PGCB grants exemption for new blackjack side bet paytables
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board authorized new paytables for 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker' side bets in blackjack but denied the request for 'Match the Dealer'.
Key Takeaways
- The PGCB approved the use of additional paytables for 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker' in blackjack on July 24, 2024.
- The request to use the down card in the 'Match the Dealer' bet was rejected, but this can be pursued via regulatory amendment.
- The granted exemptions expand the regulated offering of side bets in Pennsylvania casinos.
- Operators must fully comply with the existing regulations unless future modifications are approved.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) approved on July 24, 2024, a regulatory exemption that allows the use of additional paytables for the side bets 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker' in blackjack within the Pennsylvania market. However, the request to utilize the down card for the side bet 'Match the Dealer' was denied. This denial does not prevent interested parties from proposing formal regulatory modifications in the future.
Exemption Granted for New Paytables in Side Bets
On July 24, 2024, the PGCB authorized blackjack operators to implement additional paytables for the side bets 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker'. Exemptions of this type are part of the regulatory process when a stakeholder presents technical and compliance arguments for modifying the allowed operations. The approval implies that physically established casino operators and online casino license holders can offer a variety of payouts in these side bets, as long as they comply with the general blackjack regulations in Pennsylvania.
Denial of the Use of Down Card for 'Match the Dealer'
On the same day, the request to authorize the use of the down card for the side bet 'Match the Dealer' was denied by the PGCB. The regulator expressly indicated that this denial does not block the regulatory avenue for promoting future formal amendments to the regulation. This means that if operators or suppliers believe that the proposed mechanism benefits the blackjack offering and meets integrity and player protection requirements, they can submit a request to evaluate a change in the standard regulation.
Potential Paths for Future Regulation
By denying the use of the down card through the exemption route, the PGCB left open the possibility for a formal regulatory modification proposal. According to standard policy, these processes include:
- Formal submission of the proposed regulatory change to the PGCB.
- Technical and legal assessment of the impact on game integrity and user experience.
- Public comment period and industry consultation.
- Final decision by the PGCB after reviewing comments and technical studies.
Implications for Operators and Suppliers
Licensed casino operators and online gaming platforms in Pennsylvania will be able to diversify their blackjack offering through the newly authorized paytables for 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker'. However, they must refrain from using the down card in 'Match the Dealer' unless they achieve a specific modification to the regulation.
Casino technology suppliers interested in these variations of side bets must ensure their products comply with regulations and seek additional exemptions or formal processes if they wish to introduce changes in other types of bets or game rules.
“The denial of the exemption for 'Match the Dealer' does not prohibit seeking regulatory adoption,” emphasized the PGCB in its official notification.
Continuous Oversight and Ongoing Regulatory Process
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board maintains strict oversight over modification requests in table games like blackjack. The board ensures that the exemptions granted do not affect game integrity or player protection. The transparent review process and potential future modifications allow operators and suppliers to adapt their offering as the market evolves under the current legal framework.
For more information on regulatory processes in the gaming sector, you can consult the regulation section of our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the PGCB authorize regarding side bets in blackjack?
The PGCB authorized the use of additional paytables for the 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker' side bets in blackjack, thereby expanding the variety of payouts offered by operators in Pennsylvania.
What does the denial mean for the 'Match the Dealer' bet?
The PGCB denied the use of the down card for 'Match the Dealer'; however, this decision does not prevent formal regulatory change proposals from being submitted in the future.
Can operators request new regulatory modifications after the PGCB's ruling?
Yes, operators or suppliers can submit requests to modify the standard blackjack regulation, following the formal procedure with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
How does this exemption impact blackjack offerings in Pennsylvania?
The exemption allows licensed operators to diversify side bets by offering new paytables for 'Bet the Set 21' and 'Three Card Poker', within the regulatory limits.
Tags
About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
More from Miguel Sandoval
