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): Red Lion Hotel, 303 West North River Drive, Spokane, WA 99201, (509) 326-8000, on October 10, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 10, 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 October 1, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Gail Grate, executive assistant, by October 1, 2008, TTY (360) 486-3637 or (360) 486-3453.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: At their May 2008 meeting, the commission filed a petition for rule change from the Recreational Gaming Association (RGA) to increase the number of players at a card table to:
(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.
Alternative #1: At the August 2008 commission meeting, the commission filed an amended petition submitted by the RGA requesting only an increase in the number of players a [at] house-banked games and withdrew their request to increase the number of players at nonhouse-banked card games. The RGA states this increase would allow:
| • | Players to wager on multiple hands. For example, three players wagering on three hands of cards. |
| • | For the development of new games. |
| • | Small operators in eastern Washington to add two additional players to a game, rather than opening an additional gaming table. This saves the operating expenses of paying dealers and floor supervisors to operate an additional card table. |
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.
August 20, 2008
Susan Arland
Rules Coordinator
(1) Up to ((seven)) nine players or areas for wagering at
any table in house-banked card games.
(2) Up to ten 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.]