PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD [ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 523 AND 603a ] Table Game Equipment [42 Pa.B. 2649]
[Saturday, May 12, 2012]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under the general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1202(b)(30) (relating to general and specific powers) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. §§ 13A02(1) and (5) and 13A25(b) (relating to regulatory authority; and table game accounting controls and audit protocols), rescinds Chapter 523 and adopts Chapter 603a (relating to table game equipment) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Purpose of the Final-Form Rulemaking
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations), the Board adopted temporary regulations in Chapter 523. With this final-form rulemaking, the Board is replacing the temporary regulations with the permanent regulations in Chapter 603a.
Explanation of Chapter 603a
Chapter 603a contains standards and procedures regarding the equipment necessary to conduct table games at a licensed facility.
Section 603a.1 (relating to definitions) adds definitions for a number of terms used in this chapter.
Section 603a.2 (relating to gaming chips; physical characteristics applicable to all gaming chips, issuance and use, promotional nongaming chips) sets forth the general design requirements for all gaming chips and the process for the review of the designs by the Bureau of Gaming Operations (BGO) and approval by the Executive Director.
Sections 603a.3, 603a.4, 603a.6 and 603a.7 establish the detailed specifications for each type of chip utilized in gaming.
Sections 603a.5 and 603a.8 (relating to Roulette chips; permitted uses, inventory and impressment; and additional sets of gaming chips; removal from active use) address the use of Roulette chips, the related inventory requirements and the requirements for back-up sets of value and Roulette chips.
Section 603a.9 (relating to plaques; issuance and use, denominations and physical characteristics) contains the requirements for the design and use of plaques.
Sections 603a.10 and 603a.11 (relating to permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques; and receipt of gaming chips or plaques from a manufacturer or supplier; inventory, security, storage and destruction of chips and plaques) specify the types of permissible wagering instruments and the procedures for the redemption of chips and plaques as well as the requirements for the receipt, storage, distribution, inventory and destruction of chips and plaques.
Sections 603a.12, 603a.13, 603a.15, 603a.16, 603a.18 and 603a.19 set forth the requirements for the physical characteristics, storage, inspection and removal from use of dice, cards and Pai Gow tiles.
Sections 603a.14 and 603a.17 (relating to Sic Bo shaker security procedures; and dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices) establish the minimum requirements for Sic Bo dice shakers, card dealing shoes and automated card shufflers.
Comment and Response Summary
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 41 Pa.B. 238 (January 8, 2011). During the comment period, the Board received comments from Chester Downs and Marina (Harrah's), Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment (Parx), Shuffle Master, The United States Playing Card Company (USPC) and a joint comment from SugarHouse HSP Gaming (SugarHouse) and Holdings Acquisition (Rivers). Additionally, on March 9, 2011, the Board received comments from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) on the proposed rulemaking.
General Comments
Detailed Explanation
IRRC commented that the regulations on table game equipment are very descriptive. IRRC requested that the Board provide a more detailed explanation for each section, how it was developed and why it is needed.
Prior to the passage of the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1) (Act 1), Board staff began the process of evaluating the requirements for table games. Board staff conducted onsite inspections of table game facilities in another gaming jurisdiction and reviewed the gaming regulations from Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey and Michigan prior to promulgating temporary regulations on table games. The Board believes that the requirements in the final-form rulemaking reflect standards in the gaming industry, are consistent with the requirements and objectives of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming) and are necessary for the protection of the public and the integrity of gaming.
§ 603a.2—General requirements for gaming and nongaming chips
This section contains the general requirements for gaming chips, which are the instruments used to wager at all table games, except the fully automated tables, within a licensed facility. The specific requirements for each type of gaming chip (value, Roulette, tournament or Poker rake) are listed in the subsequent sections.
Facilities are required to submit design schematics for each type of gaming and nongaming chip utilized to ensure that chips from each licensed facility are sufficiently dissimilar and contain the necessary security features.
§ 603a.3—Value chips
The requirements for value chips are necessary as value chips are casino currency, a cash equivalent, and their use in gaming is a component of the calculation for determining the gross table game revenue to the facility and thus the Commonwealth.
The denominations specified in subsection (a) are denominations used in the industry. If an operator would like to use an alternative denomination of value chip, such as the $2 value chip that was added to the temporary regulations at the request of a certificate holder, the operator need only submit an updated design schematic depicting the new denomination chip.
Standardizing the color of value chips is, in part, a patron protection issue. A patron should have some assurance that when playing a black chip at one facility, that it has the same value as a black chip in another facility. The colors selected by the Board are also consistent with those used throughout the industry, so a black chip in this Commonwealth that has a cash value of $100, also has a cash value of $100 in other gaming jurisdictions.
Edge spots are a security feature which makes the chips more difficult to counterfeit. They also aid dealers and cage cashiers in recognizing chips that don't belong when stacked together and assist surveillance in determining which chips were played by each patron and which chips were paid or collected by the dealer, which is necessary in resolving patron disputes or in determining if theft occurred and the value of the theft.
Edge spots are also necessary to aid in distinguishing the same denomination value chip used by each certificate holder as an operator's outstanding value chips represent the facility's debt owed to patrons in legal possession of those chips. The use of an issuing facility's value chips at another facility also affects both facilities' unredeemed chip liability.
In addition to edge spots, on higher denomination value chips, which are more frequently counterfeited than the lower denomination chips, the Board requires three additional measures intended to prevent counterfeiting. These additional security measures are designed and developed by the chip manufacturers and are specified on the schematics of chips that are submitted to the Board. Table game personnel are trained on what security features are on the chips, which makes counterfeit chips easier to recognize.
The size of the chips is a uniform diameter that is standard in the industry. Table inventory containers that hold the chips at each table and the racks in the cage are specifically designed to hold those sizes of chips.
The Board requires that design schematics be submitted by each facility in part to ensure that one property's value chips are sufficiently different from the same denomination value chips used at other facilities and to identify the security features that the facility/chip manufacturer have selected for use on the chip.
§§ 603a.4 and 603a.5—Roulette chips
In § 603a.4 (relating to Roulette chips; physical characteristics), the requirement that each table have a different symbol or insert on the chips is a theft prevention tool. Roulette chips do not have an assigned denomination. The chips at one table therefore need to be distinguishable from the same color Roulette chips used at another table so that the chips at one table aren't removed and cashed out for a higher value at another Roulette table.
Regarding the inventory requirement, operators typically do a visual inventory of Roulette chips at each table at least once a day to assess whether chips have gone missing, which is an indication that theft may have occurred at another table or is about to occur. Operators may temporarily remove a specific color Roulette chip from use at all Roulette tables if there is an indication that the specific color chip is missing or may utilize the backup set of Roulette chips which are required under § 603a.8.
A physical inventory is required every 3 months to assess the volume of chips missing since the last inventory was conducted. Other jurisdictions require a physical count once a month; however, since operators are doing soft counts regularly, the Board was inclined to allow a physical count be done once every 3 months.
§ 603a.6—Tournament chips
Tournament chips, which are typically used in Poker tournaments, have a value associated with the prize structure of the tournament. An inventory is required to be done on tournament chips to ensure that chips from a previous tournament are not introduced into a subsequent tournament which is a disadvantage to other Poker players who all entered in with same amount of chips.
§ 603a.7—Poker rake chips
Poker rake chips are not standard in the industry but were established in this Commonwealth as a convenience to the facilities.
The revenue to the facility for a nonbanking Poker game (a game not played against the house) is the Poker rake, or the fee collected from each pot. Drop boxes, where the rake is deposited, get filled with an abundance $1 value chips and therefore need to be collected and replaced with empty or ''emergency'' drop boxes. Additional facility staff is required to conduct an emergency drop (drop procedures are addressed in § 465a.18 (relating to transportation of slot cash storage boxes and table game drop boxes to and from the gaming floor; storage)). To eliminate or reduce the need to conduct an emergency drop, the Board added the option of utilizing a Poker rake chip. Instead of dropping four $1 value chips into the drop box, the dealer can collect the $1 chips, drop a single $4 Poker rake chip into the drop box and place the four $1 value chips back into the table inventory container. Facilities are not obligated to use Poker rake chips.
§ 603a.8—Additional sets of chips
The Board requires backup sets for the more commonly used and counterfeited $100 and $500 value chips. This is required because if a facility begins receiving counterfeit value chips and there is no backup set, there is not an available remedy to a facility to expeditiously swap out the denominations of value chips that are more frequently used.
Properties that utilize RFID chips, however, may not be required to have a backup set of value chips. RFID chips contain a device in the chip which when placed on a sensor verifies that the chip is a valid value chip. Counterfeit chips are more quickly identified at the table since the RFID sensor does not read a counterfeit chip as a valid value chip at that facility.
§ 603a.9—Plaques
The requirements regarding plaques are necessary as plaques are a cash equivalent and their use in gaming is a component of the calculation for determining the gross table game revenue to the facility and thus the Commonwealth. Because they have such a high dollar value, plaques are designed to be larger wagering instruments, distinguished from value chips. The serial number, which is required to appear on the plaque, is intended to prevent counterfeiting and theft. If a patron attempts to redeem a plaque, the facility will verify that the plaque is valid and had been issued to a patron by checking the serial number. Conversely, if plaques have been stolen, a facility can flag the serial numbers in their accounting system, preventing a high-dollar loss to the property.
§ 603a.10—Use of gaming chips
Section 603a.10 provides the basic guidelines for the use of chips and plaques in the licensed facility. Subsection (b) is required because chips that are not in active use cannot be played at the tables. If there are incidents of counterfeiting and theft, chips may have been removed from active use and their redemption at the cage would be required to verify the validity of the value chips or plaques by checking the additional security features (anticounterfeiting measures) on the value chips or plaques.
The provision prohibiting certificate holders from redeeming chips from any nonpatron source is intended to prevent money laundering.
The redemption of Roulette chips is limited to only the table in which the patron bought in. This is required because Roulette chips do not have assigned denominations. Their value is associated with their marker button at each table. For example, a patron who bought in for $100 would have 20 Roulette chips worth $5 each. Another patron at the same table could buy in for $1,000 which would make each of the 20 chips worth $50. Cashing out the same color Roulette chips at other tables affects the table win and may also constitute patron theft if a patron buys in at one table, at $5 a chip for example, and cashes out at another table for $50 a chip.
The Board also limits the redemption of value chips and plaques to only those chips that are issued by the certificate holder except in very limited circumstances. Although a few other jurisdictions do allow for acceptance of other facility's chips, the Board decided not to allow the practice in this Commonwealth. There are several reasons for this requirement. Because the facilities are spread throughout this Commonwealth, unlike other jurisdictions where the facilities are centrally located, operators are not familiar with the chips from every other property and their security features. Allowing properties to cash each other's value chips puts all properties at greater risk of receiving counterfeit chips. Additionally, accepting another facility's chips has accounting implications and affects both properties' unredeemed liability.
§ 603a.11—Inventory control requirements for chips and plaques
Section 603a.11 addresses the inventory control requirements for the acceptance and movement of chips and plaques. Wagering in the licensed facility is conducted with chips, plaques or an electronic version thereof and their use in gaming directly impacts the revenues of the facility and thus the Commonwealth.
Value chips and plaques are a cash equivalent and an asset of the licensee. The finance department at each facility is tasked with safeguarding those assets and maintaining reliable financial records, accounts and reports. The only way to establish and maintain reliable financial records is to establish a system of inventory controls.
The inventory controls in this final-form rulemaking require the participation of two different departments for the acceptance of gaming chips from the manufacturer and for gaining access to storage areas where chips are held. This segregation of duties reduces the likelihood of collusion and theft as it is more difficult for a person to perpetuate a fraud and also have the means of concealing the fraud if two persons from two different departments are involved.
Tight controls are also required for the destruction of chips and plaques since chips and plaques that are scheduled to be destroyed are retired from the facility's records and are no longer considered an asset of the licensee. Reintroduction of those chips or plaques skews the licensee's outstanding liability.
§§ 603a.12, 603a.15 and 603a.18—Physical characteristics of cards, dice and tiles
The requirements for the physical characteristics of cards, dice and tiles in the final-form rulemaking are consistent with the standards in the industry and are intended to reduce the likelihood of theft, cheating and collusion, protect patrons participating in table games and safeguard the revenues to the facility and thus the Commonwealth.
Logos, for instance, break up the design on the backs of the cards so the eye, and surveillance, can more easily detect if cards are not being dealt from the top of the deck, which is an indication of cheating, theft and dealer collusion with a player.
Cheating at a table game affects not only the operator but other patrons participating in the game. For example, if a pair of weighted dice are introduced into a Craps game, those weighted dice are more likely to roll a specific combination of numbers, which skews the randomness of the roll. That provides a wagering advantage to a patron who is aware that the dice are weighted but is a disadvantage to the certificate holder who pays out for winning wagers and to every other player at the table who didn't wager on the specific combination of numbers.
Logos, colors, symbols and serial numbers are game protection/security features that are intended to make unapproved table game equipment more difficult to introduce into a game and easier to detect. The standards specified also provide a basis of comparison when approved equipment has been tampered with.
§§ 603a.13, 603a.16 and 603a.19—Inventory control requirements for cards, dice and tiles
The requirements in these sections are designed to ensure that equipment used in table games is accounted for from the time it is brought into the licensed facility until the time it is destroyed or canceled. This is necessary, for audit and investigation purposes, to reconstruct the trail of every person who had access to or took possession of the equipment. An audit trail may also be necessary in cases of criminal prosecution for cheating and theft.
Inventory control requirements for table game equipment are also a game protection issue. Equipment that is removed from a facility, which has not been canceled, has value.
A deck of cards, for instance, that has been taken from a facility can have a drastic impact on table game revenue if reintroduced, with the participation of a dealer, into a game. If a player knows which card or cards are coming out of the dealing shoe, the player can wager accordingly at a significant loss to the facility and thus the Commonwealth.
The inventory controls in this final-form rulemaking also require the participation of two different departments for the acceptance of equipment from the manufacturer and for gaining access to storage areas where the equipment is held. This ensures segregation of duties and reduces the likelihood of collusion and theft as it is more difficult for a person to perpetuate a fraud and also have the means of concealing the fraud if two persons from two different departments are involved.
