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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 54 Pa.B. 488 (January 27, 2024).

Pennsylvania Code



CHAPTER 639a. CARIBBEAN STUD POKER

Sec.


639a.1.    Definitions.
639a.2.    Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics.
639a.3.    Cards; number of decks.
639a.4.    Opening of the table for gaming.
639a.5.    Shuffle and cut of the cards.
639a.6.    Caribbean Stud Poker rankings.
639a.7.    Wagers.
639a.8.    Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
639a.9.    Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
639a.10.    Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
639a.11.    Procedure for completion of each round of play.
639a.12.    Payout odds; rate of progression.
639a.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 §  639b.1 (relating to Must-Hit-By Mystery Bonus).

§ 639a.1. Definitions.

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

   Bet Wager—An additional wager that a player shall make if the player opts to remain in competition against the dealer after the player reviews his hand.

   Envy Bonus—An additional fixed sum payout made to a player who placed a Progressive Payout Wager when another player at the Caribbean Stud Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand.

   Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand—A player’s five-card Poker hand with a rank of a straight flush or better as defined in §  639a.6(b) (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker rankings).

   Fold—The withdrawal of a player from a round of play by not making a Bet Wager.

   Hand—The five-card hand that is held by each player and the dealer after the cards are dealt.

   Hole card—Any of the four cards dealt face down to the dealer.

   Lucky Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:

     (i)   The player’s hand if the player is seated in the position that is randomly selected by the table game system.

     (ii)   The dealer’s hand if the dealer position is randomly selected by the table game system.

   Magic Card Bonus—An additional payout to a player who placed a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on:

     (i)   The player’s hand if one of the player’s cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.

     (ii)   The dealer’s hand if one of the dealer’s cards matches the card randomly selected by the table game system.

   Progressive Payout Hand—The term means either of the following:

     (i)   A player’s five-card Poker hand with a rank of three-of-a-kind or better.

     (ii)   If included in the paytable selected by the certificate holder, a two pair or better as defined in §  639a.6(b).

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.1 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.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 (373173) to (373174).

§ 639a.2. Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics.

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

 (b)  The layout for a Caribbean Stud Poker table shall be submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with §  601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) and contain, at a minimum:

   (1)  The name or logo of the certificate holder.

   (2)  Two separate betting areas designated for the placement of Ante and Bet Wagers for each player.

   (3)  If the certificate holder offers the optional Progressive Payout Wager authorized under §  639a.7(d)(2) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager for each player.

   (4)  If the certificate holder offers the optional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager authorized under §  639a.7(d)(3), a separate area designated for the placement of the Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager for each player.

   (5)  If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under §  639a.7(d)(4), each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager.

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

   (7)  An inscription indicating that the Bet Wager will be returned if the dealer has less than an ace/king. If the information is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Caribbean Stud Poker table.

 (c)  If a certificate holder offers a Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with §  639a.7(d)(2), the Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a progressive table game system, in accordance with §  605a.7 (relating to progressive table games), for the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers. If the certificate holder is offering a Progressive Payout Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game system must comply with §  605a.8 (relating to linked progressive table games). The progressive table game system must include:

   (1)  A wagering device at each betting position that acknowledges or accepts the placement of the Progressive Payout Wager.

   (2)  A device that controls or monitors the placement of Progressive Payout Wagers at the gaming table, including a mechanism, such as a lock-out button, that prevents the recognition of any Progressive Payout Wager that a player attempts to place after the dealer has announced ‘‘no more bets.’’

 (d)  If the certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager authorized under §  639a.7(d)(4), the Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a table game system, in accordance with §  605a.7 and an electronic wagering system in accordance with § §  605a.2 and 605a.3 (relating to electronic wagering systems; and procedures for buying in to and cashing out of a table game using an electronic wagering system). Each betting position must contain an electronic wagering system for the placement of the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager. The system must include a mechanism, such as a lockout button, that prevents the placement of any Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers that a player attempts to place after the dealer has begun dealing the cards. If the certificate holder is offering a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on multiple linked tables or games in the same licensed facility, the progressive table game must comply with §  605a.8.

