Pennsylvania Code
Title 58 - RECREATION
Part VII - GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K - Table games
Chapter 603a - TABLE GAME EQUIPMENT
Section 603a.17 - Dealing shoes; automated card shuffling devices

Universal Citation: 58 PA Code ยง 603a.17

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024

(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.

This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 461a.4 (relating to submission for testing and approval); and 58 Pa. Code § 607a.2 (relating to table game device master list).

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