§ 603a.14—Sic Bo shakers
The requirements of Sic Bo shakers in § 603a.14 are also necessary for game protection. The roll of the dice in Sic Bo determines the winners. Operators are therefore required to store Sic Bo shakers in secure locations and inspect the shakers prior to their use in gaming to ensure that the shakers haven't been tampered with. Like weighted dice introduced in Craps, a Sic Bo shaker that has been tampered with may affect the randomness of the roll of the dice and thus the winners of the game.
§ 603a.17—Dealing shoes
Cards that are shown to a player by moving a card upward in the dealing shoe before the card is dealt or hiding high-value cards below the base plate of a dealing shoe until dealt to a specific player all provide an unfair advantage to a particular player or group of players. The design specifications for dealing shoes are intended to prevent cheating and theft and this type of dealer collusion.
Approval Process
IRRC commented that most of the sections require that the operators obtain approval for equipment from the BGO but do not specify how that approval is obtained. IRRC suggested adding the submission and approval process or a cross reference to where the process may be found.
In the final-form rulemaking, the Board amended the requirements to state that the operators submit information to the BGO for Executive Director approval. Additionally, throughout the final-form rulemaking, the cross reference to the submission and approval process in § 601a.10 (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment) was added.
Supervisory Levels
Throughout this final-form rulemaking, certain actions are required to be performed by an assistant table game shift manager or above or pit managers or above. SugarHouse/Rivers commented that lowering the supervisory level required, so the assistant table game shift manager functions may be done by a pit manager and pit manager functions may be done by floorpersons, will provide additional flexibility and since each of these persons are credentialed at the same level, the integrity of gaming will not be compromised.
This is a key control and accountability issue not a credentialing issue. Reducing the level of supervisor required increases the number of persons who have access to secure areas where inventory is controlled and maintained. The Board believes that assistant table game shift managers or above are the only persons who should have access to table game equipment storage areas as they are the ones responsible for table game equipment in the licensed facility. Additionally, pit managers are tasked with securing table game equipment in the locked pit stand for use during the gaming day. This was done in part to ensure that floorpersons, who are the first level supervisors, are consistently watching the play at the tables, which would not be possible if the floorpersons are leaving their assigned games to access the pit stands. Additionally, the Board has a mechanism in place for the approval of alternative staffing plans in § 465a.35(h) (relating to personnel assigned to the operation and conduct of table games).
§ 603a.1—Definitions
Parx commented that defining a nonvalue chip as ''Roulette chip'' unnecessarily limits the facility's ability to use nonvalue chips at other games including Sic Bo (in Chapter 625a) and Big Six Wheel (in Chapter 619a). Parx suggested changing the term back to ''nonvalue chip,'' which is how it appeared in the temporary regulations. Parx provided similar comments to §§ 603a.4, 603a.5 and 603a.10.
The Board specifically designated that nonvalue chips be used in the game of Roulette. Unlike Roulette tables, Sic Bo and Big Six Wheel tables are not designed to have both an inventory of value chips and nonvalue chips on the table. Therefore, if an operator wished to offer Sic Bo or Big Six Wheel using nonvalue chips, the facility can file a petition with the Board explaining how wagering would be conducted on these tables ensuring that each player had a different symbol nonvalue chip, how the nonvalue chips would be secured on the table, how the nonvalue chips used at Big Six Wheel or Sic Bo would be distinguished from the nonvalue chips used in Roulette and how the facility would ensure that the nonvalue chips from Roulette do not end up on a Sic Bo or Big Six table or vice versa. This is particularly important since the movement of nonvalue chips from one table to another compromises the integrity of the game and the revenues to the facility and thus the Commonwealth.
IRRC commented that the term ''anticounterfeiting measure'' is used throughout the chapter and recommended adding a definition. The regulated community, chip manufacturers in particular, develop their own anticounterfeiting measures which they select and specify on their design schematics that are submitted to the BGO. While the Board appreciates the suggestion, the Board is not inclined to specify what anticounterfeiting measures are or which ones are selected for use on the chips utilized in the licensed facilities.
IRRC also suggested that the Board define the terms ''impressment'' and ''plaque.'' The Board added the definitions of the terms ''impressment'' and ''impress,'' both of which are used in § 603a.5. The definition of ''plaque,'' which is used throughout Subpart K (relating table games), was included in Chapter 601a (relating to general table game provisions), which contains the definitions applicable to the chapters on table games.
§ 603a.3—Value chips; denominations and physical characteristics
Subsection (c) specifies the color for each denomination of value chip. Parx commented that the $1 white chips have the potential of looking dirty over time and requested the flexibility to use off-white chips instead.
When the temporary regulations were promulgated, each chip manufacturer submitted sample color disk sets to the BGO. Based on the colors that were submitted in the sample sets, the Board decided that it was not necessary to specify the permissible color spectrums or hues for each denomination of value chip but left it to the discretion of the operator to select a shade. Several operators did submit design schematics with off-white $1 chips which were subsequently approved for use by the Board's Executive Director.
In subsection (d)(3), which requires that the value chip contain the city in which the facility is located, Parx requested to use the county instead of the city. The Board agrees and has added that the facility may use either the county or city on the value chips.
Subsection (j) requires that value chips with a denomination of $1,000 or more be 1 11/16 inch. Parx commented that the larger chips are more difficult to handle and don't fit in standard table inventory containers. Parx therefore requested that the requirement for larger chips be increased to any chip over $5,000. The Board agrees and now allows the $1,000 chip to be either 1 9/16 inch or 1 11/16 inch.
Subsection (k) requires that value chips over $25 contain at least three anticounterfeiting measures. Harrah's requested to require only two anticounterfeiting measures on chips over $25.
It is more difficult to counterfeit chips that have multiple security features. It has been the Board's experience to date that three anticounterfeiting measures, which is the requirement in other gaming jurisdictions as well, are necessary on higher denomination value chips as they are more frequently counterfeited; however, the Board believes that the monetary threshold can be raised from $25 to $100. The final-form rulemaking requires $25 chips to have only one anticounterfeiting measure instead of three, which is consistent with the number of anticounterfeiting measures required for lower denominations of value chips.
§ 603a.5—Roulette chips; permitted uses, inventory and impressment
In subsection (a), a certificate holder or employee thereof may not allow a patron to remove Roulette chips from the Roulette table at which they were issued. SugarHouse/Rivers stated that the operator cannot guarantee that Roulette chips wouldn't be removed from the table and suggested adding the word ''knowingly.'' The Board has adopted the suggested language.
Subsection (c) requires that the Roulette inventory or impressment be done once every month. Parx believes that since both tournament chips and Roulette chips have no cash value, the impressment requirements for Roulette chips should more closely match that of the tournament chips. Additionally, Harrah's believes that an impressment once a quarter should be sufficient.
The Board is aware of and commends the operators for conducting an inventory assessment on a per shift or pre- gaming day basis to ensure that the Roulette chips on each gaming table are present, as chips removed from one table that are played and cashed in at another table compromises the integrity of the game and the revenues to the facility and thus the Commonwealth. The Board has therefore adopted the suggestions, in part. The physical inventory (impressment) must now be conducted once every 3 months instead of once a month.
While the Board does agree that both tournament chips and Roulette chips have no cash value, they are different in that Roulette chips do not have a stated denomination and are more frequently taken by patrons for use at other tables and exchanged for greater amounts. Tournament chips are what their stated denomination says they are but only have a value associated with a specific prize structure for a tournament. For example, the winner of a tournament may have 100,000 in tournament chips which equates to a top prize for that tournament of $10,000. The Board is therefore still requiring that a physical inventory be done on the Roulette chips but only every 3 months. The Board also deleted the specific impressment procedure which may now be conducted in accordance with the certificate holder's internal controls.
Subsection (e) requires that discrepancies in the impressment of each Roulette table be reported to the onsite casino compliance representatives (CCR). Harrah's believes that it is unnecessary to report discrepancies by table. The Board disagrees. Each Roulette table has an impress with Roulette chips that contain a unique design, insert or symbol that are distinguished from the Roulette chips at every other Roulette table in the licensed facility. The inventory shall therefore be done by table.
§ 603a.6—Tournament chips
Subsection (b) requires the words ''Tournament'' and ''no cash value'' to be imprinted on each tournament chip. Harrah's commented that both are unnecessary. The Board believes that for patron protection, both are required. Patrons who may come in contact with a tournament chip would need to what it's used for and that despite the denomination that is imprinted on it, the chip does not have a value.
Subsection (d) requires that an inventory of the tournament chips be conducted after each tournament. Harrah's commented that because of the number of tournaments it does not make sense to require that an inventory be done after each tournament.
Tournament chips, which are typically used for Poker tournaments, have a value associated with the prize structure of the tournament. The introduction of chips from previous Poker tournaments into subsequent tournaments provides a disadvantage to other Poker players who all entered the tournament with same amount of chips.
Unlike Roulette chips, which operators typically perform a visual inventory at each table several times a day to assess whether chips are missing, there is not a similar inspection process done by operators during a tournament. The only way to assess whether chips are missing from a tournament is to conduct an inventory of those chips after the tournament. If chips are missing, and the inventory is performed only once every 3 months, there would not be an opportunity to investigate the circumstances as to why chips are missing as surveillance is only required to be maintained for a period of 7 days. The Board believes it is more cost effective to require an inventory be done after each tournament rather than require that surveillance be maintained for longer periods of time. The Board also does not believe this is an onerous burden as conducting an inventory of tournament chips typically takes less than 1 hour to perform. The Board did however amend the requirement by adding subsection (e) which states that only discrepancies in the inventory are now required to be reported to the onsite CCR.
§ 603a.8—Additional sets of gaming chips; removal from active use
Subsection (a) of the proposed rulemaking required each facility to obtain a backup set of chips for the $25, $100 and $500 value chips. Parx believes that the $25 denomination is too low to require a back-up set and recommends requiring back-up sets beginning at the $100 level. It has been the Board's experience to date that requiring a back-up set of $25 value chips is no longer necessary and will only require a back-up set for the $100 and $500 value chips. To reflect the change made in subsection (a), subsection (d)(1) was also increased to the $100 threshold.
IRRC commented that proposed subsections (c)—(f) address the procedures to be followed when counterfeit chips are discovered and suggested moving into another section. For organizational purposes, subsection (h) was moved into subsection (c). Subsection (c) was then moved into subsection (g). Final-form subsections (d)—(g) address the use of the additional/backup sets of chips which may be necessary not only when counterfeit chips are received, but also if a specific color and design of Roulette chip is missing from a table, or during the normal course of operations. Since this section addresses the use of the back-up sets, the subsections will remain in this section. The Board did, however, add language to the heading indicating that the section now addresses additional sets of gaming chips and their removal from active use.
§ 603a.10—Permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques
Subsection (a) specified the permissible forms of wagering and limited it to gaming chips and plaques. Shuffle Master commented that the electronic wagering credits should be included in the list of wagers. The Board agrees and added electronic wagering credits, gaming vouchers and other wagering instruments approved by the Board.
Subsection (c)(2) requires that gaming chips and plaques be issued to patrons at the gaming table, the Poker room cage or by chip runners to patrons seated at a Poker table. Parx requested to issue value chips from the main cage or satellite cage.
There are several reasons why value chips should be issued at the table instead of the cage except for players buying in at a nonbanking Poker table. There is no purpose for a player who is playing a banked table game (playing against the house) to obtain chips from a cage cashier. It affects the accuracy of player rating if a facility does not know how much players bought in for, it is more difficult to identify discrepancies in the cashier's float and it may facilitate money laundering having that option available. The reason it is allowed in the Poker room is because unlike tables at banked games, the Poker tables do not have a drop box to secure cash received from the patron in exchange for chips. The dealer's inventory is stagnant so cash received from a player to buy into a Poker game is retained in the inventory in exchange for the value of chips that were paid to the patron. In the limited area of Poker, the Board therefore decided to allow the buy-in at the Poker cage or from a chip runner.
Subsection (h) allows the certificate holder to demand that a person in possession of a gaming chip surrender the gaming chip or plaque for redemption. IRRC asked under what circumstances a certificate holder would demand redemption and how the provision would be implemented if the patron didn't comply.
Gaming chips are the property of the certificate holder and are evidence of a debt that is owed to a person legally in possession of the gaming chip. The certificate holder therefore has the authority to demand that a patron redeem those gaming chips. There are several instances in which a facility may demand that gaming chips be redeemed including if the facility is replacing an existing set of chips with a new or back-up set or when a patron owes on an issued a Counter Check. Facilities may ask the patron to pay off the Counter Check with a portion of the chips in the patron's possession. There are no specific implementation procedures as this provision merely allows operators to demand that the chips be exchanged for the debt that is legally owed to the patron.
Subsection (o) requires operators to post a sign at each cage stating that the gaming chips or plaques issued by another licensed facility may not be used, exchanged or redeemed in this licensed facility. Harrah's does not believe it is necessary and recommends deleting this language. The Board believes that this is a patron protection issue and that patrons need to be notified that operators are not permitted to accept chips from other facilities. The cage was the most logical place to require the sign.
§ 603a.11—Receipt of gaming chips or plaques from a manufacturer or supplier; inventory, security, storage and destruction of chips and plaques
Subsection (c) lists the permissible locations for the placement of gaming chips and plaques that are not in active use. Harrah's would like the option of storing gaming chips and plaques in the Poker cage and would like that provision added to subsection (c)(2).
Adding the Poker cage to the regulation is unnecessary. If a licensed facility would like to store value chips or plaques in a location other than the main cage or the vault, the facility can obtain approval for the alternative location in accordance with subsection (c)(3).
In subsection (d), which prohibits the storage of value chips and plaques in the same area as table game equipment, IRRC asked why it was necessary to have these areas separated.
Value chips and plaques are a cash equivalent and are casino currency (an asset). The accounting/finance department is tasked with safeguarding those assets. Table game equipment, however, is controlled by operations. The assistant table game shift manager, for instance, obtains the necessary cards, dice, and the like from the storage areas on a daily basis. There are separate key control, access and reporting requirements for assets versus equipment. Operations personnel may not have access to areas that are controlled by finance, which would be necessary if equipment and casino currency were housed in the same locations, and vice versa.
In subsection (g), which requires that an inventory of value chips, Roulette chips and plaques be done on a monthly basis, Harrah's requested that the inventory be required only once every quarter. The Board agrees, in part. The inventory for Roulette chips may be conducted every 3 months; however, the inventory for value chips and plaques is still required to be done monthly for comparison purposes with the unredeemed chip liability that is computed and recorded at the end of each gaming day.
