08-17-122

WSR 08-17-122

PROPOSED RULES

GAMBLING COMMISSION

[ Filed August 20, 2008, 11:42 a.m. ]

     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, [phone], 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 [e-mail], fax [phone], by October 1, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Gail Grate, executive assistant, by October 1, 2008, TTY [phone] or [phone].

     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, [phone]; Implementation: Rick Day, Director, Lacey, [phone]; and Enforcement: Mark Harris, Assistant Director, Lacey, [phone].

     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

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.

     (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.]