pa-56-27-941: Blackjack payout—6 to 5 payout; advance notice of proposed rulemaking

Summary

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (board or PGCB) seeks information and comment relating to the payout odds for a player's Blackjack an ace and any card having a value of 10 dealt as the initial two cards dealt to a player. A. Background and Purpose Under § 633a.13(a) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation), winning player hands constituting a Blackjack are required to pay at odds of 3 to 2. This payout has been part of the board's Blackjack rules since PGCB initially adopted Blackjack regulations. In contrast to PGCB's approach, other gaming jurisdictions, including those neighboring this Commonwealth, have approved Blackjack payouts at odds of 6 to 5. Blackjack odds of 3 to 2 provide a slightly greater return to player percentage than 6 to 5 odds, which has been a motivating factor for the Commonwealth's continued retention of the 3 to 2 payout standard. As part of its regular oversight activities, the board reviews monthly reports on revenues from each form of gaming under PGCB's oversight. This data shows areas of stagnation in the category of table games revenues which may indicate a greater stagnation in overall table games play. Additionally, PGCB is aware that the economic realities around offering table games for play have shifted in the years since the board initially adopted Blackjack payout odds, including the 3 to 2 payout for a player's Blackjack. The board remains committed to ensuring that the Commonwealth's regulated gaming market retains access...

The agency’s own summary, as published.