 (e)  Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer, as approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with §  601a.10(g). The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.

 (f)  Each Caribbean Stud Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer’s side of the table.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.2 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (373174) to (373175).

§ 639a.3. Cards; number of decks.

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

 (b)  If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Caribbean Stud 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 Caribbean Stud 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.

§ 639a.4. Opening of the table for gaming.

 (a)  After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.

 (b)  After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence.

 (c)  After the first player arriving at the table has been afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, the cards shall be shuffled in accordance with §  639a.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 §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards).

§ 639a.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 §  639a.8, §  639a.9 or §  639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

   (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 Caribbean Stud 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 §  639a.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 §  639a.4 (relating to opening of the table for gaming); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.9 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from the hand); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).

§ 639a.6. Caribbean Stud Poker rankings.

 (a)  The rank of the cards used in Caribbean Stud 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 Caribbean Stud 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 a 5, 4, 3, 2 and ace being the lowest ranking straight flush.

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

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

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

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.1 (relating to definitions); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.7 (relating to wagers).

§ 639a.7. Wagers.

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

 (b)  Only players who are seated at the Caribbean Stud Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of play, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.

 (c)  All wagers, except the Bet Wager, shall be placed prior to the dealer announcing ‘‘no more bets’’ in accordance with the dealing procedure in §  639a.8, §  639a.9 or §  639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). Except as provided in §  639a.11(b) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), a wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ‘‘no more bets.’’

 (d)  The following wagers may be placed in the game of Caribbean Stud Poker:

   (1)  A player shall compete against the dealer’s five-card Poker hand by placing an Ante Wager, then a Bet Wager, in accordance with §  639a.11(b).

   (2)  A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under §  601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Progressive Payout Wager that the player will receive a Progressive Payout Hand. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Progressive Payout Wager by placing a value chip onto the progressive wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player’s respective Progressive Payout Wager has been accepted.

   (3)  A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under §  601a.2, offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager that the player’s cards will form a five-card Poker hand with a rank of a pair of 10s or better. After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager by placing a value chip on the designated betting area prior to the dealer announcing ‘‘no more bets.’’

   (4)  If specified in its Rules Submission under §  601a.2, a certificate holder may offer to each player at a Caribbean Stud Poker table the option to make an additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager that the player’s five-card Poker hand or the dealer’s five-card Poker hand, or both, will contain a flush or better as defined in §  639a.6(b) (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker rankings). After placing an Ante Wager, a player may make the additional Five Card Hand Bonus Wager on the player’s hand or the dealer’s hand, or both, by using the electronic wagering device designated for that player. Each player shall be responsible for verifying that the player’s Five Card Hand Bonus Wager has been accepted.

 (e)  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 §  639a.7 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.7 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 (375799) to (375800).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.2 (relating to Caribbean Stud Poker table physical characteristics); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.8 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.9 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from the hand); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe); and 58 Pa. Code §  639b.1 (relating to Must-Hit-By Mystery Bonus).

§ 639a.8. Procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.

 (a)  If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with §  601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). Once the procedures required under §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe by the dealer or by the automated card shuffling device.

 (b)  Prior to dealing the cards, the dealer shall announce ‘‘no more bets’’ and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.

 (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)  The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer’s left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal the cards as follows:

   (1)  One card face down to each player who placed an Ante Wager in accordance with §  639a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers).

   (2)  One card face up to the area designated for the placement of the dealer’s hand.

   (3)  A second card face down to each player directly on top of that player’s first card.

   (4)  A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer’s hand to the right of the dealer’s first card.

   (5)  A third, fourth and fifth card, in succession, face down to each player and the dealer directly on top of the preceding card.

 (e)  After five cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (f), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (f)  If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.

 (g)  If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (h)  If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or the dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.8 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.8 amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (362535) to (362536).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).

§ 639a.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.

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

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

   (2)  After the procedures required under §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which he will hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.

   (3)  Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ‘‘no more bets’’ and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.

 (b)  The dealer shall, starting with the player farthest to the dealer’s left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal the cards as follows:

   (1)  One card face down to each player who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with §  639a.7(d)(1) (relating to wagers).