§ 603a.12—Dice; physical characteristics
Subsection (a) requires that the size of dice range from 0.750 and 0.775. USPC, a dice manufacturer, requested that the Board add a permissible tolerance of +/- 0.005. The Board is not opposed to allowing the variance described by USPC.
§ 603a.13—Dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use
Subsection (k) requires security department employees who are picking up used equipment to sign each bag collected. Harrah's requested to use a summary list instead of signing each bag. Harrah's made similar requests for card and tile pickup in §§ 603a.16(o) and 603a.19(k) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use; and Pai Gow tiles; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use).
The security department employee is required to sign every bag of used equipment received from the table. The signatures on the bag provide an audit and investigatory trail and may be necessary to prove chain of custody in instances of criminal prosecution. When cards, dice and tiles are collected from the table, they are transported to the inspection area where they are counted and examined to determine if any equipment was introduced or removed from the game, if equipment was marked, if dice were weighted, and the like. If the security officer only signs the summary sheet, there is no way to determine if the security officer actually took possession of the equipment and whether the equipment returned to the inspection area was the actual equipment removed from the table. Additionally, equipment is picked up from the gaming floor once each gaming day and the Board does not believe that it is an onerous burden to sign each bag collected.
Subsection (o) requires that dice be destroyed within 72 hours of collection unless retained by the Board. Parx requested to also have the option of retaining dice for more than 72 hours.
The language had already been included in the proposed rulemaking which states that other than those retained for Board or certificate holder inspection, dice shall be destroyed within 72 hours of collection.
Additionally, with respect to subsection (o), Harrah's requested 5 days instead of 3 days to destroy used cards, dice and tiles. IRRC inquired why 3 days was necessary and how the Board decided on 3 days.
The Board did review the destruction requirements which were also 3 days in another gaming jurisdiction. The destruction of used equipment is a game protection and storage issue as well as a surveillance issue. Destruction or cancellation is necessary to ensure that used equipment which has not been canceled is not removed from the licensed facility which could be reintroduced into a game for purposes of cheating which affects the integrity of the game as well as the revenue to the facility and thus the Commonwealth. Additionally, the storage areas for destruction are not large enough to accommodate used equipment held for long periods. Also, the retention periods for surveillance coverage on equipment destruction areas is only 7 days. Allowing for longer periods between destruction would necessitate retaining surveillance coverage for longer periods of time. The Board believes it is more cost effective to require that equipment be destroyed within a short duration of time rather than require that all surveillance recordings be retained for longer periods. Based on the Board's experience to date, however, the Board does not oppose amending the requirement to once every 5 days. Destruction of equipment has also been amended in §§ 603a.16(s) and 603a.19(q).
§ 603a.15—Cards; physical characteristics
Proposed subsection (g)(2) required that each package of cards contain a label that specifies the game for which the cards are to be used. Parx commented that requiring a label is inefficient since the contents of the package are the same. Harrah's provided a similar comment with respect to the label required under § 603a.16(u)(6)(iii) for cards that are preinspected and preshuffled.
The Board agrees and deleted the requirement that the cards contain a label identifying the game since most games utilize a 52-card deck. If, however, the certificate holder is using cards that are preinspected and preshuffled, in accordance with § 603a.16(u) and (v) and the package of cards contains more or less than 52 cards per deck (Spanish 21 has no 10s and Pai Gow Poker is played with jokers), a label containing the game type must be on the batch of cards.
In subsection (i), which pertains to the requirements for cards used in Poker, IRRC inquired whether the term referred to all types of Poker that are listed in the statutory definition. After the close of the comment period on this rulemaking, the Board adopted Chapter 637a (relating to Poker), which is specifically applicable to Poker.
§ 603a.16—Cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use
Subsection (i) specifies a procedure to be followed if additional or missing cards are discovered during inspection by the dealer. Parx commented that these procedures are not applicable if a certificate holder is utilizing preinspected and preshuffled cards. The Board agrees and changed the language to state that the procedure is to be followed while the dealer is inspecting the cards, not after the cards have been inspected. Additional language regarding the use of preshuffled and preinspected cards is unnecessary to add in subsection (i) since subsection (h) contains an exception for preinspected and preshuffled cards.
Subsection (m) requires operators to remove decks of cards at any time during the day if there are indications of tampering or defects that might affect the integrity of the game or at the request of Board employees. Harrah's requested that the certificate holder's surveillance department be added to the list of persons that may request that cards be removed from the table.
Subsection (b) merely addresses when cards are required to be removed from the table. Operators, which would include the operator's surveillance department, always have the discretion to remove cards, dice and tiles at any time during the day, even if there are not indications of tampering or defects. The Board, therefore, does not believe it's necessary to add the suggested language to the final-form rulemaking.
§ 603a.17—Dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices
Proposed subsection (c) addressed the requirements for Blackjack dealing shoes. Harrah's commented that the certificate holder should have the discretion on where to place the cover card within the stack. The Board agrees that there may be instances in which an operator would like to place the cover card further into the stack. The Board has therefore deleted the requirements for Blackjack dealing shoes in subsection (c) and renumbered the remaining subsections.
In proposed subsection (d) (final-form subsection (c)), addressing the requirements for dealing shoes used in Baccarat type games, Shuffle Master commented that several of the requirements for dealing shoes are inconsistent if an operator is utilizing an automated shuffler and dealing shoe. Shuffle Master suggested delineating between automated and manual dealing shoes. The Board agrees and has added that the requirements in the subsection are applicable to manual dealing shoes.
Proposed subsection (h) (final-form subsection (f)) prohibited automated shufflers from tracking certain information. Shuffle Master was concerned that several of their machines do track information for investigative purposes. IRRC inquired whether a certificate holder would be allowed to use the device and recommended specifying under what conditions the device could be used.
Subsection (f) was intended to prohibit the use of the enumerated information for the benefit of a player and was not intended to prohibit the gathering of information for investigatory purposes which may be helpful to the operators. The Board added qualifying language stating that the card shuffling device may not provide information that may be used to aid a patron in projecting the outcome of the game, and the like.
§ 603a.19—Pai Gow tiles; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use
This section in the proposed rulemaking was numbered as § 603a.18. It has been renumbered in this final-form rulemaking as § 603a.19. Section 603a.18 (relating to Pai Gow tiles; physical characteristics) now contains the physical characteristics of the tiles which were moved from proposed § 621a.3 (relating to Pai Gow tiles; ranking of hands, pairs and tiles; value of the hand).
Subsection (g) requires that tiles be taken off the table if one tile is scratched during the course of play. Proposed subsection (n) prohibited the use of individual tiles from different sets to make a complete set for subsequent gaming. Parx commented that requiring sets to be destroyed when only one tile is damaged was costly and unnecessary. IRRC requested that the Board quantify the costs of replacing tiles and inquired whether the integrity of gaming would be compromised if only one damaged tile were destroyed and replaced instead of the entire set.
After Parx and IRRC submitted their comments on the proposed rulemaking, the Board amended the temporary regulations so that operators were no longer required to destroy entire sets when one tile was damaged during the course of play. Operators may currently create replacement and reconstructed sets of tiles. See temporary rulemaking 125-158 published at 41 Pa.B. 4949 (September 17, 2011). The Board did not receive comments from operators regarding the procedure in temporary rulemaking 125-158. The Board therefore included the procedure in the temporary chapter into this final-form rulemaking by adding subsection (o).
Additional Revisions
Throughout the final-form rulemaking, references to ''cashier's cage'' were amended to ''cage.'' Most facilities have one cage or a main cage and a satellite/Poker cage. Additionally, several references to the BGO were amended to the CCRs who are onsite in the licensed facility including the approval of pick-up times for equipment from the gaming floor and the submission of discrepancy reports for cards, dice and tiles.
In § 603a.1, several definitions were deleted. The terms that were deleted are used consistently throughout Subpart K and were therefore moved into Chapter 601a, which contains the definitions for terms that are used throughout the table game chapters.
Section 601a.2(b)(2) was amended reflecting that the Bureau of Casino Compliance reviews gaming chips in the licensed facility in accordance with § 601a.10(g) instead of the BGO.
The regulations required that gaming chip schematics be submitted to the BGO for Executive Director approval. A promotional chip, however, is a nongaming chip. Board staff reviewed schematics for chips, including nongaming chips, to ensure that they cannot be confused with gaming chips utilized in any licensed facility in this Commonwealth. Language was therefore added requiring that the schematic of the promotional chips also be submitted to BGO for approval.
In § 603a.3(e) (relating to value chips; denominations and physical characteristics), the Board deleted language requiring that a manufacturer show that a change to the characteristic utilized by a chip manufacturer will still be readily identifiable. If a manufacturer would like to choose a different design or characteristic, the manufacturer need only obtain approval from the Executive Director. For clarity, the unnecessary language in subsections (h) and (i) was deleted and the language in subsection (k) was amended.
Section 603a.4(b) was amended for clarity and to reflect the language in other sections of the chapter. Additionally, since gaming chips are required to be approved by the Executive Director, additional references to approvals, such as those in subsections (b)(4) and (c)(1), were deleted as unnecessary.
Section 603a.5(e) previously required certificate holders to submit a summary of the Roulette chip inventory. The Board amended the requirement so that only discrepancies are reported to the onsite CCRs. This requirement was amended for consistency with other reporting requirements found in several sections within the chapter.
In § 603a.8, the Board added an additional requirement for operators that elect to utilize RFID chips. In subsection (c), operators shall now provide in their petitions an approximate length of time it will take before all equipment and devices are installed so the RFID technology is operational in the licensed facility. The Board also deleted the requirements in proposed subsection (g) since the Board decided it was unnecessary to alphabetically designate an operator's chips or plaques. Additional references to the alpha designation were also deleted from this final-form rulemaking.
Language in § 603a.10(f) was deleted as unnecessary and language in subsection (m) was amended for clarity.
Section 603a.11(c) was amended to include the cross reference to the approval process for storage areas in § 601a.10(f).
In § 603a.12 (relating to dice; physical characteristics), the Board added the requirements for dice that may be used in Sic Bo into new subsection (c). These dice, the specifications for which were added to the temporary table game regulations, are used in conjunction with an automated Sic Bo shaker.
Prior to the start of table games, operators submitted for approval design schematics for gaming chips, plaques, dice, tiles, cards, and the like. Subsection (d) was added to reflect the requirement and is consistent with the provisions on submission and approval of gaming chips.
Section 603a.13(e) (relating to dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use) was amended for consistency with other sections within the chapter regarding the requirements for the envelopes or containers that transport equipment. In subsection (f), alternative 3 was deleted from the final-form rulemaking. Option 3 required inspection of dice in the approved storage area. Most card, dice and tile storage areas, however, are not large enough to accommodate the inspection of the equipment within the storage area. Additionally, none of the operators utilize this option for inspection and distribution of dice to the tables. The Board therefore believes that it is unnecessary to include this option in the final-form rulemaking. To reflect this deletion, the references in subsections (l) and (m) as well as § 603a.14(a) were also deleted.
In § 603a.14(b), the report requirements were updated to reflect the tampering report requirements in other sections of the chapter.
Final-form § 603a.15(j) (relating to cards; physical characteristics) requires the operator to submit as part of its internal controls the process it will use to rotate the four sets of cards in and out of play in Poker. This concept for rotating cards was moved from § 603a.16(d). The language in new subsection (k) was moved, in part, from subsection (f) and was amended for consistency with other sections on design schematics within the chapter.
The card inspection procedure in § 603a.16(h) was amended for clarity. The requirements in proposed subsection (k)(2) and (3) were essentially duplicative. Subsection (k)(2) was therefore deleted and the remaining parts renumbered in this final-form rulemaking. Subsection (l) was amended for clarity since equipment should be placed into bags when removed from active use, which may occur several times throughout the gaming day.
In § 603a.17, the Board deleted the provisions on Pai Gow Poker dealing shoes in proposed (e) as unnecessary. The remaining sections are renumbered. Additionally, if the operator is utilizing an automated card shuffling device, there are not applicable procedures that an operator is required to submit as part of its internal controls. The requirement in renumbered subsection (d) was deleted. Subsection (g) was amended for clarity and consistency with procedures for the reporting of tampering to the onsite CCR in other sections of the chapter.
Section 603a.18 was added to the final-form rulemaking to address the physical characteristics of tiles used in Pai Gow. These provisions were in Chapter 621a (relating to Pai Gow) in proposed rulemaking 125-149 published at 41 Pa.B. 2981 (June 11, 2011). Comments were not received on 125-149 relating to the physical characteristics of tiles.
The changes made to § 603a.19, other than those in new subsection (o), were made for clarity or consistency with the requirements in the other sections within the chapter.
Affected Parties
Slot machine licensees that elected to become certificate holders were required to purchase equipment which complied with the standards in the temporary rulemaking. Manufacturers of these items had to meet the specifications in this final-form rulemaking for products offered for sale in this Commonwealth.
The Board experienced increased regulatory demands associated with the testing, review and approval of the equipment covered by this final-form rulemaking.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board experienced increased costs regarding the testing, review and approval of the equipment covered by this final-form rulemaking and the review of the internal controls governing the storage and use of this equipment. The increased costs did not exceed the additional supplemental funding of approximately $2.1 million provided to the Board under Act 1.
Political subdivisions. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on political subdivisions in this Commonwealth. Host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding mandated by Act 1.
Private sector. This final-form rulemaking resulted in additional costs for slot machine licensees that elected to become certificate holders and operate table games. Prior to beginning table game operations, certificate holders were required to purchase equipment which met the standards in this final-form rulemaking. While the costs were significant, they are expected to be offset by the revenues generated from the operation of table games at the licensed facilities.
General public. This final-form rulemaking will not have fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
This final-form rulemaking requires certificate holders to develop internal controls and inventory systems governing the use of table game equipment.
Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on December 21, 2010, the Board submitted a copy of the proposed rulemaking, published at 41 Pa.B. 238, and a copy of the Regulatory Analysis Form to IRRC and to the House Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee (Committees) for review and comment.
Under section 5(c) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC and the House and Senate Committees were provided with copies of the comments received during the public comment period, as well as other documents when requested. In preparing the final-form rulemaking, the Board has considered all comments from IRRC, the House and Senate Committees and the public.
Under section 5.1(j.2) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5a(j.2)), on January 25, 2012, the final-form rulemaking was deemed approved by the House and Senate Committees. Under section 5.1(e) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC met on January 26, 2012, and approved the final-form rulemaking.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt these amendments was given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The final-form rulemaking is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II.
