PGCB Approves Side Bet 21+3 for Evolution's Free Bet Blackjack

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) granted Evolution a specific waiver to offer the side bet 21+3 in its live dealer Free Bet Blackjack in Pennsylvania. As of October 5, 2022, this additional functionality is officially included in the provider's local catalog, thanks to the application of requirements established in the state's table gaming regulations.

Regulatory Details of the Authorization

The permission for the side bet 21+3 comes from a formal exemption granted by the PGCB under section 672a (Free Play Blackjack), which allows Evolution to operate this specific feature in its live version. The authorization was issued following an evaluation that confirmed its compatibility with the following Pennsylvania regulations:

• § 633a.6(e)(9): conditions for side bets in live card games
• § 633a.7(g)(8): control and reporting requirements for Blackjack games
• § 633a.13(k): security obligations and compliance verification

The inclusion of 21+3 means that players can place an additional bet based on the combination of their first two cards and the dealer's face-up card, replicating the logic of the popular side bet in global markets.

What the Side Bet 21+3 Means for Evolution and Operators

For Evolution, the approval of the side bet 21+3 strengthens the commercial position of its Free Bet Blackjack in Pennsylvania, a highly regulated market. Partner operators can now differentiate their live casino offerings, aligning with the user experience that Evolution already provides in other jurisdictions. This side bet option had been previously requested by operators seeking to increase playtime and revenue margins at live blackjack tables.

Free Bet Blackjack with 21+3 allows for the following:

• Optional side bet with payouts for poker combinations
• Availability through live dealers
• Compliance with all operational procedures and verification systems of the PGCB

The addition was reviewed for both technical aspects and security of Evolution's platform before its final authorization.

Regulatory Requirements and Adaptation to Pennsylvania Regulations

The PGCB has reinforced compliance controls over new table game features, implying that any additional functionality—such as the 21+3 bet—must undergo legal analysis and system validations. The waiver granted in October 2022 requires Evolution to conduct regular audits, maintain detailed operational records, and report any relevant incidents to local authorities.

The integration of side bets is part of a context where international providers adjust their products to each jurisdiction, adhering to regulatory differences. Consequently, Evolution becomes one of the few providers authorized to operate the side bet 21+3 in Free Bet Blackjack in that U.S. state.

Market Relevance and Next Steps

This measure reinforces the regulated framework of live casino gaming in Pennsylvania, opening the door for future requests for additional features from other providers and operators. Under the current framework, any innovation must be reviewed individually. The launching of new functionalities like 21+3 contributes to the competitiveness and dynamism of the live casino segment.

The PGCB's approval could incentivize other states to evaluate similar adaptations, especially given the active demand from operators looking to replicate the international standard offering in the U.S. market.

"The inclusion of side bets must strictly adhere to the provisions of the state's table gaming regulations" — Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Flexibility to incorporate side bets, always under thorough validation, consolidates as a mechanism to maintain legality and technological updates in the regulated ecosystem of U.S. casinos.