   (2)  One card face up to an area designated for the placement of the dealer’s hand.

   (3)  A second card face down to each player directly on top of that player’s first card.

   (4)  A second card face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer’s hand to the right of the dealer’s first card.

   (5)  A third, fourth and fifth card, in succession, face down to each player and the dealer directly on top of the preceding card.

 (c)  After five cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (d)  If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.

 (e)  If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (f)  If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or the dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.9 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.9 amended December 12, 2014, effective December 13, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 7683. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (362536) to (362537).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).

§ 639a.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.

 (a)  If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:

   (1)  After the procedures required under §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.

   (2)  Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ‘‘no more bets’’ and, if the Progressive Payout Wager or the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager is being offered, use the progressive table game system or the electronic wagering system to prevent the placement of any additional Progressive Payout or Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers. If any Progressive Payout Wagers have been made, the dealer shall collect the wagers and, on the layout in front of the table inventory container, verify that the number of value chips wagered equals the number of Progressive Payout Wagers accepted by the progressive table game system. The dealer shall then place the value chips into the table inventory container.

 (b)  The dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to the player farthest to the dealer’s left who has placed an Ante Wager in accordance with §  639a.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 face down to each of the other players who has placed an Ante Wager. The dealer shall then deliver a stack of five cards face down to the area designated for the placement of the dealer’s cards and spread the cards face down on the layout so the top card of the stack is to the dealer’s right and the bottom card is to the dealer’s left. The dealer shall turn the bottom card of the stack (the card on the dealer’s far left) face up and leave the other four cards in the stack face down on the area designated for the placement of the dealer’s cards.

 (c)  After each stack of five cards has been dispensed and delivered in accordance with subsection (b), the dealer shall remove the stub from the automated dealing shoe and, except as provided in subsection (d), place the cards in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (d)  If an automated card shuffling device, which counts the number of cards in the deck after the completion of each shuffle and indicates whether 52 cards are present, is not being used, the dealer shall count the stub at least once every 5 rounds of play to determine if the correct number of cards are still present in the deck. The dealer shall determine the number of cards in the stub by counting the cards face down on the layout.

 (e)  If the count of the stub indicates that 52 cards are in the deck, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

 (f)  If the count of the stub indicates that the number of cards in the deck is incorrect, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player or dealer has more or less than 5 cards) but 52 cards remain in the deck, all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.10 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.10 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 (375804) to (375805).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.7 (relating to wagers); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).

§ 639a.11. Procedure for completion of each round of play.

 (a)  After the dealing procedures required under §  639a.8, §  639a.9 or §  639a.10 (relating to procedure for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:

   (1)  Each player who wagers at Caribbean Stud Poker shall be responsible for his own hand and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player.

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

   (3)  After each player has made a decision regarding the Bet Wager as required under subsection (b), the player’s cards shall be placed face down on the appropriate area of the layout and the player may not touch the cards again.

 (b)  After each player has examined his cards, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer’s left and moving clockwise around the table, ask each player if he wishes to make a Bet Wager in an amount equal to two times the amount of the player’s Ante Wager or forfeit the Ante Wager and end his participation in the round of play. If a player has placed an Ante Wager and a Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager, a Progressive Payout Wager or a Five Card Hand Bonus Wager but does not make a Bet Wager, the player shall forfeit all wagers except the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager and does not forfeit the right to receive an Envy Bonus Payout, if applicable.

 (c)  After each player who has placed an Ante Wager has either placed a Bet Wager on the designated area of the layout or forfeited his wager and hand, the dealer shall collect all forfeited wagers and associated cards and place the cards in the discard rack. The dealer shall then reveal the dealer’s four hole cards and place the cards so as to form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand. After the dealer’s cards are turned face up, the dealer shall, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer’s right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction, complete the following applicable procedures in succession for each player:

   (1)  The dealer shall turn the five cards of each player face up on the layout.

   (2)  The dealer shall examine the cards of the player and form the highest possible ranking five-card Poker hand for each player.

