PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-08-002.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 230-15-055 Limit on number of players at each table.
Hearing Location(s): Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel/Convention Center, 201 North Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, on August 15, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: August 15, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Susan Arland, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, e-mail Susan2@wsgc.wa.gov, fax (360) 486-3625, by August 1, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Gail Grate, executive assistant, by August 1, 2008, TTY (360) 486-3637 or (360) 486-3453.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The commission filed a petition for rule change submitted by the Recreational Gaming Association (RGA) requesting that the number of players at a card table be increased from:
(1) Seven to nine at house-banked games, unless limited by manufacturer's rule; and
(2) Ten to twelve at nonhouse-banked games.
The RGA states that tribal venues are allowed up to nine players in house-banked card games and up to twelve players at poker tables, which is the industry standard. The RGA states that house-banked card rooms should be able to offer games at the same levels being offered at tribal casinos.
Staff's research found that tribal casinos allow up to nine players at house-banked tables and ten at poker tables. Additionally, tribal casinos are required to have tribal gaming agents on site during all times games are operated.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.46.070.
Statute Being Implemented: Not applicable.
Name of Proponent: Recreational Gaming Association, private.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Susan Arland, Rules Coordinator, Lacey, (360) 486-3466; Implementation: Rick Day, Director, Lacey, (360) 486-3446; and Enforcement: Mark Harris, Assistant Director, Lacey, (360) 486-3579.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business economic impact statement has not been prepared pursuant to RCW 19.85.025 because the change would not impose additional costs on businesses.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The Washington state gambling commission is not an agency that is statutorily required to prepare a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328.
May 14, 2008
Susan Arland
Rules Coordinator
OTS-1556.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 608, filed 4/10/07,
effective 1/1/08)
WAC 230-15-055
Limit on number of players at each table.
Card game licensees must ((only)) allow:
(1) Up to ((seven)) nine players or areas for wagering at
any table in house-banked card games limited only by
manufacturer rules.
(2) Up to ((ten)) twelve players at any table in
nonhouse-banked card games.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 9.46.070. 07-09-033 (Order 608), § 230-15-055, filed 4/10/07, effective 1/1/08.]