WSR 23-03-060
PROPOSED RULES
GAMBLING COMMISSION
[Filed January 11, 2023, 3:39 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 22-17-079.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 230-15-140 Wagering limits for house-banked card games.
Hearing Location(s): On March 9, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., at Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC), 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.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 9, 2023.
Submit Written Comments to: Jess Lohse, P.O. Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400, email rules.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov, www.wsgc.wa.gov, by February 28, 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 February 28, 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 $500 for a single wager.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: WSGC received a petition from a licensee proposing to amend rules 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.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.46.070.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Vicki Christophersen, representing Maverick Gaming in Kirkland, Washington, public.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Jess Lohse, SA, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 206-786-3530; Implementation: Tina Griffin, Director, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 360-507-3456; and Enforcement: Gary Drumheller, AD, 4565 7th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, 509-325-7904.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328.
Scope of exemption for rule proposal from Regulatory Fairness Act requirements:
Is not exempt.
The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. The amendment to WAC 230-15-140 increases wagering limits for house-banked card games. If approved, house-banked card rooms will be able to offer higher wagering limits which may increase revenue for the business. Therefore, licensees will not incur any additional costs if the rule amendment is approved.
January 11, 2023
Jess Lohse
Special Agent
Acting Rules Coordinator
OTS-4273.1
OPTION B
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 21-11-057, filed 5/14/21, effective 6/14/21)
WAC 230-15-140Wagering limits for house-banked card games.
(1) A single wager must not exceed ((three hundred dollars))$500.
(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
(c) As authorized in approved card games rules.