   (3)  If the dealer’s highest ranking five-card Poker hand:

     (i)   Is lower than an ace-king, the dealer shall return each player’s Bet Wager and pay out the player’s Ante Wager made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in §  639a.12(a) and (b) (relating to payout odds; rate of progression).

     (ii)   Is an ace-king or better, and the player’s highest ranking five-card Poker hand:

       (A)   Is ranked lower than the dealer’s five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall immediately collect the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.

       (B)   Is ranked higher than the dealer’s five-card Poker hand, the dealer shall pay the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player in accordance with the payout odds in §  639a.12(a) and (b).

       (C)   Is equal in rank to the dealer’s five-card hand, the dealer shall return the Ante and Bet Wagers made by the player.

   (4)  The dealer shall settle any Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager made by the player by determining whether the player’s five-card Poker hand qualifies for a payout in accordance with §  639a.12(c). A winning Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player’s five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer’s hand.

   (5)  After settling a player’s Ante, Bet and Caribbean Stud Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall then settle the Progressive Payout Wager, if offered by the certificate holder. A winning Progressive Payout Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player’s five-card Poker hand outranks the dealer’s hand. If a player has won a progressive payout, the dealer shall:

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

     (ii)   Verify that the appropriate light on the progressive table game system has been illuminated.

     (iii)   Have a floorperson or above validate the progressive payout in accordance with the certificate holder’s approved internal control procedures.

     (iv)   Pay the winning Progressive Payout Wager in accordance with the payout odds in §  639a.12(d). If a player has won a progressive payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the progressive payout may not be paid from the table inventory container. If a player has won a progressive payout that is not being paid from the table inventory container, the cards of that player shall remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.

     (v)   Pay any Envy Bonus won in accordance with §  639a.12(d)(6) if Paytable D in §  639a.12(d)(1) is selected by the certificate holder. Players making a Progressive Payout Wager shall receive an Envy Bonus when another player at the same Caribbean Stud Poker table is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. Players are entitled to multiple Envy Bonuses if more than one other player is the holder of an Envy Bonus Qualifying Hand. A player is not entitled to an Envy Bonus for his own hand or the hand of the dealer.

   (6)  After settling a player’s Ante, Bet and Caribbean Stud Bonus Wagers, the dealer shall settle the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager, if offered by the certificate holder, and any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payouts. A winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager shall be paid irrespective of whether the player’s hand outranks the dealer’s hand. If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus or any Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout, the dealer shall:

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

     (ii)   Have a floorperson or above verify any Five Card Hand Bonus payout with odds of 500 for 1 or a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter in accordance with approved internal control procedures submitted under §  465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).

     (iii)   Credit the player’s game account for the winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wager or the Magic Card or Lucky Bonus payout in accordance with §  639a.12(e). If a player has won a Five Card Hand Bonus payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter, the payout may not be paid to the player’s game account. If a player has won a payout that is not being paid to the player’s game account, the winning hand must remain on the table until the necessary documentation has been completed.

 (d)  After all wagers of the player have been settled, the dealer shall remove all remaining cards from the table and place them in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.11 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (373177) to (373179).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.7 (relating to wagers); 58 Pa. Code §  639a.12 (relating to payout odds; rate of progression); and 58 Pa. Code §  639a.13 (relating to irregularities).

§ 639a.12. Payout odds; rate of progression.

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

 (b)  A certificate holder shall pay winning Bet Wagers in accordance with the following odds:

Hand Paytable
Royal flush 100 to 1
Straight flush 50 to 1
Four-of-a-kind 20 to 1
Full house 7 to 1
Flush 5 to 1
Straight 4 to 1
Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1
Two pair 2 to 1
A pair or less 1 to 1

 (c)  If a certificate holder offers the Caribbean Stud Bonus Wager, the certificate holder shall pay each winning Caribbean Stud 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 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 100 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1
Full house 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1
Flush 40 to 1 40 to 1 40 to 1
Straight 25 to 1 25 to 1 20 to 1
Three-of-a-kind 7 to 1 6 to 1 6 to 1
Two pair 3 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1
A pair of 10s or  better 1 to 1 1 to 1 1 to 1

