Natural8 Operating Rules ("House Rules")

House Rules for Poker

To read the Game Rules for each poker game, click the info icon in the game lobby. It is the responsibility of each player to verify their understanding of the rules of their chosen game prior to placing bets.

Below explains the specific rules and policies that apply to our poker games.

Multi-Hand Policy

Natural8 allows players to play at multiple tables or in multiple games simultaneously; the maximum number of tables that a player can participate in or games that a player can participate in is limited by the Natural8 software they are using (such as desktop-based, mobile device-based, internet browser-based, etc.).

Cash Table Posting Fee Policy

A player joining a Natural8 cash table is usually required to pay an initial fee, equal to that table’s lower limit stake or small blind. This initial fee follows the same rules as the blind bets (initial mandatory bets, typically placed in the pot by the first two players to the left of the dealer in games of Hold’em and Omaha poker) and allows the new player to sit-in at the table and join the game.

Players sometimes have the option of “sitting-out” and waiting for the big blind before beginning to play.

Posting an initial fee ensures fairness to all players, by preventing players from gaining an undue advantage over others by entering a poker game in a “Late Position” in order to avoid placing blind bets.

Missed Blind Bets Policy

A player may choose to temporarily sit-out from a poker table; if the table is a cash game table (as opposed to a tournament table, at which the player typically will have paid a set buy-in amount in order to join), the player may need to post additional fees in order to rejoin the action:

1. If, while sitting-out, the player misses their turn to place the small blind, upon re-sitting that player will be required to post a set amount. This post is considered a “live (active) bet” and is equal to the big blind.
2. If, while sitting-out, the player misses their turn to place both the small blind and the big blind, upon re-sitting that player will be required to post a set amount. This post consists of a live bet, equal to the big blind, plus an additional “dead (non-active) bet”, equal to the small blind, which is added directly to the pot.

Tie Hands Policy

In the event that two or more active players reach showdown at a poker table holding equal ranking hands, the winner is determined by card value (i.e. a pair of aces beats a pair of kings).

Should the poker hands remain tied (i.e. a pair of kings vs. a pair of kings), the highest ranked card, not held in common (the “kicker”), determines the hand’s winner.

In the event of exact ties in poker hand ranking, between two or more active players, the pot (the accumulated amount of chips in the centre of the table, being contested by the active players) will be split evenly between those players holding tied poker hands.

Play Time Limit Policy

To ensure a fair and enjoyable playing experience, Natural8 players must act within a reasonable time limit that varies per table, per game variant and/or per game stage (i.e. the length of time that has elapsed in a given tournament, etc..).

Natural8’s time limits are enforced in an effort to maintain a reasonable speed of game play. Players who fail to act within the set time limit will have their hand automatically folded and will forfeit any amounts that he/she has previously wagered during that hand.

Time Bank Policy

In many Natural8 poker games, if a player requires extra time to make a decision, a ‘time bank’ will be accessed if a decision is not made in time.

Depending on the software used, the time bank will be visually displayed and will ‘count down’ while being accessed. The time bank gives players extra time to complete their actions, and those who fail to act before the time bank is exhausted will automatically fold their hand.

Leave Table Policy

In order to ensure the best possible gaming experience for all, players may be penalized for sitting at cash game tables, playing one hand and subsequently leaving without playing at least 10 hands. The system will consider such an action as the player refusing the play at that table.

If a player refuses to play at multiple tables, they will be automatically penalized by being blocked from joining tables of the same blind level for some time. The length of this automatic block depends on the number of times within any 12-hour period that the player has refused to play at tables of that blind level:

• 1st Refusal: No Penalty
• 2nd Refusal: 5 Minute Block
• 3rd Refusal: 15 Minute Block
• 4th Refusal: 30 Minute Block
• 5th Refusal: 60 Minute Block

If a player leaves a table at which all other players at the table are sitting out, or if they are the only player seated at that table, the action will not be considered a refusal to play and no penalty will be applied.

The policy applies to all cash game variants and tables, excepting Rush & Cash.

Poker Rake and Fees Policy

As game host, Natural8 applies a commission charge (often known as “rake”) to each pot at cash game tables. To find out more details on the rake collected at Natural8, please visit the Our Games section of the Natural8 website and review each game variant’s page.

In tournaments, Natural8 does not levy rake, but typically collects a tournament fee instead. The amount is often a set percentage of the tournament buy-in, and will be detailed in the tournament lobby for each event (e.g. as of April 2019, the total amount a player pays to participate in a $1 Omaholic tournament is $1, made up of a $0.92 buy-in and a $0.08 tournament fee).