Order
The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code, are amended by deleting §§ 523.1—523.18 and by adding §§ 603a.1—603a.19 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(Editor's Note: Final-form § 603a.18 was not included in the proposed rulemaking published at 41 Pa.B. 238. Proposed § 603.18 has been renumbered as final-form § 603a.19.)
(b) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
Chairperson(Editor's Note: For the text of the order of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission relating to this document, see 42 Pa.B. 915 (February 11, 2012).)
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 125-137 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
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[Continued from previous Web Page] Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD Subpart K. TABLE GAMES CHAPTER 523. (Reserved) Sec.
523.1—523.18. (Reserved). CHAPTER 603a. TABLE GAME EQUIPMENT Sec.
603a.1. Definitions. 603a.2. Gaming chips; physical characteristics applicable to all gaming chips, issuance and use, promotional nongaming chips. 603a.3. Value chips; denominations and physical characteristics. 603a.4. Roulette chips; physical characteristics. 603a.5 Roulette chips; permitted uses, inventory and impressment. 603a.6. Tournament chips. 603a.7. Poker rake chips. 603a.8. Additional sets of gaming chips; removal from active use. 603a.9. Plaques; issuance and use, denominations and physical characteristics. 603a.10. Permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques. 603a.11. Receipt of gaming chips or plaques from a manufacturer or supplier; inventory, security, storage and destruction of chips and plaques. 603a.12. Dice; physical characteristics. 603a.13. Dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use. 603a.14. Sic Bo shaker security procedures. 603a.15. Cards; physical characteristics. 603a.16. Cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use. 603a.17. Dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices. 603a.18. Pai Gow tiles; physical characteristics. 603a.19. Pai Gow tiles; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use. § 603a.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Chip runner—An employee of a certificate holder whose job duties include transporting cash to the Poker room cage or the Poker cashier window at the main cage for dealers or patrons of the Poker room to be exchanged for value chips.
Edge—The surface of a gaming chip across which its thickness can be measured in a perpendicular line from one face to the other.
Edge spot—An identifying characteristic used on the edge of each value chip issued by a certificate holder.
Face—Each of the two surfaces of a gaming chip across which the diameter of the gaming chip can be measured.
Impress—The Roulette chips, which are used for gaming, that remain at each Roulette table.
Impressment—An inventory conducted on each impress.
Primary color—The predominant color used on a gaming chip.
RFID chip—A value or Roulette chip which contains a radio-frequency identification tag which can be used to determine the authenticity of the chip.
Secondary color—Any color on the face or edge of the gaming chip that is used as a contrast to the gaming chip's primary color.
§ 603a.2. Gaming chips; physical characteristics applicable to all gaming chips, issuance and use, promotional nongaming chips.
(a) Each gaming chip issued by a certificate holder must be in the form of a disk.
(b) A gaming chip may not be issued by a certificate holder or utilized in a licensed facility until:
(1) The design specifications of the proposed gaming chip are 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). The design specifications submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations must include a detailed schematic depicting the actual size and, as appropriate, location of the following:
(i) Each face, including any indentations or impressions.
(ii) The edge.
(iii) Any colors, words, designs, graphics or security measures contained on the gaming chip.
(2) A sample of each gaming chip, manufactured in accordance with its approved design specifications, made available to the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) for its inspection and approval at the certificate holder's licensed facility.
(c) Each gaming chip issued by a certificate holder shall be designed and manufactured with sufficient graphics or other security measures, including, at a minimum, those items specifically required to appear on the face or edge of a value chip under this section and § 603a.3 (relating to value chips; denominations and physical characteristics), to prevent, to the greatest extent possible, the counterfeiting of the gaming chip.
(d) A certificate holder may not issue, use or allow a patron to use in its licensed facility any gaming chip that it knows, or reasonably should know, is materially different from the sample of that gaming chip approved in accordance with subsection (b).
(e) A certificate holder or other person licensed by the Board may not manufacture, sell to, distribute to or use in any licensed facility outside of this Commonwealth any gaming chips having the same edge spot or design specifications as those approved for use in a licensed facility in this Commonwealth.
(f) A certificate holder may issue promotional nongaming chips that are prohibited from use in gaming in any licensed facility. The physical characteristics of promotional nongaming chips must be sufficiently distinguishable from approved gaming chips issued by any certificate holder in this Commonwealth so as to reasonably ensure that the promotional nongaming chips will not be confused with approved gaming chips. A certificate holder shall submit for approval, in accordance with § 601a.10(a), a detailed schematic depicting the actual size, face and any colors, words, designs or graphics on the promotional nongaming chip. At a minimum, promotional nongaming chips must:
(1) Be unique in terms of size or color.
(2) Have no edge designs.
(3) Bear the name of the certificate holder issuing the promotional nongaming chips and language on both faces stating that the promotional nongaming chips have no redeemable value.
§ 603a.3. Value chips; denominations and physical characteristics.
(a) Certificate holders may issue and use value chips in denominations of $1, $2, $2.50, $5, $20, $25, $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000 and other denominations approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(b) The primary color used for each denomination of value chip must be in accordance with the colors specified in subsection (c). A primary color may not be used as a secondary color on a value chip of another denomination if its use on the edge is reasonably likely to cause confusion as to the chip's denomination when the edge alone is visible.
(c) Each gaming chip manufacturer shall submit sample color disks to the Bureau of Gaming Operations that identify all primary and secondary colors to be used for the manufacture of value chips for certificate holders in this Commonwealth. Once a gaming chip manufacturer has received approval for a primary or secondary color, those colors shall be consistently manufactured in accordance with the approved samples. For a primary color to be approved for use, it must visually appear, when viewed either in daylight or under incandescent light, to comply with the following colors:
(1) $1—White.
(2) $2—Blue.
(3) $2.50—Pink.
(4) $5—Red.
(5) $20—Yellow.
(6) $25—Green.
(7) $100—Black.
(8) $500—Purple.
(9) $1,000—Fire Orange.
(10) $5,000—Gray.
(d) Each value chip issued by a certificate holder must contain identifying characteristics that may appear in any location at least once on each face of the value chip and are applied in a manner which ensures that each identifying characteristic is clearly visible and remains a permanent part of the value chip. These characteristics must be visible to surveillance employees using the licensed facility's surveillance system and include, at a minimum:
(1) The denomination of the value chip, expressed in numbers.
(2) The name, logo or other approved identification of the certificate holder issuing the value chip.
(3) The letters ''PA'' and the name of the city or county in which the licensed facility is located.
(e) In addition to the characteristics specified in subsection (d), each value chip in a denomination of $100 or more must contain a design or other identifying characteristic that is unique to the gaming chip manufacturer. Upon approval of a particular design or characteristic, in accordance with § 601a.10(a), the gaming chip manufacturer shall thereafter have the exclusive right to use that design or characteristic on any denomination of value chip. The approved unique design or characteristic may be used on all value chips manufactured for use in this Commonwealth and may be changed only after receiving written approval of the new unique design or other identifying characteristic from the Board's Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(f) Each value chip issued by a certificate holder must contain an edge spot that:
(1) Is applied in a manner that ensures that the edge spot:
(i) Is clearly visible on the edge and on each face of the value chip.
(ii) Remains a permanent part of the value chip.
(2) Is created using both:
(i) The primary color of the chip.
(ii) One or more secondary colors.
(3) Includes a design, pattern or other feature that an individual with adequate training could readily use to identify, when viewed through the surveillance system of the certificate holder, the denomination of the particular value chip when placed in a stack of gaming chips, in the table inventory or in any other location when only the edge of the value chip is visible. The design, pattern or feature created by the primary and secondary colors required under paragraph (2) is sufficient by itself to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
(g) When determining the secondary colors to be used to make the edge spot on a particular denomination of value chip, a certificate holder shall use only those secondary colors that are reasonably likely to differentiate the certificate holder's value chip from the same denomination of value chip issued by any other certificate holder.
(h) If an approved value chip uses a single secondary color, no other certificate holder may use a similar secondary color as the sole secondary color on the same denomination of value chip unless it is used in a different approved pattern or design.
(i) If an approved value chip uses a combination of two or more secondary colors, no other certificate holder may use that identical combination of secondary colors on the same denomination of value chip unless it is used in a different approved pattern or design.
(j) Any value chip issued by a certificate holder in the denomination of:
(1) Less than $500 must have a uniform diameter of 1 9/16 inch.
(2) $500 and $1,000 must have a uniform diameter of 1 9/16 inch or 1 11/16 inch.
(3) $5,000 or more must have a uniform diameter of 1 11/16 inch.
(k) In addition to the items in this section that are specifically required to appear on the face and edge of a value chip, each value chip with a denomination below $100 must contain at least one anticounterfeiting measure and each value chip with a denomination of $100 or more must contain at least three anticounterfeiting measures.
§ 603a.4. Roulette chips; physical characteristics.
(a) Each Roulette chip utilized in a licensed facility shall be issued solely for the purpose of gaming at Roulette.
(b) Each Roulette chip issued by a certificate holder must contain identifying characteristics that may appear in any location at least once on each face of the chip and are applied in a manner which ensures that each identifying characteristic is clearly visible and remains a permanent part of the chip. These characteristics must be visible to surveillance employees using the licensed facility's surveillance system and include, at a minimum:
(1) The name, logo or other approved identification of the certificate holder issuing the Roulette chip.
(2) A unique design, insert or symbol that will permit a set of Roulette chips being used at a particular Roulette table to be distinguished from the Roulette chips being used at every other Roulette table in the licensed facility.
(3) The word ''Roulette.''
(4) Color and design combinations so as to readily distinguish the Roulette chips of each player at a particular Roulette table from:
(i) The Roulette chips of every other player at the same Roulette table.
(ii) The value chips issued by any certificate holder.
(c) Each Roulette chip issued by a certificate holder must contain an edge spot that:
(1) Is applied in a manner which ensures that the edge spot:
(i) Is clearly visible on the edge and on each face of the Roulette chip.
(ii) Remains a permanent part of the Roulette chip.
(2) Is created by using the colors approved for the face of the particular Roulette chip under subsection (b)(4) in combination with one or more other colors that provides a contrast with the color on the face of the Roulette chip and that enables the Roulette chip to be distinguished from the Roulette chips issued by any other certificate holder.
(3) Includes a design, pattern or other feature that an individual with adequate training could readily use to identify, when viewed through the surveillance system of the certificate holder, the player to whom the Roulette chip has been assigned when the Roulette chip is placed in a stack of gaming chips or in any other location when only the edge of the Roulette chip is visible. The design, pattern or feature created by the primary and secondary colors required under paragraph (2) is sufficient by itself to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.
§ 603a.5. Roulette chips; permitted uses, inventory and impressment.
(a) Each Roulette chip shall be assigned to a particular Roulette table and be issued and used for gaming at that table only. All Roulette chips utilized at a particular Roulette table must have the same design, insert or symbol as required under § 603a.4(b)(2) (relating to Roulette chips; physical characteristics). A certificate holder or any employee thereof may not knowingly allow a patron to remove a Roulette chip from the Roulette table at which it was issued.
(b) A patron at a Roulette table may not be issued or permitted to game with Roulette chips that are identical in color and design to any Roulette chip issued to any other patron at the same table. When a patron purchases Roulette chips, a Roulette chip of the same color and design shall be placed in a slot or receptacle attached to the outer rim of the Roulette wheel or in another device or location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). At that time, a marker button denoting the value of a stack of 20 Roulette chips of the same color and design shall be placed in the slot, receptacle or other device. For example, a marker button with 100 imprinted on it would be placed in the receptacle to designate that, during the patron's play on that occasion, the Roulette chips of that color and design are each worth $5.
(c) An impressment of the Roulette chips assigned to each Roulette table shall be completed by a floorperson or above at least once every 3 months as specified in the certificate holder's internal controls required under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols). The certificate holder shall record the results of the impressment in the chip inventory ledger required under § 603a.11 (relating to receipt of gaming chips or plaques from a manufacturer or supplier; inventory, security, storage and destruction of chips and plaques).
(d) If additional roulette chips are required to restore the impress, the floorperson or above shall complete a Roulette Chip Impressment Form. The completed Roulette Chip Impressment Form shall be maintained by the accounting department and contain the following, at a minimum:
(1) The date and time of preparation.
(2) The design schematic of the chip including its primary color and the applicable table number.
(3) The number of Roulette chips needed to restore the impress.
(4) The signature of the floorperson or above who completes the Roulette Chip Impressment Form and the impressment for the table.
(5) The signature of the main bank cashier or chip bank cashier who issued the Roulette chips to restore the impress.
(e) Discrepancies in the impressment shall immediately be reported to the casino compliance representatives. The discrepancy report must include, at a minimum, the following information for each Roulette chip color and design:
(1) The balance on hand at the beginning of the 3-month period.
(2) The number of Roulette chips distributed to the Roulette table during the 3-month period.
(3) The number of Roulette chips returned to inventory during the 3-month period.
(4) The balance on hand at the end of the 3-month period.
§ 603a.6. Tournament chips.
(a) If a certificate holder conducts table game tournaments, the tournaments shall be conducted using tournament chips.
(b) The identifying characteristics of a tournament chip must include, at a minimum:
(1) The name, logo or other approved identification of the certificate holder issuing the tournament chip.
(2) The word ''Tournament.''
(3) The denomination of the chip.
(4) The phrase ''No Cash Value.''
(5) Color or design combinations so as to readily distinguish the tournament chips from:
(i) The Roulette chips used for the play of Roulette at the licensed facility.
(ii) The value chips issued by any certificate holder.
(iii) Poker room rake chips.
(c) Tournament chips shall be stored in a secure area approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(d) An inventory of all tournament chips shall be conducted by the certificate holder prior to the start and after the completion of each tournament.
(e) Discrepancies in the inventory shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives. The discrepancy report must include the balance for each denomination of tournament chip on hand at the beginning of the tournament and the balance on hand at the end of each tournament.
§ 603a.7. Poker rake chips.
(a) To facilitate the collection of the rake, a certificate holder may use Poker rake chips in the Poker room.
(b) Poker rake chips shall only be used by dealers and may only be substituted for value chips that have been collected as part of the rake prior to the rake being placed in the drop box.
(c) Unused Poker rake chips shall be kept by the dealer in the table inventory container.
(d) The denominations that may be used for Poker rake chips are $2, $3 or $4.
(e) The identifying characteristics of a Poker rake chip must include, at a minimum:
(1) The name, logo or other approved identification of the certificate holder.