 (d)  If a certificate holder offers the Progressive Payout Wager:

   (1)  The certificate holder shall pay out winning Progressive Payout 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 100% of meter 100% of meter 100% of meter
Straight flush 5,000 for 1 10% of meter 10% of meter
Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1 500 for 1 200 for 1
Full house 100 for 1 100 for 1 50 for 1
Flush 50 for 1 50 for 1 40 for 1
Straight 10 for 1 10 for 1 30 for 1
Three-of-a-kind 3 for 1 3 for 1 9 for 1
Two pair 2 for 1 2 for 1 N/A


Hand Paytable D Paytable E
Royal flush 100% of meter 100% of meter
Straight flush 10% of meter 10% of meter
Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 500 for 1
Full house 50 for 1 100 for 1
Flush 40 for 1 50 for 1
Straight 30 for 1 N/A
Three-of-a-kind 9 for 1 N/A


Hand Paytable F Paytable G Paytable H
Royal flush 100% mega jackpot 100% mega jackpot 100% mega jackpot
Straight flush 100% major jackpot 100% major jackpot 100% major jackpot
Four-of-a-kind 300 for 1 100% minor jackpot 100% minor jackpot
Full house 50 for 1 50 for 1 50 for 1
Flush 40 for 1 40 for 1 40 for 1
Straight 30 for 1 30 for 1 30 for 1
Three-of-a-kind 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)  Paytables A, B, C and E may not be selected by the certificate holder if the Progressive Payout Wager is offered on multiple linked games with a shared progressive jackpot.

   (4)  The rate of progression (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 Paytable B Paytable C Paytable D Paytable E
Seed/reseed $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1 $10,000 for 1
Incrementation rate
Primary 53% 53% 25% 21% 65%
Reserve 15% 15% N/A N/A 5%


Paytable F Paytable G Paytable H
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%

   (5)  Winning Progressive Payout Hands shall be paid in accordance with the amount on the meter when it is the player’s turn to be paid in accordance with §  639a.11(c)(5) (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).

   (6)  If the certificate holder selects Paytables D, F, G or H, Envy Bonus payouts shall be made according to the following payouts for Envy Bonus Qualifying Hands based upon the amount of the Progressive Payout Wager placed by the player receiving the Envy Bonus:

$1 Progressive Payout Wager

Hand Envy Bonus
Royal flush $1,000
Straight flush $300


$5 Progressive Payout Wager

Hand Envy Bonus
Royal flush $5,000
Straight flush $1,500

 (e)  If a certificate holder offers the Five Card Hand Bonus Wager:

   (1)  The certificate holder shall pay out winning Five Card Hand Bonus Wagers at the odds in the following paytable:

Hand Payout
Royal flush 100% of meter
Straight flush 10% of meter
Four-of-a-kind 500 for 1
Full house 100 for 1
Flush 50 for 1

   (2)  A player shall receive the payout for only the highest ranking five-card Poker hand formed. If a player placed a Five Card Bonus Wager on both the dealer’s hand and the player’s hand, the player shall receive a payout in accordance with paragraph (1) for both the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the dealer and the highest ranking five-card Poker hand of the player. If the dealer’s hand qualifies for a payout that is a percentage of the jackpot amount on the progressive meter and if more than one player wagered on the dealer’s hand, the jackpot will be divided equally among the number of players who wagered on the dealer’s hand.

   (3)  The certificate holder may pay a Magic Card or Lucky Bonus in accordance with the odds in the following paytable:

Hand Payout
Magic Card 20 for 1
Lucky Bonus 5 for 1

   (4)  The rate of progression (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%

Authority

   The provisions of this §  639a.12 amended under 4 Pa.C.S. § §  1202(b)(30) and 13A02(1) and (2).

Source

   The provisions of this §  639a.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 (375808) to (375810).

Cross References

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play).

§ 639a.13. Irregularities.

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

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

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

 (d)  If any of the dealer’s hole cards are inadvertently exposed prior to each player having either folded or placed a Bet Wager as provided under §  639a.11 (relating to procedure for completion of each round of play), all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.

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

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

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



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