PGCB grants exemption to Evolution to launch Top Card in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) granted Evolution a regulatory exemption on December 28, 2022, enabling the offering of the game Top Card in Pennsylvania. This permission allows Evolution to operate this variant of Casino War by introducing a differentiated mechanic for resolving tied hands and establishing specific payout ratios for these ties.

Details of the exemption for Top Card

The specific exemption from the PGCB involves the suspension of rule 651a.2(b)(2), applicable to card games in physical casinos and licensed online casino platforms in Pennsylvania. Thanks to this decision, Evolution can offer the game Top Card, marking an expansion in the variety of live casino products available in the state market.

Resolution of tied hands – a key modification

The crux of the exemption is the modification of how tied hands are resolved in Top Card. Instead of requiring a new bet to continue the game (as is the case in the standard version of Casino War), the hand ends and a fixed payout is made when both cards tie.

According to the terms of the permission:

• Ties are resolved without an additional 'War' bet.
• Players receive a payout of 11 to 1 if their cards tie with the dealer's.

This mechanic simplifies game flow and reduces the risk of additional betting by the player, aligning Top Card with regulatory frameworks and observed preferences in the region.

Implications for Evolution and the online casino market in Pennsylvania

Evolution, an authorized provider for operating live casino in Pennsylvania, expands its game portfolio with the introduction of Top Card. This responds to a local trend of catalog diversification, where operators seek new experiences to retain and attract users in a competitive environment.

The regulatory modification strengthens Evolution's position against other providers with traditional offerings. Licensed online casino operators will be able to incorporate Top Card into their lobby, subject to meeting the integrity and transparency standards imposed by the PGCB.

"The approval of Top Card through exemption represents a step forward in regulatory flexibility, allowing the adaptation of global games to the Pennsylvania context," stated a PGCB spokesperson in the official announcement.

Context: regulation of card games in Pennsylvania

The regulatory environment for gaming in Pennsylvania has shown dynamism in evaluating new modalities and online game variants (more information in the regulation section). The flexibility displayed in this case is part of the PGCB's strategy to stimulate innovation without compromising consumer protection or responsible gaming controls.

Such exemptions are typically granted after detailed proposals from providers, in this case Evolution, that include:

1. Justification of the proposed change.
2. Evaluation of player risk.
3. Projection of the impact on product integrity and appeal.

After a technical and legal review, the PGCB decided to grant the exception, which may set a precedent for similar requests from other companies.

How the exemption affects the B2B ecosystem

For operators and other B2B providers in the Pennsylvania casino market, the approval of Top Card signals the regulator's willingness to consider product adjustments that enhance offerings without increasing complexity or user risk. The precedent could open the door to additional variants of popular games, provided they are properly justified and ensure clear payout mechanisms, such as the 11 to 1 payout for ties in this case.

The regulatory evolution may also impact integration processes for platforms, which will need to adapt internal workflows and reporting systems to accommodate new game rules, both from a technical and compliance standpoint.

Prospects for Evolution's portfolio and upcoming regulatory steps

The launch of Top Card positions Evolution as a benchmark in new variants of live casino within Pennsylvania. Additionally, it shows the regulator's openness for the market to evolve alongside the demand from operators and players. It is expected that other companies will study this case to propose similar initiatives to the PGCB, seeking to diversify offerings within safe and regulated parameters.