Table Etiquette

The normal courtesies extended at live poker tables are also expected at Natural8. Please see the list below for Natural8’s etiquette guidelines:

• Intimidation or harassment of other players at the table will not be tolerated;
• Do not spam emojis or engage in “shouting matches” with other players at the table;
• Lagging is a natural occurrence in an internet age. As it is unavoidable, please be polite when notifying a player who is lagging.

Tournament Policy

All tournaments will begin promptly at the scheduled time stated in the tournament lobby. Natural8 reserves the right to delay or cancel any tournament without prior notice.

Seats are assigned to players at random. Prizes are awarded as stated in the tournament lobby, except when a deal is made or the tournament is cancelled. The prize structure used in any given tournament depends on several factors including the number of entrants and the number of players per table. The prizes awarded in any given tournament are not finalized until registration has closed and the rebuy and/or add-on period is over.

In order to be eligible to re-enter, rebuy or add-on in a re-entry or rebuy tournament, you must have the funds available in your account.

Late registration is available in most tournaments. The length of the late registration period varies but will always be shown in the tournament lobby. Late registration will close early if enough players are eliminated to begin payouts or the tournament has reached the maximum number of players allowed.

Most Natural8 tournaments allow players to un-register until a few minutes before the event begins. The exact time at which un-registration closes may vary from event to event. Registration and un-registration times may vary between tournaments of different types. Not all tournaments allow un-registration, and some tournaments do not allow players to un-register if they won their way in via satellite or giveaway tournaments. Natural8 reserves the right to alter registration and un-registration times without prior notice.

If a tournament that features late registration proceeds to a point at which the next eliminated player will receive a prize (also known as ‘in the money’), late registration may be closed, regardless of the late registration period detailed in the tournament lobby. No additional players will be able to enter. Furthermore, in such a situation the tournament prize pool will be solely determined by the amount collected via player registration, rather than any advertised guaranteed prize amount.

Tournament Elimination Policy

Most tournaments end when a single player accumulates all of the chips in play, and in some tournaments, when all remaining players will receive the same prize (for example, if a satellite tournament awards five (5) identical prizes, the tournament may end when there are five (5) players left).

If two or more players are eliminated on the same hand, the player with more chips at the start of that hand finishes ahead of the player(s) with fewer chips. If all players started the hand with an identical number of chips, the finishing rank is determined by table location, with the first eliminated player seated to the left of the button finishing ahead of the player(s) seated further away.

As players are eliminated from Natural8 tournaments, the software will “break” tables to fill available empty seats. Players are re-seated randomly and may result in a player having to post multiple big blinds in a row. On occasion, the Natural8 software may balance tables to ensure all tables have an equal (or as close to equal as possible) number of active players. Players moved to balance tables will, whenever possible, be moved to similar positions relative to the blinds.

Tournament Break Policy

Details about each tournament’s breaks are listed in that tournament’s lobby, with the amount of time remaining to the next break listed if the tournament is running.

Many tournaments feature synchronised breaks but not all do so, therefore Natural8 encourages players to make themselves aware of the break times of each tournament they are playing in to better ensure a comfortable playing environment.

Tournament Disconnects and Sitting Out Policy

By participating in a tournament, Natural8 players accept the risk of internet disconnection, due to problems with the connection between their device(s) and the servers, lag or freeze or some other problem in the player’s device(s) or how that device accesses the internet.

Natural8 does not accept any responsibility for a player disconnect except in the case of a server crash. While each user is responsible for his or her own internet connection, we make an effort to protect players who are disconnected during the final stages of a real-money tournament, by allowing extra time to reconnect.

If a player times out during a hand, whether connected or disconnected, his or her hand will be folded if facing action or may be checked if facing no action.

If a player is not connected before a hand starts, he or she will be dealt cards, and a blind and/or ante will be posted. There is no rule against a single player choosing to sit out; the player doing so will continue to have blinds and antes posted and cards dealt. Two or more players may not make any agreement to sit out simultaneously, whether at the same table or different tables; such actions may fall under Natural8’s collusion policy.

Poker Rules

You are not permitted to make a bet in excess of the value of chips on the table at the beginning of a hand. You are permitted to acquire additional chips only between hands. If you run out of chips during a hand, you are considered “all- in”. you may not remove money from the table during a playing session. Taking money out of the Game and continuing to play is not allowed in a table bets format.

Players must refrain from “table talk” or “coffee-housing” or talking during a hand in a way that compromises an opponent’s hand. This applies if you are playing in the hand or watching the hand. Repeated abuse of this aspect of player behaviour will result in suspension or permanent restriction of play.

