered on the dealers hand, the jackpot will be divided equally amongst the number of players who wagered on the dealers hand.
(3) The certificate holder may pay a Magic Card or Lucky Bonus in accordance with the odds in the following paytable:
Hand Payout Magic Card 20 for 1 Lucky Bonus 5 for 1 (4) The rate of progression (incrementation rate) and the seed and reseed amounts for the meter used for the progressive payout in paragraph (1) must be based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager being offered and must be as follows:
Seed $10,000 for 1 Reseed $0 Incrementation rate Primary 13% Reserve 8% (f) A certificate holder shall pay out winning Six Card Bonus Wagers at the odds in one of the following payout tables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 601a.2:
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Royal flush 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 Straight flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 200 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 50 to 1 50 to 1 100 to 1 Full house 25 to 1 25 to 1 20 to 1 Flush 20 to 1 15 to 1 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 10 to 1 9 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 5 to 1 5 to 1 8 to 1
Hand Paytable D Paytable E Six-card royal flushdiamonds 200,000 to 1 Six-card royal flushhearts, spades or clubs 20,000 to 1 Royal flush 1,000 to 1 1,000 to 1 Straight flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 100 to 1 50 to 1 Full house 20 to 1 20 to 1 Flush 15 to 1 15 to 1 Straight 10 to 1 10 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 7 to 1 5 to 1
Authority The provisions of this § 647a.12 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § § 1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).
Source The provisions of this § 647a.12 amended August 15, 2014, effective August 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5463; amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4956. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (375907) to (375909).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 647a.2 (relating to Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker table physical characteristics); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.7 (relating to wagers); 58 Pa. Code § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play); and 58 Pa. Code § 647a.13 (relating to irregularities).
§ 647a.13. Irregularities.
(a) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt may not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the cards are found face up after each player and the dealer have received their initial two cards, any Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12(b) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
(b) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe or the deck.
(c) If any player, the dealer or the area designated for the placement of the community cards is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If either of the cards dealt to the dealer in Texas Hold Em Bonus Poker is inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Flop, Turn or River Wager as provided for under § 647a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void and all Ante, Flop, Turn and River Wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled. Notwithstanding the forgoing, if a player has placed a Texas Hold Em Bonus Wager, the wager shall be settled in accordance with the payout odds in § 647a.12(b).
(e) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(g) If an automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe must be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
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