Pennsylvania Regulator Grants Waiver for Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker Side Bets
On July 24, 2024, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved new paytables for certain blackjack side wagers but denied a waiver for Match the Dealer using the down card.
Key Takeaways
- On July 24, 2024, PGCB approved waivers for new paytables on Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker blackjack side wagers.
- The Match the Dealer wager request to use the down card was denied but can be pursued through regulatory amendment.
- Waiver grants allow operators to introduce approved side bets without undergoing full rulemaking.
- PGCB maintains strict oversight while promoting innovation in Pennsylvania's regulated casino sector.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approved new paytables for Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker blackjack side wagers via a waiver granted on July 24, 2024. The Board simultaneously denied a waiver request for the Match the Dealer wager that would have allowed use of the down card, clarifying that this decision does not prevent applicants from pursuing a regulatory change moving forward.
PGCB Approves Additional Paytables for Blackjack Side Wagers
The focus of the recent PGCB decision was on enabling a broader array of house-backed wager types within the boundaries of Pennsylvania's casino sector. The July 24, 2024 ruling specifically authorises operators to offer new paytables for two side bets:
- Bet the Set 21: Now available with additional approved paytables beyond those previously permitted, giving operators greater flexibility.
- Three Card Poker: Blackjack variant side bets involving three-card combinations have likewise received approval for the expanded paytables under this waiver.
These paytable changes permit increased diversity for customer offerings, subject to all other applicable regulations.
Denial of the Match the Dealer Down Card Waiver
In the same action, the PGCB denied a parallel waiver request concerning the Match the Dealer wager. The application sought to allow use of the dealer's down card when determining outcomes for this bet type. The regulator found that this fell outside the current regulatory framework for blackjack side wagers.
Importantly, the PGCB clarified that denial of the waiver "does not prohibit seeking to have regs adopted"—meaning that stakeholders interested in implementing Match the Dealer with down card rules may initiate the regulatory amendment process. Any such petition would follow the formal rulemaking path required under Commonwealth law.
What Approved Paytables Mean for Operators
Pennsylvania's waiver system grants regulated gaming operators the ability to introduce new paytables for approved games without full-scale rulemaking. The July 2024 approvals for Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker open the door for:
- faster deployment of innovative in-game wagering options
- responsive updates aligned to market demand within the bounds of compliance
"Denial does not prohibit seeking to have regs adopted." — Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board communication, July 24, 2024
While the Match the Dealer down card variation was not approved at this stage, the process enables continued industry engagement with the regulator.
The PGCB Waiver Process and Regulatory Path Forward
The PGCB exercises discretion in granting or denying waivers for specific wagering options presented by licensed gaming entities. Approved waivers can increase operational flexibility but remain subject to ongoing oversight and later rulemaking, and do not supersede Commonwealth regulations.
For stakeholders considering future side wager proposals, the PGCB's recent actions illustrate two available channels:
- Waiver Request: For minor modifications or additions within the Board’s established remit, waivers can expedite introduction of game variants.
- Regulatory Amendment Petition: Where a proposed change falls outside existing regulations—as with Match the Dealer's use of the down card—stakeholders may submit a formal request for regulatory change, prompting full review and possible adoption as a permanent rule.
The current landscape encourages active but orderly innovation in Pennsylvania's regulated gaming market.
Implications for Pennsylvania's Casino Industry
With the approval of new paytables for Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker, operators can enrich their blackjack side-wager offerings to meet evolving player expectations while remaining compliant. The separation between a waiver and a regulatory amendment provides a clear path for addressing both routine changes and more substantial rule innovations. Regulatory clarity facilitates operator planning and supports continued engagement between the industry and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Developments
Pennsylvania’s progressive attitude to gaming regulation is exemplified by the PGCB’s willingness to consider both targeted waivers and broader regulatory petitions. The industry is advised to monitor regulation updates for further developments regarding side wagers and paytable issues. The Board’s decision structure provides for new gaming content while maintaining rigorous oversight, ensuring game integrity and consumer protection remain at the forefront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the PGCB approve in its July 24, 2024 waiver decision?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved waivers for expanded paytables on Bet the Set 21 and Three Card Poker blackjack side wagers on July 24, 2024, permitting operators to offer new variants within compliance.
Did the regulator allow Match the Dealer to use the dealer's down card?
No, the PGCB denied the waiver request for Match the Dealer to include use of the down card, citing its incompatibility with the current regulatory framework.
Can the denial of Match the Dealer be appealed or revisited?
The denial does not prevent stakeholders from seeking a regulatory amendment, so interested parties may still pursue adoption of new rules through formal channels.
How does the waiver process differ from regulatory amendment in Pennsylvania?
A waiver can allow specific changes or additions under established guidelines, while a regulatory amendment requires formal rulemaking and wider review by the PGCB.
Tags
About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
More from Eleanor Whitfield