Abusive or offensive language or other behaviour considered inappropriate by us in the context of the Game will not be tolerated. Bad behaviour or offensive language identified by us or brought to our attention will be dealt with swiftly and may result in a suspension or loss of playing privileges or such other action as may be deemed necessary by us at our sole discretion.

You fully accept and agree that the random number generator software will determine all outcomes of casino Games.

You acknowledge and agree that you shall not interfere, interrupt, and attempt to interrupt, or attempt to manipulate the operations of the Website or the normal play of any of the Games in Natural8. Failure to comply with the preceding may lead to your exclusion from the Website and to criminal and civil investigations.

Chat Policy

The Company gives its customers the ability to participate in chats where they are able to communicate with other registered players within the site. We reserve the right to set the chat policy and change it at any time with or without notice.

The chat function is intended to be used for fostering a positive gaming experience, and basic communication for the players. We reserve the right to restrict an individual’s ability to participate in any chat based on the behaviour exhibited by the individual.

The Company gives its customers the ability to record and broadcast video content via the SnapCam feature, accessible within the Natural8 software. Broadcasting contents deemed offensive by The Company is not permitted, nor is the use of SnapCam feature to harass other customers. Customers found misusing SnapCam will lose access to the feature, and The Company may take further measures if necessary, including but not limited to account suspension and banning. We also reserve the right to report any questionable content to the relevant authorities.

All users must refrain from any communication which:

1. Are defamatory in nature;
2. Are illegal, or the user has no legal right to disclose;
3. Contain anything that is racist, vulgar, hateful, obscene, profane, threatening, insulting, offensive, or discriminatory;
4. Are intended to impersonate another person or entity;
5. Are posted for the purpose of advertising
6. Contain a link to any virus, corrupted files, keyloggers, or any other malicious code or material that could cause harm to the computer, data or financial security of any party;
7. Are intended to take advantage of or collude with/against other players using our site;
8. Are associated with criminal activities;
9. Are intentionally false or misleading;
10. Are intended to solicit personal information such as contact information and/or real name;
11. Are protected by any form of intellectual property whether registered or unregistered or any contractual, statutory or equitable obligation of confidence;
12. Are considered to be ‘spamming’ other players

Our chat rooms are moderated, and all conversations that occur therein are logged and recorded. We reserve the right to retrospectively investigate any comments made by users and impose appropriate measures including but not limited to a temporary ban, permanent ban, or account closure. We also reserve the right to report any suspicious chats or comments to the relevant authorities.

Policy on hands-in-play

Intentionally or inadvertently influencing the progression of a hand that is in play or the action of its participants by way of discussion, use of emoji, or utilization of SnapCam are strictly prohibited and may result in temporary or permanent suspension of all communication functions.

Tournament Deal Making Policy

Deal making is allowed in many tournaments. If all remaining players in a tournament agree to making a deal, they should indicate so by selecting the appropriate option at the table. A deal can then be discussed and agreed upon or rejected by the participating players.

Bounty Tournament Policy

In some specially designated Natural8 tournaments (e.g. as of April 2019, in Bounty Hunter tournaments), a bounty will be placed on some or all of the tournament participants. A player who eliminates an opponent will add the bounty amount to their own bounty total. Each surviving player’s bounty total will only be awarded once the prize-paying finishing positions are reached (i.e. the bubble bursts).

In the event that two players show identical winning hands and therefore split the pot in a hand that eliminates another player(s), any bounty awarded will be divided equally between the players that hold the winning hands.

Players may not make any agreement amongst themselves to eliminate a particular player in order to claim their bounty award. Such agreements are considered collusion and are grounds for disqualification from the tournament and/or other penalties.

Tournament Prize Award Policy

Natural8 reserves the right (at any time) to modify the prizes awarded in any given tournament. Further, Natural8 reserves the right to award a monetary prize of equal or greater value as the main prize in place of the main tournament prize, at its sole discretion.

Please note that players will not receive fractions of a cent. In all instances where a player’s winnings include a fraction of a cent, Natural8 will round down such player’s winnings to the nearest cent. So, for example if you win $4.096, you will receive $4.09.

Multiple Satellite/Seats Prize Policy

If a player wins second and/or subsequent tickets or seats into a target tournament for which that player is already registered or has used all allowable entries, the player will be awarded Tournament Dollars (T$) to the value of the target tournament buy-in amount less the tournament registration fee in lieu of the ticket or seat.