(2) The words ''Poker Rake Chip.''
(3) One of the following denominations: ''$2,'' ''$3'' or ''$4.''
(4) Color or design combinations to readily distinguish the Poker rake chips from:
(i) The Roulette chips used for the play of Roulette at the licensed facility.
(ii) The tournament chips used for tournament play at the licensed facility.
(iii) The value chips issued by any certificate holder.
§ 603a.8. Additional sets of gaming chips; removal from active use.
(a) Within 120 days of the commencement of table games at a licensed facility, the certificate holder shall also have at least one approved set of value chips that may be used as a back-up for the $100 and $500 value chips in active use. Each back-up set of value chips maintained for use by a certificate holder must have secondary colors that are different from the secondary colors of the value chips in active use and may use a different shade of the primary color. All back-up sets of value chips must conform to the color and design requirements in this chapter.
(b) Each certificate holder shall have at least one reserve set of Roulette chips for each color utilized in the licensed facility with a design insert or symbol different from the Roulette chips comprising the primary sets. All back-up sets of Roulette chips must conform to the color and design requirements in this chapter.
(c) If a certificate holder uses RFID chips for its value or Roulette chips, the certificate holder may request that the Board waive the requirements in subsection (a) or (b) by filing a petition in accordance with § 493a.4 (relating to petitions generally). The petition must include, at a minimum:
(1) A detailed description of the RFID technology and devices that will be used at the licensed facility.
(2) A detailed description of how the RFID chips and related equipment will be used in the licensed facility.
(3) A detailed explanation of how the use of the RFID chips and related equipment will reduce or eliminate the potential use of counterfeit value or Roulette chips.
(4) The approximate length of time it will take the certificate holder to install the necessary devices and related equipment for the RFID technology to be operational in the licensed facility.
(d) The certificate holder shall remove a set of gaming chips in use from active play whenever:
(1) It is believed the licensed facility is taking on multiple counterfeit chips valued at $100 or more.
(2) Any other impropriety or defect in the utilization of a set of chips makes removal of the chips in active use necessary.
(3) The Board or its Executive Director directs that a set of chips be removed from active use.
(e) An approved back-up set of value chips or a reserve set of Roulette chips required under subsections (a) and (b) shall be placed into active play whenever an active set is removed.
(f) Whenever a set of chips in active use are removed from play, the certificate holder shall immediately notify the casino compliance representatives of the impending removal and the reasons for the removal.
(g) A certificate holder shall immediately notify the casino compliance representatives of the discovery of counterfeit value chips.
§ 603a.9. Plaques; issuance and use, denominations and physical characteristics.
(a) Plaques issued by a certificate holder must be a solid, one-piece object constructed entirely of plastic or other substance and have at least two but no more than six smooth, plane surfaces. At least two of the plane surfaces, each to be known as a face, must be opposite and parallel to each other and identical in shape, which must be either a square, rectangle or ellipse. Other surfaces of a plaque shall be known collectively as the edge.
(b) Plaques may not be issued by a certificate holder or utilized in a licensed facility unless:
(1) The design specifications of the proposed plaque are 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). The submission must include a detailed schematic depicting the actual size and, as appropriate, location of the following:
(i) Each face.
(ii) The edge.
(iii) Any colors, words, designs, graphics or security measures on the plaque including the minimum identifying characteristics listed in subsection (f).
(2) A sample plaque of each denomination to be used, manufactured in accordance with its approved design specifications, is made available to the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g) for its inspection and approval at the certificate holder's licensed facility.
(3) A system of internal procedures and administrative and accounting controls governing the distribution, redemption, receipt and inventory of plaques, by serial number, is submitted and approved as part of the certificate holder's internal controls, in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(c) The face of a square plaque must have a surface area of no less than 9 square inches. The face of a rectangular or elliptical plaque may not be smaller than 3 inches in length by 2 inches in width. In the case of an elliptical plaque, the length and width of the plaque shall be measured by its axes.
(d) A plaque issued by a certificate holder shall be designed and manufactured with sufficient graphics or other security measures to prevent, to the greatest extent possible, the counterfeiting of the plaque.
(e) A certificate holder may issue and use plaques in denominations of $5,000 or $10,000 and other denominations approved by the Board's Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a). Each plaque of a specific denomination utilized by a certificate holder must be in a shape and of a size that is identical to the shape and size of all other plaques of that denomination issued by the certificate holder. The size and shape of each denomination of plaque issued by a certificate holder must be readily distinguishable from the size and shape of every other denomination of plaque issued by the certificate holder.
(f) Each plaque issued by a certificate holder must contain identifying characteristics that appear at least once on each face of the plaque and are applied in a manner which ensures that each identifying characteristic is clearly visible and remains a permanent part of the plaque. These characteristics must be visible to surveillance employees using the licensed facility's surveillance system and include, at a minimum:
(1) The denomination of the plaque, expressed in numbers of at least 3/8 inch in height.
(2) The name, logo or other approved identification of the certificate holder issuing the plaque.
(3) A unique serial number.
(g) A certificate holder may not issue, use or allow a patron to use in its licensed facility any plaque that it knows, or reasonably should know, is materially different from the sample of that plaque approved in accordance with subsection (b).
§ 603a.10. Permissible wagering; exchange and redemption of gaming chips and plaques.
(a) Wagering at table games in a licensed facility shall be conducted with gaming chips, plaques, electronic wagering credits or gaming vouchers, provided that noncashable promotional or free-play credits on a gaming voucher may be used only for the purpose of slot machine gaming and other wagering instruments approved by the Board.
(b) Value chips previously issued by a certificate holder, which are not in active use by that certificate holder, may not be used for wagering or any other purpose in a licensed facility and shall be redeemed only at the cage as provided in subsection (i).
(c) Gaming chips or plaques shall be issued to a patron only at the request of the patron and may not be given as change in any transaction other than a gaming transaction. Gaming chips and plaques shall be issued to patrons by:
(1) Dealers at a banking or nonbanking table game.
(2) The Poker room cage or the Poker window cashier at the main cage.
(3) Chip runners to patrons seated at a Poker table at which a game is in progress.
(d) Plaques and value chips shall be redeemed by patrons only at the cage.
(e) Except as provided in subsections (k) and (l), and as otherwise may be specifically approved by the Board, each certificate holder shall redeem its gaming chips and plaques only from patrons and may not knowingly redeem gaming chips and plaques from any nonpatron source.
(f) Roulette chips shall be presented for redemption only at the Roulette table from which they were issued and may not be redeemed or exchanged at any other Roulette table or any other location within a licensed facility. When Roulette chips are presented for redemption, the dealer shall accept them in exchange for an equivalent amount of value chips.
(g) A certificate holder shall have the discretion to permit, limit or prohibit the use of value chips in gaming at Roulette in accordance with its Rules Submission submitted under § 601a.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions). When value chips are in use at Roulette, it shall be the responsibility of the certificate holder and its employees to keep accurate account of the wagers being made with value chips so that the wagers made by one player are not confused with the wagers made by another player at the table.
(h) Each gaming chip and plaque is solely evidence of a debt that the issuing certificate holder owes to the person legally in possession of the gaming chip or plaque, and shall remain the property of the issuing certificate holder. A certificate holder shall have the right at any time to demand that a person in possession of a gaming chip or plaque surrender the gaming chip or plaque for redemption in accordance with subsection (i).
(i) A certificate holder shall redeem promptly its own genuine gaming chips and plaques presented by a patron in person, unless the gaming chips or plaques were obtained or are being used unlawfully. A certificate holder shall redeem its value chips or plaques by:
(1) Exchanging the value chips or plaques for an equivalent amount of cash.
(2) Exchanging the value chips or plaques for a check issued by the certificate holder in the amount of the value chips or plaques surrendered and dated the day of the redemption upon request by a patron.
(j) Notwithstanding subsection (i), if a patron requests by mail to redeem value chips in any amount, a certificate holder may effectuate the redemption in accordance with internal controls approved in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols), which, at a minimum, must detail procedures for the issuance of a check from the certificate holder and the transfer of the surrendered value chips to the chip bank in a transaction supported by proper documentation.
(k) A certificate holder shall accept, exchange, use or redeem only gaming chips or plaques that the certificate holder has issued and may not knowingly accept, exchange, use or redeem gaming chips or plaques, or objects purporting to be gaming chips or plaques, that have been issued by any other certificate holder.
(l) Notwithstanding subsection (k), a certificate holder may accept and redeem:
(1) Value chips issued by another certificate holder from a patron upon the patron's representation that the value chips had been purchased or received as payment in a gaming transaction from an employee of the certificate holder working on the premises of the certificate holder.
(2) Value chips issued by any other certificate holder from one of the certificate holder's employees who is authorized to receive gratuities, upon the employee's representation that the chips were received as gratuities in the normal course of his duties while on the premises of the certificate holder.
(m) Employees of a certificate holder may be authorized to receive value chips as personal gratuities. Additionally, cocktail servers and other employees who are on the gaming floor may be authorized to receive value chips in exchange for food and beverage purchased and served to patrons on the gaming floor. Employees of a certificate holder who are authorized to receive value chips as personal gratuities or in exchange for food and beverage shall redeem the value chips at the cage or at another secure location, as approved by the Board's Executive Director, prior to leaving the licensed facility. Value chips redeemed at a noncage employee redemption site shall be exchanged on a daily basis with the cage. Each certificate holder shall submit internal controls, in accordance with § 465a.2, to ensure the proper exchange and accounting of the value chips received as personal gratuities or for the purchase of food and beverage on the gaming floor.
(n) A certificate holder shall redeem promptly its own genuine value chips presented to it by any other legally operated certificate holder upon the representation that the value chips were received or accepted unknowingly, inadvertently or in error or were redeemed in accordance with subsection (l). Each certificate holder shall submit for approval as part of the certificate holder's internal controls a system for the exchange, with other legally operated certificate holders, of value chips:
(1) In the certificate holder's possession that have been issued by any other legally operated certificate holder.
(2) The certificate holder has issued that are presented to it for redemption by any other legally operated certificate holder.
(o) Each certificate holder shall post, in a prominent place on the front of the main cage, any satellite cage and the Poker room cage, a sign that reads as follows: ''Gaming chips or plaques issued by another licensed facility may not be used, exchanged or redeemed in this licensed facility.''
§ 603a.11. Receipt of gaming chips or plaques from a manufacturer or supplier; inventory, security, storage and destruction of chips and plaques.
(a) When gaming chips or plaques are received from a manufacturer or supplier, the chips or plaques shall be unloaded under the supervision of at least two people, one of whom shall be a supervisor from the finance department and one employee from the security department, and transported to a secure area which is covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system. The chips or plaques shall then be opened and checked by at least two people, one of whom shall be a supervisor from the finance department and one employee from the security department. Any deviation between the invoice accompanying the gaming chips and plaques and the actual chips or plaques received or any defects found in the chips or plaques shall be reported promptly to the casino compliance representatives.
(b) After checking the gaming chips or plaques received, the certificate holder shall record, in a chip inventory ledger, the denomination of the value chips and plaques received, the number of each denomination, and, when applicable, the serial numbers of the value chips and plaques received, the number and description of all Roulette chips received, the date of the receipt and the signatures and Board-issued credential numbers of the individuals who checked the chips and plaques. If the value chips or Roulette chips are not to be put into active use, the ledger must also identify the storage location.
(c) Gaming chips or plaques not in active use shall be stored in one of the following areas:
(1) A vault located in the main bank.
(2) Locked cabinets in the main cage.
(3) Other restricted storage area approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(d) Gaming chips or plaques may not be stored in the same storage area as dice, cards, Pai Gow tiles or any other gaming equipment.
(e) Whenever any gaming chips or plaques are taken from or returned to an approved storage area, at least two individuals, one of whom shall be a supervisor from the finance department and one employee from the security department, shall be present, and the following information shall be recorded in the chip inventory ledger together with the date, signatures and Board-issued credential numbers of the individuals involved:
(1) The quantity, and when applicable, the serial numbers and dollar amounts for each denomination of value chip or plaque removed or returned.
(2) The number and description of the Roulette chips removed or returned.
(3) The specific storage area being entered.
(4) The reason for the entry into the storage area.
(f) At the end of each gaming day, a certificate holder shall compute and record the unredeemed liability for each denomination of value chip and plaque. The procedures to be utilized to compute the unredeemed liability shall be submitted for approval as part of the certificate holder's internal controls in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(g) Each certificate holder shall inventory all sets of value chips, Roulette chips and plaques in its possession and record the result of the inventory in the chip inventory ledger. The inventory shall be conducted at least once every month for value chips and plaques and at least once every 3 months for Roulette chips. A physical inventory of value chips, Roulette chips and plaques not in active use shall only be required annually if the inventory procedures incorporate the sealing of the locked compartment containing the value chips, Roulette chips and plaques not in active use. The procedures to be utilized to inventory value chips, Roulette chips and plaques shall be submitted for approval as part of the certificate holder's internal controls.
(h) At least 5 days prior to the destruction of gaming chips or plaques, the certificate holder shall notify the casino compliance representatives of the date and the location at which the destruction will be performed, the denomination, number, and when applicable, the serial number and amount of value chips or plaques to be destroyed, the description and number of Roulette chips to be destroyed and a detailed explanation of the method of destruction.
(i) The destruction of gaming chips or plaques shall be carried out in the presence of at least two employees of the certificate holder, one of whom shall be from the finance department and one of whom shall be from any other mandatory department of the certificate holder. The certificate holder shall maintain a written log of the names and Board-issued credential numbers of all employees involved in each destruction, as well as the names and addresses of all nonemployees involved. The certificate holder shall record in the chip inventory ledger the following:
(1) The denomination, quantity, total value and serial number, if applicable, of all value chips or plaques destroyed.
(2) The description and number of Roulette chips destroyed.
(3) The signatures and Board-issued credential numbers of the individuals who carried out the destruction.
(4) The date and location where the destruction took place.
(j) A certificate holder shall ensure that at all times there is adequate security, in accordance with § 465a.14 (relating to security department minimum staffing), for all gaming chips and plaques in the certificate holder's possession.
§ 603a.12. Dice; physical characteristics.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), each die used in the play of table games must:
(1) Be formed in the shape of a perfect cube and of a size no smaller than 0.750 inch on each side nor any larger than 0.775 inch on each side, with a tolerance of +/- 0.005.
(2) Be transparent and made exclusively of cellulose except for the spots, name or logo of the certificate holder and serial number or letters contained thereon.
