Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amend WAC 230-15-140 Wagering limits for house-banked card rooms.

Hearing Location(s): On July 20, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., at Washington State Gambling Commission, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503. The meeting time and location is tentative. Visit our website at www.wsgc.wa.gov approximately seven days prior to the meeting and select "Public Meetings" to confirm the hearing date, location, start time, and agenda items.

Submit Written Comments to: Lisa C. McLean, P.O. Box 42400, email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov, www.wsgc.wa.gov, by July 14, 2023.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Julie Anderson, phone 360-486-3453, TTY 360-486-3637, email julie.anderson@wsgc.wa.gov, www.wsgc.wa.gov, by July 14, 2023.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule amendment would increase the maximum wagering limit for house-banked card games from $300 to $400 for a single wager.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The gambling commission received a petition from a licensee proposing to raise wagering limits for house-banked card games. Wagering limits have not been increased since 2009. According to the petitioner, the cost of doing business has increased significantly since 2009 to include higher minimum wages food and beverage costs, along with other costs associated with running a card room/business.

Name of Proponent: Vicki Christophersen, representing Maverick Gaming in Kirkland, Washington, public.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Lisa C. McLean, Manager, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3454; Implementation: Tina Griffin, Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-486-3546; and Enforcement: Gary Drumheller, Assistant Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 509-325-7904.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. A cost-benefit analysis is not required per RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a)(i).

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rule content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.

Explanation of exemptions: RCW 9.46.0282 gives the gambling commission the authority to establish rules for card games, including rules related to the limitation of wagers.

(1) A single wager must not exceed ((three hundred dollars))$400.

(2) A player may make a single wager for each decision before the dealer deals or reveals additional cards. Wagers must be placed on the table layout on an approved betting spot, except for:

(a) In Blackjack games, players may place an additional wager next to their original wager when doubling down or splitting pairs; or

(b) Tip wagers made on behalf of a dealer; or