For example, if a player is already registered into a $100 buy-in tournament, in which $90 goes into the prize pool and $10 is the tournament fee, and subsequently wins a satellite tournament awarding seats to the $100 tournament, the player will receive T$90 in lieu of the seat.

Tournament Staking Policy

Many Natural8 tournaments include a staking feature, which enables players to “sell” a set percentage of their action in the tournament after such time they have registered for the tournament and before the tournament begins.

If a player decides to sell some of their tournament action, but unregister from the tournament before it begins, the staking funds will be returned to the players that bought a stake and will not be retained by the selling player.

Refund Policy

In the event of Natural8 servers crashing or a Natural8 unscheduled downtime happening, Natural8 shall refund players as described below. Natural8, in its sole discretion, shall decide otherwise for any other events disrupting play caused by the Licensee or the Licensee’s players.

For Cash Games, all hands in progress will be rolled back. Each player’s chip count will be reset to the amount at the beginning of the hand.

For tournaments, there are three (3) possibilities depending on the status of the Tournament:

1. If the tournament has not started, Natural8 shall refund all buy-ins and fees to the registered players.
2. If the tournament has started and is in late registration period (that is to say, where the tournament allows a User to register as a player following the fixed registration time) or if the late registration period has finished but the tournament has not reached the paid places, remaining players shall be refunded their Fee and current bounty (if applicable). Regarding the prize pool, (fifty) 50% shall be paid equally to the remaining players at the time of cancellation with the other (fifty) 50% being paid according to the chip count to the remaining players at the time of cancellation. If the tournament has a guaranteed prize pool that has not been met or exceeded at the time of cancellation, only the prize pool amount collected via player registrations will be distributed.
3. If the tournament has reached the paid places, remaining players shall be refunded their Fee and current bounty (if applicable). Regarding the prize pool, the next prize to be won shall be distributed to each remaining player at the time of cancellation with the remainder being paid according to the chip count to the remaining players at the time of cancellation. All transactions, including pots won and lost, are posted to players’ accounts at the completion of each hand.

Please note that when calculating tournament refunds, Natural8 will determine the moment the disruption began and use the state of play in any given tournament immediately prior to this disruption as a basis for calculating the refunds. Not all players may experience disruption at the same time.

With regards to Natural8’s Staking Feature and refunds, if a player has sold action and receives a cash refund, whether equal to the initial buy-in and fee or greater, those players that bought the action will receive a share of the total amount refunded to the backed player in proportion to the size of the stake bought.

In those circumstances where a player has sold action via the Staking Feature and receives a replacement ticket or replacement entry instead of a cash refund, those players that bought the action will be returned the amounts they staked in cash.

House Rules for Casino

1. To read the Game Rules for each game in the Casino, click the info icon while playing the game. It is the responsibility of each player to verify their understanding of the rules of their chosen game prior to placing bets.
2. If you are disconnected in the middle of casino games (i.e. Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, CasinoPoker, RussianPoker, Sicbo, DragonTiger, Wheel of Fortune) simply log back into your account. You will be able to resume the disrupted game at the point at which you were disconnected. Your pending bet will be kept for 90 days, and your bet will be canceled and returned to your balance if the game is not completed within 90 days from the disconnection.
3. We reserve the right to void any bonuses and/or winnings obtained by fraudulent behaviour.
4. We have the right to modify and change these rules at any time.
5. All winnings from free spins in Slots must be wagered within 72 hours of claiming the free spins otherwise all winnings will be forfeited unless otherwise specified in specific promotional terms and conditions.
6. In the event of any dispute, such disputes will be handled by our Terms & Conditions.

House Rules for Live Casino

General Definitions And Rules

Deal

The distribution of the playing cards to the players and the dealer.

Pit boss

The person responsible for the supervision of the operation of the game.

Dealer

A person responsible for the operation of the game.

Dealing shoe

A device from which cards are dealt.

Definitions and Rules of Baccarat

1. Definitions and Specification

1.1 Definitions

Baccarat

The point count of either the Player’s hand or the Banker’s hand is equal to zero.

Banker’s hand

The hand played in that portion designated on the layout for the banker’s hand.

Player’s hand

The hand played in that portion designated on the layout for the player’s hand.

Natural

The hand with a point count of 8 or 9, in the original 2 cards.

Tie

When both the Player and the Banker’s hands have the same point count.

Point count

The “Point Count” of a hand shall be a single digit number from 0 to 9 inclusive and shall be determined by totaling the value of the cards in the hand. If the total of the cards in a hand is a two-digit number, the left digit of such number shall be disregarded having no value and the right digit shall constitute the Point Count of the hand.