(3) Have the surface of each of its sides perfectly flat and the spots contained in each side flush with the area surrounding them.
(4) Have all edges and corners perfectly square and forming 90° angles.
(5) Have the texture and finish of each side exactly identical to the texture and finish of all other sides.
(6) Have its weight equally distributed throughout the cube with no side of the cube heavier or lighter than any other side of the cube.
(7) Have the six sides bearing white circular spots from one to six respectively with the diameter of each spot equal to the diameter of every other spot on the die.
(8) Have spots arranged so that:
(i) The side containing one spot is directly opposite the side containing six spots.
(ii) The side containing two spots is directly opposite the side containing five spots.
(iii) The side containing three spots is directly opposite the side containing four spots.
(9) Each spot shall be placed on the die by drilling into the surface of the cube and filling the drilled out portion with a compound which is equal in weight to the weight of the cellulose drilled out and which forms a permanent bond with the cellulose cube and extends into the cube exactly the same distance as every other spot extends into the cube to an accuracy tolerance of 0.0004 inch.
(10) Have imprinted or impressed thereon a serial number or letters and the name or logo of the certificate holder in whose licensed facility the die is being used.
(b) Dice used in the table games of Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker must comply with the requirements of subsection (a) except as follows:
(1) Each die must be formed in the shape of a perfect cube and of a size no smaller than 0.637 inch on each side nor any larger than 0.643 inch on each side.
(2) Instead of the name or logo of the certificate holder, a certificate holder may, with the approval of the Board's Executive Director in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment), have an identifying mark imprinted or impressed on each die.
(3) The spots on each die do not have to be equal in diameter.
(c) Dice used in the table game of Sic Bo must comply with subsection (a) except each die may be formed in the shape of a cube 0.625 inch on each side with ball edge corners.
(d) Dice may not be utilized in a licensed facility unless a detailed schematic depicting the actual size, color of the dice as well as the location of serial numbers, letters or logos has been submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
§ 603a.13. Dice; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use.
(a) When dice are received from a manufacturer or supplier, the dice shall immediately be unloaded under the supervision of at least two people, one of whom shall be an assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department, and transported to a secure area which is covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system. The boxes of dice shall then be inspected by an assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department to assure that the seals on each box are intact, unbroken and free from tampering. Boxes that do not satisfy these criteria shall be inspected at this time to assure that the dice contained therein conform to the requirements of this chapter and there is no evidence of tampering. Boxes satisfying these criteria, together with boxes having unbroken, intact and untampered seals shall then be placed for storage in a storage area, the location and physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(b) Dice which are to be distributed to gaming pits or tables for use in gaming shall be distributed from the approved storage area.
(c) The approved storage area must have two separate locks. The security department shall maintain one key and the table games department shall maintain the other key. A person employed by the table games department below an assistant table games shift manager in the organization hierarchy may not have access to the table games department key.
(d) Immediately prior to the commencement of each gaming day and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above, in the presence of a security department employee, shall remove the appropriate number of dice for that gaming day from the approved storage area.
(e) Envelopes and containers used to hold or transport dice must be:
(1) Transparent.
(2) Designed or constructed with seals so that any tampering is evident.
(3) Submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(f) Dice shall be inspected and distributed to the gaming tables in accordance with one of the following applicable alternatives:
(1) Alternative No. 1.
(i) The assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who removed the dice from the approved storage area shall distribute sufficient dice directly to the pit manager or above in each pit, or place them in a locked compartment in the pit stand, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(ii) Immediately upon opening a table for gaming, the pit manager or above shall distribute a set of dice to the table. At the time of receipt, a boxperson at each Craps table and the floorperson at each Pai Gow, Pai Gow Poker, Sic Bo or Mini-Craps table, to ensure that the dice are in a condition to assure fair play and otherwise conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall, in the presence of the dealer, inspect the dice given to him with a micrometer or any other instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet. These instruments shall be kept in a compartment at each Craps table or pit stand and shall be at all times readily available for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request. The inspection shall be performed on a flat surface which allows the dice inspection to be observed through the slot machine licensee's surveillance system and by any persons in the immediate vicinity of the table.
(iii) Following the inspection required under subparagraph (ii):
(A) For Craps, the boxperson shall, in the presence of a dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(B) For Mini-Craps, the floorperson shall, in the presence of a dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(C) For Sic Bo, the floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the required number of dice into the shaker and seal or lock the shaker. The floorperson shall then secure the Sic Bo shaker to the table in the presence of the dealer who observed the inspection.
(D) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, the floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the dice in the Pai Gow shaker.
(iv) The pit manager or above shall place extra dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand. Dice in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above. No dice taken from the pit stand reserve may be used for actual gaming until the dice have been inspected in accordance with subparagraph (ii).
(2) Alternative No. 2.
(i) The assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who removed the dice from the approved storage area shall distribute the dice directly to the following certificate holder's employees who shall perform the inspection in each pit:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, a boxperson or floorperson in the presence of another boxperson or floorperson, both of whom are assigned the responsibility of supervising the operation and conduct of a Craps or Mini-Craps game.
(B) For Sic Bo, Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, a floorperson, in the presence of another floorperson, both of whom are assigned the responsibility of supervising the operation and conduct of Sic Bo, Pai Gow or Pai Gow Poker games.
(C) For storage of the dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand, to the pit manager or above.
(ii) To ensure that the dice are in a condition to assure fair play and otherwise conform to the requirements of this chapter, the dice shall be inspected by one of the individuals listed in subparagraph (i)(A) or (B) with a micrometer or other instrument approved by the Board's Executive Director which performs the same function, a balancing caliper, a steel set square and a magnet. These instruments shall be kept at the pit stand and at all times readily available for use by the casino compliance representatives or other Board employees upon request. The inspection shall be performed on a flat surface which allows the dice inspection to be observed through the slot machine licensee's surveillance system and by any persons in the immediate vicinity of the pit stand.
(iii) After completion of the inspection, the dice shall be distributed as follows:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, the boxperson or floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other boxperson or floorperson who observed the inspection, distribute the dice to the boxperson assigned at each Craps table or to the floorperson assigned at each Mini-Craps table. The Craps boxperson or the Mini-Craps floorperson shall, in the presence of the dealer, place the dice in a cup on the table for use in gaming.
(B) For Sic Bo, the floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection, place the required number of dice into the shaker and seal or lock the shaker. The floorperson shall then secure the Sic Bo shaker to the table in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection.
(C) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, the floorperson who inspected the dice shall, in the presence of the other floorperson who observed the inspection, distribute the dice directly to the dealer at each Pai Gow table. The dealer shall immediately place the dice in the Pai Gow shaker.
(iv) The pit manager or above shall place extra sets of dice for the dice reserve in the pit stand, as follows:
(A) Dice in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (v), dice taken from the reserve in the pit stand shall be reinspected by a floorperson or above in the presence of another floorperson or above in accordance with the inspection procedures set forth in subparagraph (ii), prior to their use for actual gaming.
(v) Previously inspected reserve dice may be used for gaming without being reinspected if the dice are maintained in a locked compartment in the pit stand in accordance with the following procedures:
(A) For Craps and Mini-Craps, a set of five dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall be attached to the envelope or container.
(B) For Sic Bo, three dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container or sealed or locked in a Sic Bo shaker. A label or seal that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall, respectively, be attached to each envelope or container or placed over the area that allows access to open the Sic Bo shaker.
(C) For Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, a set of three dice, after being inspected, shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container. A label that identifies the date of inspection and contains the signatures of those responsible for the inspection shall be attached to each envelope or container.
(g) A certificate holder shall remove any dice at any time of the gaming day and file a Dice Discrepancy Report as required under subsection (h) if there is any indication of tampering, flaws or other defects that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game, or at the request of a casino compliance representative or other Board employee.
(h) At the end of each gaming day or at other times as may be necessary, a floorperson or above, other than the individual who originally inspected the dice, shall visually inspect each die that was used for play for evidence of tampering. Evidence of tampering discovered at this time or at any other time shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives by the completion and delivery of a two-part Dice Discrepancy Report and the dice.
(1) Dice showing evidence of tampering shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container.
(i) A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the table number, date and time the dice were removed and contains the signatures of the person assigned to directly operate and conduct the game at that table and the floorperson assigned the responsibility for supervising the operation and conduct of the game.
(ii) A floorperson or above or a security department employee responsible for delivering the dice to the casino compliance representatives shall also sign the label.
(iii) The casino compliance representative receiving the dice shall sign the original and duplicate copy of the Dice Discrepancy Report and retain the original copy. The duplicate copy shall be returned to the pit and maintained in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(2) Other dice that were used for play shall be put into envelopes or containers when removed from active use at the table.
(i) A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the table number, date and time the dice were removed and contains the signatures of the person assigned to directly operate and conduct the game at that table and the floorperson assigned the responsibility for supervising the operation and conduct of the game.
(ii) The envelope or container shall be appropriately sealed and maintained within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(i) Reserve dice in the locked compartment in a pit stand at the end of the gaming day may be:
(1) Collected and transported to the security department for cancellation or destruction.
(2) Returned to the approved storage area.
(3) Retained in the locked compartment in the pit stand for future use.
(j) Reserve dice in the locked compartment in a pit stand at the end of the gaming day that are to be destroyed or cancelled shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container, with a label attached to each envelope or container which identifies the pit stand where the reserve dice were being stored, the date and time the dice where placed in the envelope or container and contains the signature of the pit manager or above.
(k) At the end of each gaming day or, in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), and at other times as may be necessary, a security department employee shall collect and sign all envelopes or containers of used dice and reserve dice that are to be destroyed or cancelled and shall transport the dice to the security department for cancellation or destruction. The security department employee shall also collect duplicate copies of Dice Discrepancy Reports, if applicable.
(l) At the end of each gaming day or, in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above may collect all reserve dice in a locked compartment in a pit stand. If collected, reserve dice shall be returned to the approved storage area.
(m) If the reserve dice are not collected, all dice in the dice reserve shall be reinspected in accordance with one of the alternatives listed in subsection (f) prior to their use for gaming, except for those dice maintained in a locked compartment in accordance with subsection (f)(2)(v).
(n) Certificate holders shall submit to the Bureau of Gaming Operations in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols) for approval internal control procedures for:
(1) A dice inventory system which includes, at a minimum, records of the following:
(i) The number of three and five dice sticks, and the corresponding number of single die, received from a manufacturer or supplier.
(ii) The balance of three and five dice sticks, and the corresponding number of single die, on hand.
(iii) The number of three and five dice sticks removed from storage.
(iv) The number of three and five dice sticks returned to storage.
(v) The number of single die destroyed or canceled.
(vi) The date of each transaction.
(vii) The signatures of the individuals involved.
(2) A reconciliation on a daily basis of the number of three or five dice sticks distributed, the number of single die destroyed or cancelled, the number of three or five dice sticks returned to the approved storage area and, if any, the reserve three or five dice sticks in a locked compartment in a pit stand.
(3) A physical inventory of all dice at least once every 3 months.
(i) This inventory shall be performed by an individual with no incompatible functions and shall be verified to the balance of dice on hand required under paragraph (1)(i).
(ii) Discrepancies shall immediately be reported to the casino compliance representatives.
(o) Destruction or cancellation of dice, other than those retained for Board or certificate holder inspection, shall be completed within 5 days of collection.
(1) Cancellation must occur by drilling a circular hole of at least 1/4 inch in diameter through the center of the die.
(2) Destruction must occur by shredding or crushing.
(3) The destruction or cancellation of dice must take place in a secure location in the licensed facility covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system, the physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f).
§ 603a.14. Sic Bo shaker security procedures.
(a) Manual and automated Sic Bo shakers which have not been filled with dice may be stored in a locked compartment in a pit stand. An automated Sic Bo dice shaker which has been filled with dice must be secured to the Sic Bo table at all times.
(b) At the end of each gaming day a pit manager or above shall inspect all Sic Bo shakers that have been placed in use for gaming for evidence of tampering. Evidence of tampering discovered at this time shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives. The reports must include, at a minimum:
(1) The date and time when the tampering was discovered.
(2) The name and signature of the individual discovering the tampering.
(3) The table number where the Sic Bo shaker was used.
(4) The name and signature of the person assigned to directly operate and conduct the game at the Sic Bo table and the supervisor assigned the responsibility for supervising the operation and conduct of the game at the Sic Bo table.
§ 603a.15. Cards; physical characteristics.
(a) Cards used to play table games authorized under this subpart must be in decks of 52 cards with each card identical in size and shape to every other card in the deck. Nothing in this section prohibits a manufacturer from manufacturing decks of cards with one or more jokers contained therein. Jokers may not be used by the certificate holder in the play of any game unless authorized by the rules of the game.
(b) Each deck must be composed of cards in four suits: diamonds, spades, clubs and hearts.
(c) Each suit shall be composed of 13 cards: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. The face of the ace, king, queen, jack and 10 may contain an additional marking, approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment), which will permit a dealer, prior to exposing his hole card at the game of Blackjack, to determine if the value of the hole card gives the dealer a Blackjack.
(d) The backs of each card in a deck must be identical and no card may contain any marking, symbol or design that will enable a person to know the identity of any element printed on the face of the card or that will in any way differentiate the back of the card from any other card in the deck.
(e) The backs of all cards in a deck shall be designed to diminish, as far as possible, the ability of any individual to place concealed markings thereon.
(f) The design placed on the backs of cards used by certificate holders must contain the name or logo of the certificate holder.
(g) Each deck of cards shall be packaged separately or in a batch containing the number of decks authorized in this subpart and selected by a certificate holder for use in a particular table game. Each package of cards shall be sealed in a manner approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a) to provide evidence of any tampering with the package. If multiple decks of cards are packaged and sealed in a batch, the package must have a label that indicates or contain a window that reveals an adequate description of the contents of the package, including:
(1) The name of the certificate holder for which the cards were manufactured.
(2) The colors of the backs of the cards.
(3) The date that the cards were manufactured.
(4) The total number of cards in the batch.
(5) The total number of decks in the batch.
(h) Individual decks of cards that are packaged and sealed in a multideck batch may not be separated from the batch for independent use at a table game.
(i) The cards used by a certificate holder for Poker must be:
(1) Visually distinguishable from the cards used by that certificate holder to play other banked table games.
(2) Made of plastic.
