PGCB Grants Waiver for Evolution’s Top Card Casino War Variant

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has approved a waiver allowing Evolution to introduce its Top Card game—a variant of Casino War—in the state. This regulatory decision means Evolution can award 11-to-1 payouts on tied hands and resolves ties without requiring players to make a further War wager, marking a small but notable shift in the regulatory treatment of this casino product.

What the PGCB Waiver Means for Evolution’s Top Card

On December 28, 2022, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issued a waiver around regulation 651a.2(b)(2), directly impacting Evolution’s product suite in the state. This waiver specifically permits Top Card, a Casino War variation, to settle tied hands immediately with an 11-to-1 payout rather than requiring an additional War wager—a departure from the standard game model.

For operators working within Pennsylvania, this regulatory change opens up a new product flow: games can close out after an initial tied hand rather than proceeding to another wagering round. This change can influence both player experience and operational pacing in live and online casino contexts.

Evolution’s Position in the Pennsylvania Casino Market

Evolution has already established its footprint in multiple regulated U.S. jurisdictions. By leveraging this waiver, the company can diversify its table game offerings for Pennsylvania licensees. Top Card joins Evolution’s extensive catalogue of table games, each adapted to meet or exceed regulatory requirements in casino markets across North America.

The 11-to-1 payout on tied hands is a material variance from traditional Casino War formats, where ties frequently result in the War wager mechanic. The PGCB’s decision signals regulatory openness to variants with modified player-facing math, provided safeguards and transparency are observed.

“This waiver recognizes Evolution’s request to settle Top Card ties with an 11-to-1 payout, and exempts the game from the standard War wager process,” said a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Regulation 651a.2(b)(2): Implications for Game Design

Regulation 651a.2(b)(2) sets the standards for casino table game operations in Pennsylvania. By granting a waiver to Evolution, the PGCB has clarified its willingness to consider game-specific exceptions when the underlying player value proposition and risk profile remain clear and well-communicated. The main elements of the waiver are:

• Tied hands in Top Card are settled instantly, not with an extra War bet
• Tied hands are paid out at 11 to 1 odds
• No further War wager is required in the event of a tie

The regulatory language and process establish an incremental precedent for future consideration of table game variants, subject to case-by-case review.

Operational Impact for Pennsylvania Casinos

Pennsylvania-licensed operators working with Evolution can now integrate Top Card into their live and online table game floors. This move could broaden their offering to include more streamlined game rounds without the additional time and transaction complexity of War wagers. For platform and B2B suppliers, the waiver removes a key regulatory hurdle to deployment.

The waiver directly supports Evolution’s ability to offer differentiated math models within the regulated framework. It means casino partners can promote the enhanced 11-to-1 tie payout as a unique selling point, appealing to both casual and seasoned Casino War players looking for alternatives in payout structure and game pace.

Evolution’s Broader Regulatory Strategy

Evolution’s approach in Pennsylvania aligns with its broader regulatory navigation across U.S. markets—engaging closely with state boards to tailor its product variants for compliance. As new games and rule adaptations reach market, operators remain attentive to ongoing regulation updates and precedent-setting waivers issued by state authorities like the PGCB.

For the wider industry, the PGCB’s ruling is an example of regulatory flexibility in U.S. casino product approval processes. Future submissions for waivers on table game mechanics will likely reference this as a benchmark, supporting innovation while maintaining oversight on payout structures and consumer protection mechanisms.