Section 621a.4. Opening of the table for gaming; mixing procedures

(a) After receiving one set of tiles at the table, the dealer shall sort and inspect the tiles and the floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection. Nothing in this section precludes a certificate holder from cleaning the tiles prior to the inspection required herein. The tiles at the gaming table shall be inspected as follows:

(1) Each set of tiles shall be sorted into pairs to assure that the Supreme Pair and all 15 matched and unmatched pairs, as identified in § 621a.3 (relating to Pai Gow tiles; ranking of hands, pairs and tiles; value of the hand), are in the set.

(2) Each tile shall be placed side by side to determine that all tiles are the same size and shading.

(3) The back and sides of each tile shall be examined to assure that it is not flawed, scratched or marked in any way.

(i) If the dealer finds that certain tiles are unsuitable for use, a floorperson or above shall bring another set of tiles to the table from the reserve in the pit stand.

(ii) The unsuitable set of tiles shall be placed in a sealed envelope or container, identified by table number, date and time and signed by the dealer and floorperson or above.

(b) Following the inspection of the tiles and the verification by the floorperson assigned to the table, the tiles shall be turned face up, placed into 16 pairs and arranged according to rank starting with the Supreme Pair. The tiles shall be left in pairs for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table.

(c) After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the tiles, the tiles shall be turned face down on the table and mixed thoroughly.

(d) The dealer shall mix the tiles with the heels of the hands. The dealer shall mix the tiles in a circular motion with one hand moving clockwise and the other hand moving counterclockwise. Each hand shall complete at least eight circular motions to provide a random mixing. The dealer shall then randomly pick up four tiles with each hand and place them side by side in stacks in front of the table inventory container, forming eight stacks of four tiles.

(e) If during the stacking process described in subsection (d), a tile is turned over and exposed to the players, the entire set of tiles shall be remixed.

(f) After each round of play has been completed, the dealer shall turn all of the tiles face down and mix the tiles in accordance with subsection (d).

(g) If there is no gaming activity at the Pai Gow table, the tiles shall be turned face up and placed into 16 pairs according to rank starting with the Supreme Pair. Once a player arrives at the table, the dealer shall follow the procedures in subsections (c) and (d).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 621a.9 (relating to player bank; co-banking; selection of bank; procedures for dealing).