(j) Each certificate holder that elects to offer the game of Poker shall have and use on a daily basis at least four decks with visually distinguishable card backings. These card backings may be distinguished by different logos, different colors or different design patterns. The certificate holder shall submit, as part of its internal controls required under § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols), the procedure for distributing and rotating the four visually distinguishable decks of cards required for use in the game of Poker.
(k) Cards may not be utilized in a licensed facility unless a schematic depicting the face and backs of the cards, the colors, words, designs and graphics have been submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
§ 603a.16. Cards; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use.
(a) When decks of cards are received from a manufacturer or supplier, the cards shall immediately be unloaded under the supervision of at least two people, one of whom shall be an assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department, and transported to a secure area which is covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system. The boxes of decks of cards shall then be inspected by an assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department to assure that the seals on each box are intact, unbroken and free from tampering. Boxes that do not satisfy these criteria shall be inspected at this time to assure that the decks of cards contained therein conform to the requirements of this chapter and there is no evidence of tampering. Boxes satisfying these criteria, together with boxes having unbroken, intact and untampered seals shall then be placed for storage in a storage area, the location and physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment). A certificate holder may have separate cabinets or storage areas for decks of cards to be used at the game of Poker. The location and physical characteristics of the cabinets or separate storage areas shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f).
(b) Approved storage areas must have two separate locks. The security department shall maintain one key and the table games department shall maintain the other key. A person employed by the table games department below an assistant table games shift manager in the organizational hierarchy may not have access to the table games department key for the approved storage areas. If the certificate holder has a separate Poker storage area, a person below a Poker shift manager in the organizational hierarchy may not have access to the table games department key to the Poker storage area.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (g), immediately prior to the commencement of each gaming day and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above, in the presence of a security department employee, shall remove the appropriate number of decks of cards for that gaming day from the approved storage area. The assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who removed the decks shall distribute sufficient decks to the pit managers or above and, if applicable, to the Poker shift manager. The number of decks distributed must include extra decks that shall be placed in the pit stand for the card reserve. Decks of cards in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit managers or above or the Poker shift manager or above.
(d) If the decks are to be inspected at open gaming tables in accordance with subsection (h), the pit manager or above shall distribute the decks to the dealer at each table or the Poker shift manager shall transport the decks to the Poker pit stand for subsequent distribution to the dealer at each Poker table either directly by the Poker shift manager or through the floorperson assigned to supervise the dealer.
(e) If the decks are to be preinspected and preshuffled at a closed gaming table as permitted under subsection (u), the pit manager or above or Poker shift manager shall deliver the decks to the dealer and the floorperson or above at the closed gaming table where the preinspection and preshuffling shall be performed.
(f) If the decks have already been preinspected, preshuffled, sealed in containers and placed in the card storage area as permitted under subsection (u)(8)(ii) or (v), the assistant table games shift manager or above and a security department employee shall transport the number of sealed containers of cards needed for that gaming day to the gaming pits where the cards will be utilized and shall ensure that the containers are locked in the pit stand. A record of the removal of the sealed containers of cards from the approved storage area and the distribution of sealed containers to the gaming pits shall be maintained by the security department in a manner consistent with the certificate holder's internal controls filed in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols).
(g) If the decks of cards to be used for Poker for that gaming day are removed from the Poker storage area, the Poker shift manager or above and a security department employee shall, prior to the commencement of each gaming day and at other times as may be necessary, remove the appropriate number of decks from the Poker storage area and distribute the decks in accordance with subsection (d), (e) or (f). The number of decks distributed must include extra decks that shall be placed in the pit stand for the card reserve. Decks of cards in the pit stand shall be placed in a locked compartment, the keys to which shall be in the possession of the Poker shift manager or above.
(h) Except for decks of cards that are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with subsection (u) or (v), the dealer shall sort the cards in each deck according to suit and in sequence to verify that all cards are present and visually inspect the backs of the cards for any defects that might compromise the integrity or fairness of the game. The floorperson or above shall verify the inspection.
(i) If while inspecting the cards in accordance with subsection (h), the dealer finds that a card is unsuitable for use, a card is missing from the deck or an extra card is found, the following procedures shall be observed:
(1) A pit manager or above or a Poker shift manager shall bring a replacement deck of cards from the card reserve in the pit stand.
(2) The unsuitable deck shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container, identified by table number, date and time and signed by the dealer and floorperson assigned to that table or above.
(3) The pit manager or above or a Poker shift manager shall maintain the envelope or container in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(j) Envelopes and containers used to hold or transport cards must be:
(1) Transparent.
(2) Designed or constructed with seals so that any tampering is evident.
(3) Submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(k) If any cards in a deck appear to be damaged during the course of play, the dealer shall immediately notify a floorperson or above. If after inspection, the floorperson or above determines that the card is damaged and needs to be replaced, the floorperson shall notify the pit manager or above or the Poker shift manager.
(1) The pit manager or above or the Poker shift manager shall:
(i) Notify surveillance of a card change.
(ii) Bring a replacement deck of cards from the pit stand to replace the damaged card or cards.
(iii) Place the damaged card face up on the table and remove the matching card from the replacement deck and place it face up on the table.
(iv) Turn over both the damaged card and the replacement card to verify that the backs of the cards match.
(v) Place the replacement card in the discard rack.
(vi) Tear the damaged card down the center and place it face up in the replacement deck.
(vii) Return the replacement deck to the pit stand.
(2) At least once each gaming day, the replacement decks of cards shall be collected and placed in an envelope or container and sealed. A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the deck as a replacement deck and signed by the pit manager or above or the Poker shift manager.
(3) The pit manager or above or the Poker shift manager shall maintain the sealed envelopes or containers in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee in accordance with subsection (o).
(4) This subsection does not apply to cards showing indications of tampering, flaws or other defects that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(l) Decks of cards that were used for play shall be put into envelopes or containers when removed from active use at the table.
(1) A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the table number, date and time the decks of cards where collected and signed by the dealer and floorperson assigned to the table.
(2) The Poker shift manager or pit manager or above shall maintain the sealed envelopes or containers in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(m) A certificate holder shall remove any deck of cards at any time during the day if there is any indication of tampering, flaws or other defects that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game, or at the request of a casino compliance representative or other Board employee.
(n) Extra decks or packaged sets of multiple decks in the card reserve with broken seals shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container, with a label attached to each envelope or container that contains the number of decks or packaged sets of multiple decks, as applicable, included therein, the date and time the decks were placed in the envelope or container and the signature of the floorperson or above for decks used for Poker and the pit manager or above for decks used for all other games.
(o) At the end of each gaming day or, in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), and at other times as may be necessary, a security department employee shall collect and sign all envelopes or containers with damaged decks of cards, decks of cards required to be removed that gaming day and all extra decks in the card reserve with broken seals and return the envelopes or containers to the security department.
(p) At the end of each gaming day or, in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above may collect all extra decks with intact seals in the card reserve. If the certificate holder maintains a separate storage area for Poker cards, a Poker shift manager or above may collect all extra decks in the card reserve for the game of Poker. If collected, all sealed decks shall either be cancelled, destroyed or returned to the storage area.
(q) When the envelopes or containers of used cards and reserve cards with broken seals are returned to the security department, the cards shall be inspected for tampering, marks, alterations, missing or additional cards or anything that might indicate unfair play as follows:
(1) For cards used in Blackjack, Spanish 21, Baccarat, Midibaccarat or Minibaccarat, the certificate holder shall inspect either:
(i) All decks used during the day.
(ii) A sample of decks selected at random or in accordance with an approved stratification plan, provided that the procedures for selecting the sample size and for assuring a proper selection of the sample have been submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 465a.2.
(2) The certificate holder shall also inspect:
(i) Any decks of cards that the Board requested the certificate holder to remove for the purpose of inspection.
(ii) Any decks of cards the certificate holder removed for indication of tampering.
(iii) All cards used for all banked table games other than the games listed in paragraph (1).
(iv) All cards used for Poker.
(3) The procedures for inspecting all decks required to be inspected under this subsection must include, at a minimum:
(i) The sorting of cards sequentially by suit or utilizing a machine approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval), capable of reading the cards to determine whether any deck contains missing or additional cards.
(ii) The inspection of the backs with an ultraviolet light.
(iii) The inspection of the sides of the cards for crimps, bends, cuts or shaving.
(iv) The inspection of the front and back of all plastic cards for consistent shading and coloring.
(4) If during the inspection procedures required for cards used in Poker, one or more of the cards in a deck are determined to be unsuitable for continued use, those cards shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container and a two-part Card Discrepancy Report shall be completed in accordance with paragraph (8).
(5) Upon completion of the inspection procedures required in paragraph (2), each deck of cards used in Poker which is determined suitable for continued use shall be placed in sequential order, repackaged and returned to the approved or Poker storage area for subsequent use. The certificate holder shall develop internal control procedures for returning the repackaged cards to the Poker card inventory in accordance with subsection (r).
(6) An individual performing an inspection shall complete a work order form which details the procedures performed and lists the tables from which the cards were removed and the results of the inspection. The individual shall sign the form upon completion of the inspection procedures.
(7) The certificate holder shall submit the training procedures for the employees performing the inspections required under this subsection in its internal controls.
(8) Evidence of tampering, marks, alterations, missing or additional cards or anything that might indicate unfair play discovered during an inspection, or at any other time, shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives by the completion and delivery of a two-part Card Discrepancy Report.
(i) The two-part report must include the cards or decks of cards which are the subject of the report.
(ii) The cards or decks of cards shall be retained by the casino compliance representatives for further inspection.
(iii) The casino compliance representative receiving the cards shall sign the original and duplicate copy of the Card Discrepancy Report and retain the original. The duplicate copy shall be retained by the certificate holder.
(r) Certificate holders shall submit to the Bureau of Gaming Operations for approval, in accordance with § 465a.2, internal control procedures for:
(1) A card inventory system, which includes, at a minimum, the records of the following:
(i) The balance of decks of cards on hand.
(ii) The decks of cards removed from storage.
(iii) The decks of cards returned to storage or received from a manufacturer or supplier.
(iv) The date of each transaction.
(v) The signatures of the individuals involved.
(2) A reconciliation, on a daily basis, of the decks of cards distributed, destroyed or cancelled, returned to the storage area and, if any, the decks of cards in the card reserve.
(3) A physical inventory of all decks of cards at least once every 3 months.
(i) This inventory shall be performed by an individual with no incompatible functions and shall be verified to the balance of decks of cards on hand required in paragraph (1)(i).
(ii) Discrepancies shall immediately be reported to the casino compliance representatives.
(s) Decks of cards in an envelope or container that are inspected as required under subsection (q) and found to be without any indication of tampering, marks, alterations, missing or additional cards or anything that might indicate unfair play, with the exception of plastic cards used at Poker which are of sufficient quality for reuse, shall be destroyed or cancelled within 5 days of collection. Cards submitted to the Board shall be destroyed or cancelled within 5 days of release from the Board.
(1) Destruction of cards must be by shredding.
(2) Cancellation of cards must be by drilling a circular hole of at least 1/4 inch in diameter through the center of each card in the deck.
(3) The destruction or cancellation of cards must take place in a secure location in the licensed facility covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system, the physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f).
(t) If a deck of plastic cards has been reused 12 or more times and the deck has been determined to be suitable for reuse by the individual performing the inspection procedures required under subsection (q)(3), before the deck may be reused at a Poker table, the deck shall be inspected by a Poker shift manager or floorperson. A satisfactory inspection shall be documented by the Poker shift manager or floorperson. If the Poker shift manager or floorperson determines that the deck may not be reused, the deck shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container, with a label attached which identifies the date and time the deck was placed in the envelope or container and shall be signed by the Poker shift manager or floorperson. At the end of the gaming day or at other times as may be necessary, the envelope or container shall be collected by a security department employee and returned to the security department for destruction or cancellation in accordance with subsection (s).
(u) If a certificate holder elects to preinspect and preshuffle cards at a closed gaming table prior to the delivery of the cards to an open gaming table, the procedures in this subsection shall be performed by a dealer and supervised by a floorperson or above with no concurrent supervisory responsibility for open gaming tables. A schedule of the proposed time and location for the preinspection and preshuffling shall be provided to the casino compliance representatives at least 24 hours prior to commencement of the process. The procedures required under paragraphs (1)—(7) shall be recorded by the surveillance department and each recording shall be retained by the certificate holder for at least 7 days.
(1) Upon receipt of the decks of cards in accordance with subsection (e), the dealer shall perform the procedures in paragraphs (2)—(7) independently for each batch of cards that will be sealed in a container in accordance with paragraph (7), with the number of decks of cards in each batch being equal to the number of decks of cards required for the table game in which the decks are intended to be used.
(2) The dealer shall visually inspect the back of each card to assure that it is not flawed, scratched or marked in any way that might compromise the integrity or fairness of the game.
(3) The dealer shall then, either by hand or by using a machine approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations, in accordance with § 461a.4 inspect the front of each card to insure that all cards are present and that there are no extra cards in the deck.
(4) If after inspection, a card is determined to be unsuitable for use, or the deck is missing a card or an extra card is found, the following procedures shall be observed:
(i) The deck containing the unsuitable, missing or extra card shall be placed in an envelope or container which shall be identified by table number, date and time the deck of cards was placed in the envelope or container and signed by the dealer and floorperson or above performing the preinspection and preshuffle.
(ii) The sealed envelope or container containing the deck containing the unsuitable, missing or extra card shall be maintained by the floorperson or above until collection by a security department employee at the conclusion of the preinspection and preshuffling procedure.
(5) The dealer shall then shuffle the cards by hand or by using an automated card shuffling device.
(6) Upon completion of the preinspection and preshuffling process of the cards in the batch, the dealer and floorperson or above shall complete a two-part Preshuffled/Preinspected Form or other documentation, which includes, at a minimum, the following:
(i) The time and date the Preshuffled/Preinspected Form was prepared.
(ii) The number of decks in the batch.
(iii) The table games at which the batch will be utilized if the batch contains more or less than 52 cards per deck. For example: if the batch contains jokers, the game of Pai Gow Poker must appear on the label; if the batch does not contain 10s, Spanish 21 must appear on the label.
(iv) The signature of the dealer who preinspected and preshuffled the cards, certifying that the cards were preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with this subsection.
(v) The signature of the floorperson or above who witnessed and verified the preinspection and preshuffling.
(vi) The time, date and gaming table to which the sealed container of cards is subsequently delivered.
