Pennsylvania Grants Blackjack and Spanish 21 Waivers to DraftKings and Roar Digital

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) granted two significant waivers in August 2020. DraftKings and Roar Digital received regulatory approval to offer enhanced payouts on Spanish 21 and Blackjack side wagers, marking a notable shift in how these games are presented to players at Pennsylvania-licensed casinos and platforms.

Waiver Overview: Enhanced Table Game Payouts Approved

On or around 27 August 2020, DraftKings secured a waiver for Spanish 21 games in Pennsylvania. The waiver provided relief from § 635a.12(c), specifically authorizing a Super Bonus payout of $200 for wagers placed between $1 and $4. Four days later, on or about 31 August 2020, Roar Digital was granted a separate waiver for Blackjack. This second measure pertained to § 633a.13(k), enabling the operator to add a Suited Three-of-a-kind payout of 100 to the 21+3 side wager, also known as the three card poker side wager.

DraftKings’ Super Bonus on Spanish 21

DraftKings’ application for regulatory relief centred on Spanish 21—a Blackjack variant with distinctive bonus structures. The approved waiver allows DraftKings to pay a $200 Super Bonus to players making qualified $1–$4 bets. This is a direct exception to standard PGCB table games regulations, specifically § 635a.12(c), which would otherwise limit or prohibit such a payout structure.

• Game: Spanish 21
• Operator: DraftKings
• Payout: $200 Super Bonus
• Qualified wager: $1–$4
• Regulation affected: § 635a.12(c)

This change gives DraftKings an approved edge in expanding their Spanish 21 offerings, likely increasing game engagement.

Roar Digital's Adjustment for Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet

Roar Digital, the authorized manufacturer, sought and obtained a waiver for Blackjack 21+3 side wagers. The approval, linked to § 633a.13(k), allows for a Suited Three-of-a-kind payout of 100. This side bet is commonly referred to as the three card poker side wager. The update enables Roar Digital-partnered platforms or floors to distinguish themselves by offering the enhanced payout, in line with player demand for higher-value side bet wins.

• Game: Blackjack (21+3 side wager)
• Operator: Roar Digital
• Payout: Suited Three-of-a-kind at 100
• Regulation affected: § 633a.13(k)

Regulatory Process and Compliance Context

Both waivers were formally issued by the PGCB in response to operators’ written requests. The board reviewed each application in the context of Pennsylvania gaming regulations, which set clear standards for game rules and payouts. Waivers of this kind indicate the PGCB's willingness to consider operator requests for product differentiation, provided compliance and player protection standards are maintained. Each waiver is explicit in the regulatory section it addresses, offering a transparent compliance route for all stakeholders.

Impact on the Pennsylvania Casino Market

Regulatory flexibility on payout mechanics may spur similar applications from other operators seeking to innovate within permitted boundaries. The measures granted to DraftKings and Roar Digital align with a broader industry pattern, where table game variants and side bets evolve to meet shifting player expectations. Licensing bodies like the PGCB have a central role in adjudicating such exceptions, aiming to balance market dynamism against secure and responsible play (see more in regulation).

DraftKings and Roar Digital’s 2020 waivers likely influenced competitive positioning in the Pennsylvania casino sector, given the high visibility of their respective brands.

What Operators Need to Know

Operators aiming to modify table games in Pennsylvania must seek formal waivers from the PGCB when their proposals fall outside published regulations. As demonstrated by recent approvals for DraftKings and Roar Digital, exception requests should identify the regulatory section in question and detail the product upgrade. Given the transparent publication of such waivers by the PGCB, competing entities have clear visibility into market developments and compliance steps (track market updates in news).

"On or about August 27, 2020, DraftKings was granted a waiver regarding Spanish 21. Specifically, a waiver was issued relating to § 635a.12(c), permitting a Super Bonus payout of $200 for a wager placed between $1 and $4." — Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

"On or about August 31, 2020, Roar Digital was granted a waiver regarding Blackjack. Specifically, a waiver was granted regarding § 633a.13(k) for the 21+3 side wager (aka three card poker side wager) adding a Suited Three-of-a-kind payout of 100." — Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

These waivers represent ongoing dialogue between large operators and the PGCB on approved innovation in table games across Pennsylvania’s regulated casino landscape.