(vii) The signature of the floorperson or above who delivered the sealed container of cards to the gaming table in accordance with paragraph (9).
(7) The dealer shall then place the preinspected and preshuffled batch of cards, together with the Preshuffled/Preinspected Form or other documentation, in a clear container that conforms to the requirements of subsection (j) and seal the container with a prenumbered label unique to the container. Procedures for the maintenance and security of unused seals, and the distribution, return and reconciliation of seals used on containers holding preinspected and preshuffled cards shall be included in the certificate holder's internal controls.
(8) The sealed containers of cards shall be transported by either:
(i) A pit manager or above or Poker shift manager to the gaming pit of the gaming tables where the cards will be utilized and locked in the pit stand.
(ii) An assistant table games shift manager or above and a security department employee to the approved storage area or Poker storage area where the cards shall be placed back into the card inventory and segregated from cards that have not been preinspected and preshuffled. A record of the transport of the sealed containers of cards to the approved storage area shall be maintained by the security department in a manner consistent with the certificate holder's approved internal controls.
(9) When the preinspected and preshuffled cards are needed for play, each container of cards shall be delivered by a floorperson or above to an open gaming table. Upon delivery, the floorperson or above shall unseal the container, place the decks of cards on the gaming table in front of the dealer, complete and sign the Preshuffled/Preinspected Form, drop the original Preshuffled/Preinspected Form in a locked box in the gaming pit and forward the copy of the Preshuffled/Preinspected Form to the security department.
(10) The dealer at the gaming table shall then cut the cards in the manner prescribed by the rules governing the particular table game.
(v) A certificate holder may use preinspected and preshuffled decks or batches of decks obtained from a licensed manufacturer or supplier in the same manner as decks or batches of decks that are preinspected and preshuffled under subsection (u) if the licensed manufacturer or supplier has been approved to provide preinspected and preshuffled decks or batches of decks by the Board's Executive Director.
§ 603a.17. Dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices.
(a) The following words and terms when used in this section have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Base plate—The interior shelf of the dealing shoe on which the cards rest.
Face plate—The front wall of the dealing shoe against which the next card to be dealt rests and which typically contains a cutout.
(b) Each manual dealing shoe must be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game at which the shoe is used and include the following features, at a minimum:
(1) At least the first 4 inches of the base plate must be white.
(2) The sides of the shoe below the base plate must:
(i) Be transparent, have a transparent sealed cutout or be otherwise constructed to prevent any object from being placed into or removed from the portion of the dealing shoe below the base plate.
(ii) Permit the inspection of this portion of the shoe.
(3) A stop underneath the top of the face plate that precludes the next card to be dealt from being moved upwards for more than 1/8 inch distance.
(c) For a manual dealing shoe used in Minibaccarat, Midibaccarat or Baccarat, the dealing shoe, in addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (b), must also meet the following specifications:
(1) Have a removable lid that is opaque from the point where it meets the face plate to a point at least 4 inches from the face plate.
(2) The sides and back above the base plate must be opaque.
(3) Have a device within the shoe, which when engaged, prevents the cards from moving backward in the shoe.
(d) An automated card shuffling device may be utilized, in addition to a manual or automated dealing shoe, if the automated card shuffling device has been submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations and approved in accordance with § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval).
(e) An automated shuffling device must meet a 95% confidence level using a standard chi-squared test for goodness of fit.
(f) An automated card shuffling device may not provide any information that can be used to aid a patron in the projecting of the outcome of a game, tracking of the cards played and cards remaining to be played, analyzing the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to a game, or analyzing the strategy for playing or betting to be used in a game.
(g) At the beginning of each gaming day and prior to any cards being placed in them, the dealing shoes and automated card shuffling devices to be used for gaming shall be inspected by the floorperson assigned to the table to assure that there has not been tampering with the shoe or automated card shuffling device. Evidence of tampering discovered at this time shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives. The report must include, at a minimum:
(1) The date and time when the tampering was discovered.
(2) The name and signature of the individual discovering the tampering.
(3) The table number where the dealing shoe or shuffler was used.
(4) The name and signature of the person assigned to directly operate and conduct the game and the supervisor assigned the responsibility for supervising the operation and conduct of the game.
§ 603a.18. Pai Gow tiles; physical characteristics.
(a) Pai Gow shall be played with a set of 32 rectangular tiles. Each tile in a set must be identical in size and shading to every other tile in the set.
(b) Each tile used must:
(1) Be made of a nontransparent black material, formed in the shape of a rectangle, and be no smaller than 2 1/2 inches in length, 1 inch in width and 3/8 inch in thickness.
(2) Have the surface of each of its sides perfectly flat, except that the front side of each tile must contain spots which extend into the tile exactly the same distance as every other spot.
(3) Have on the back or front of each tile an identifying feature unique to each certificate holder.
(4) Have an identical texture and finish on each side, with the exception of the front side containing the spots.
(5) Have no tile within a set contain any markings, symbols or designs that would enable a patron to know the identity of any element on the front side of the tile or that would distinguish any tile from any other tile within a set.
(6) Have identifying spots on the front side of the tiles which are either red or white, or both.
(c) Pai Gow tiles may not be utilized in a licensed facility unless a detailed schematic depicting the actual size and identifying feature on the tiles has been submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations in accordance with § 601a.10(a) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(d) Each set of tiles shall be packaged separately and sealed in accordance with § 603a.19 (relating to Pai Gow tiles; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use).
§ 603a.19. Pai Gow tiles; receipt, storage, inspection and removal from use.
(a) When sets of tiles are received from a manufacturer or supplier, the tiles must immediately be unloaded under the supervision of at least two people, one of whom shall be an assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department, and transported to a secure area which is covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system. The boxes of tiles shall then be inspected by the assistant table games shift manager or above and one employee from the security department to assure that the seals on each box are intact, unbroken and free from tampering. Boxes that do not satisfy these criteria shall be inspected at this time to assure that the tiles contained therein conform to the requirements of this chapter and there is no evidence of tampering. Boxes satisfying these criteria, together with boxes having unbroken, intact and untampered seals shall then be placed for storage in a storage area, the location and physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f) (relating to approval of table game layouts, signage and equipment).
(b) Sets of tiles which are to be distributed to gaming pits or tables for use in gaming shall be distributed from the approved storage area.
(c) The approved storage area must have two separate locks. The security department shall maintain one key and the table games department shall maintain the other key. A person employed by the table games department below an assistant table games shift manager in the organization hierarchy may not have access to the table games department key.
(d) Immediately prior to the commencement of each gaming day and at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above, in the presence of a security department employee, shall remove the appropriate number of sets of tiles for that gaming day from the approved storage area.
(e) Envelopes and containers used to hold or transport tiles must be:
(1) Transparent.
(2) Designed or constructed with seals so that any tampering is evident.
(3) Submitted to the Bureau of Gaming Operations and approved in accordance with § 601a.10(a).
(f) The assistant table games shift manager or above shall distribute sufficient sets of tiles to the pit manager or above in each Pai Gow pit.
(1) The pit manager or above shall then distribute the sets of tiles to the dealer at each Pai Gow table and place extra sets of tiles in the reserve in the pit stand.
(2) Sets of tiles in the reserve shall be placed in a locked compartment in the pit stand, keys to which shall be in the possession of the pit manager or above.
(g) If during the course of play any damaged tile is detected, the dealer or a floorperson shall immediately notify the pit manager or above. The pit manager or above shall bring a substitute set of tiles to the table from the reserve in the pit stand to replace the entire set of tiles.
(1) The set of damaged tiles shall be placed in an envelope or container, identified by table number, date and time the tiles were placed in the envelope or container and sealed and signed by the dealer and the floorperson responsible for supervising the table or the pit manager or above.
(2) The pit manager or above shall maintain the sealed envelope or container in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(h) The floorperson responsible for supervising the table or the pit manager or above shall collect used tiles which shall be placed in an envelope or container when removed from active use.
(1) A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the table number, date and time the tiles were placed in the envelope or container and sealed and signed by the dealer and the floorperson responsible for supervising the table or the pit manager or above.
(2) The pit manager or above shall maintain the sealed envelopes or containers in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(i) A certificate holder shall remove any tiles at any time of the gaming day if there is any indication of tampering, flaws or other defects that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game, or at the request of a casino compliance representative or other Board employee.
(1) A label shall be attached to each envelope or container which identifies the table number, date and time the tiles were placed in the envelope or container and sealed and signed by the dealer and the floorperson responsible for supervising the table or the pit manager or above.
(2) The pit manager or above shall maintain the sealed envelopes or containers in a secure place within the pit until collection by a security department employee.
(j) Extra sets of tiles in the reserve which have been opened shall be placed in an envelope or container with a label attached to each envelope or container which identifies the date and time the tiles were placed in the envelope or container and sealed and is signed by the pit manager or above.
(k) At the end of each gaming day or in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), and at other times as may be necessary, a security department employee shall collect and sign all envelopes or containers with damaged tiles, tiles used during the gaming day, and all extra tiles in the reserve which have been opened, and return the envelopes or containers to the security department.
(l) At the end of each gaming day or in the alternative, at least once each gaming day, as designated by the certificate holder and approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(g), at other times as may be necessary, an assistant table games shift manager or above may collect all extra sets of tiles in the reserve which have not been opened. If collected, all unopened sets of tiles shall either be cancelled, destroyed or returned to the approved storage area.
(m) When envelopes or containers of used tiles and reserve sets of tiles which have been opened are returned to the security department, the tiles shall be inspected for tampering, marks, alterations, missing or additional tiles or anything that might indicate unfair play.
(1) The procedures for inspecting sets of tiles must include the following, at a minimum:
(i) The sorting of tiles by pairs.
(ii) The visual inspection of the sides and back of each tile for tampering, markings or alterations.
(iii) The inspection of the sides and back of each tile with an ultraviolet light.
(2) The individual performing the inspection shall complete a work order form which details the procedures performed, lists the tables from which the tiles were removed and the results of the inspection. The individual shall sign the form upon completion of the inspection procedures.
(3) The certificate holder shall submit the training procedures for the employees performing the inspections required under this subsection in its internal controls.
(4) Evidence of tampering, marks, alterations, missing or additional tiles or anything that might indicate unfair play discovered during the inspection, or at any other time, shall be immediately reported to the casino compliance representatives by the completion and delivery of a two-part Tile Discrepancy Report.
(i) The two-part report must include the tiles which are the subject of the report.
(ii) The tiles shall be retained by the casino compliance representatives for further inspection.
(iii) The casino compliance representative receiving the tiles shall sign the original and duplicate copy of the tile discrepancy report and retain the original. The duplicate copy shall be retained by the certificate holder.
(n) If after completing the inspection procedures required in subsection (m), it is determined that a complete set of 32 tiles removed from a gaming table is free from tampering, markings or alterations, the set shall be packaged separately and sealed before being returned to the Pai Gow storage area for subsequent use. The certificate holder shall develop internal control procedures for returning the repackaged tiles to the tile inventory in accordance with subsection (p).
(o) Individual tiles from different sets may not be used to make a complete set for subsequent gaming. A certificate holder may, in accordance with its approved internal controls, create replacement and reconstructed sets in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) If after completing the inspection procedures required under subsection (m), it is determined that any tiles have scratches or other markings on the back, sides or edges which make the tiles unsuitable for continued use, the tiles shall be removed from the set and destroyed in accordance with subsection (q). The remaining usable tiles from the set shall then be designated as a replacement set. The individual removing the tiles from a set shall complete a two-part form. The duplicate copy of the form shall be retained with the replacement set and the security department shall retain the original. The two-part form must:
(i) Include the date and time the tiles were removed from the set.
(ii) Identify the specific tile or tiles removed from the set and sent for destruction.
(iii) Contain the name and signature of the individuals involved.
(2) The assistant table games shift manager or above shall return the replacement set, accompanied by the duplicate copy of the form, to the tile inventory in accordance with subsection (p). Replacement sets shall be inventoried and stored separately from any stored and new, used or complete reconstructed sets.
(3) Tiles in one or more replacement sets may be used to create a complete reconstructed set of tiles in accordance with the following procedures:
(i) The assistant table games shift manager or above shall conduct an inspection of each reconstructed set in the storage area, in the presence of a security department employee, and ensure that any replacement tile possesses the same color, texture and finish as all other tiles in the reconstructed set. The assistant table games shift manager or above shall sort the tiles by pairs and verify the needed replacement tile or tiles and visually inspect the sides, backs and edges of each tile in the reconstructed set for tampering, markings and alterations and for comparison as to shading, texture and finish.
(ii) Once a complete set of tiles has been satisfactorily reconstructed from replacement sets, the assistant table games shift manager or above shall attach a label to the envelope or container for the reconstructed set. The label must include the date and time of reconstruction and contain the signature of the assistant table games shift manager or above and the security department employee who witnessed the inspection. The label must also identify the inspection steps that were followed to determine that the reconstructed set of tiles is suitable for use in gaming.
(iii) The certificate holder shall submit internal control procedures for returning the reconstructed sets into inventory, identifying all reconstructed sets and maintaining an accurate inventory balance of remaining replacement sets.
(p) Certificate holders shall submit internal control procedures, in accordance with § 465a.2 (relating to internal control systems and audit protocols), for:
(1) An inventory system which includes records of at least the following:
(i) The balance of sets of tiles on hand.
(ii) The sets of tiles removed from storage.
(iii) The sets of tiles returned to storage or received from a manufacturer or supplier.
(iv) The date of each transaction.
(v) The signatures of the individuals involved.
(2) A reconciliation on a daily basis of:
(i) The sets of tiles distributed.
(ii) The sets of tiles destroyed or cancelled.
(iii) The sets of tiles returned to the approved storage area.
(iv) The sets of tiles in the tile reserve in a pit stand.
(3) A physical inventory of the sets of tiles at least once every 3 months.
(i) The inventory shall be performed by an individual with no incompatible functions and shall be verified to the balance of the sets of tiles on hand required in paragraph (1)(i).
(ii) Discrepancies shall immediately be reported to the casino compliance representatives.
(q) Destruction or cancellation of tiles other than those retained for Board inspection, shall be completed within 5 days of collection. The method of destruction or cancellation shall be included in the certificate holder's internal controls. The destruction or cancellation of tiles shall take place in a secure location in the licensed facility covered by the slot machine licensee's surveillance system, the physical characteristics of which shall be approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance in accordance with § 601a.10(f).
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-894. Filed for public inspection May 11, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