1.2 Physical characteristics of the baccarat table(s)

1.2.1 Baccarat is played at a standard 1450x800mm round cut table with three betting spots for the Player, Tie and Banker.

1.2.2 A baccarat table must have a discard rack. Tables are not equipped with a ‘no peek’ device. Card scanners can be used as an alternative to ‘no peek’ devices. If more than one baccarat table is in play, baccarat tables must have an identifying number, assigned by the casino, on the surface of the table or a table accessory.

1.2.3 Dealing shoes

A dealing shoe must be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game.

1.3 The Cards

1.3.1 Baccarat is played with eight decks, each deck having 52 cards without jokers, with backs of the same color and design and two cutting cards; one placed at the back of all the decks and one that cuts seven cards from the back of the stack. It shall be dealt from a dealing shoe specifically designed for such purpose.

1.3.2 The “Value” of the cards in each deck shall be as follows:

1. Any card from 2 to 9 shall have its face value

2. Any Ten, Jack, Queen or King shall have a value of zero

3. Any Ace shall have a value of one. Examples of this rule are as follows:

a: A hand comprising of an Ace, a 2 and a 4 has a Point Count of 7

b: A hand comprising of an Ace, a 2 and a 9 has a total of 12 but only a Point Count of 2 since the digit 1 in the number 12 is discarded

1.3.3 The cards will be inspected prior to the commencement of gaming and at the conclusion of gaming

2. Wagers

2.1 General Rules

2.1.1 A wager by a player will be placed on the appropriate area of the Baccarat layout on the player’s screen. A maximum of three wagers may be placed on any playing area, Player, Banker and Tie.

2.1.2 A wager on the “Banker’s Hand” shall:

1. Win if the “Banker’s Hand” has a Point Count higher than that of the “Player’s Hand”
2. Lose if the “Banker’s Hand” has a Point Count lower than that of the “Player’s Hand”
3. Neither win nor lose if the Point Count of the “Banker’s Hand” and the “Player’s Hand” are equal

2.1.3 A wager on the “Player’s Hand” shall:

1. Win if the “Player’s Hand” has a Point Count higher than that of the “Banker’s Hand”;
2. Lose if the “Player’s Hand” has a Point Count lower than that of the “Banker’s Hand”;
3. Neither win nor lose if the Point Count of the “Banker’s Hand” and the “Player’s Hand” are equal.

2.1.4 A wager on a “Tie Bet” shall:

1. Win if the Point Count of the “Banker’s Hand” and the “Player’s Hand” are equal
2. Lose if such Point Counts are not equal

2.1.5 After a tie, all other wagers are automatically returned by the system.

2.1.6 No wager shall be accepted by the system, increased or cancelled after the timer of the system has beeped indicating that the time for placing bets is over. At this stage the dealer calling the game shall announce “No More Bets”. “No More Bets” shall be announced prior to the first card being drawn from the shoe.

2.1.7 After the last card is scanned and the Dealer announces the result of the round, the system automatically takes care of the wagers on the table. The system shall collect all losing wagers and pay all winning wagers.

1. A minimum and maximum wager permitted is shown on the screen of the game.
2. Each player is responsible for the correct placement of his or her wager(s).
3. A wager may be rejected by the system prior to the cards being dealt when cards are not placed on time, not meeting the minimum or maximum betting requirements or a failure to communicate with the gaming server when prompted to do so.

2.1.8 A system malfunction will result in the voiding of all pays or plays.

2.2 Payouts of the wagers

Payouts may be made in accordance to the following:

1. A winning wager made on the “Player’s Hand” shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1.
2. A winning wager made on the “Banker’s Hand” shall be paid at odds of 1 to 1, less 5% “Commission” on the amount won. The commission is automatically collected by the system from a player at the time the winning payment is made.
3. A winning “Tie Bet” shall be paid at odds of 8 to 1. 3.

3. Card Handling and Manipulation

3.1 Inspection and presentation of cards

3.1.1 After receiving the cards at the table, the dealer must sort and inspect the cards. The dealer must ensure that the decks are complete, and that no cards are flawed, scratched, or marked in any way.

3.1.2 The dealer and the Pit boss will spread the cards face up to verify that all cards are present. The backs of cards will be checked to make certain there are no markings, which can lead to the identification of the card’s value. Cards will be checked for any kind of damage. The casino surveillance system shall video record this process.

3.1.3 If after checking the cards, the dealer or Pit Boss finds that cards are damaged or improper, the Pit boss will replace them. The defective decks will have the defect noted, and returned to the Card storage.

3.1.4 At any time when cards have been removed from the playing surface of a baccarat table and are subsequently returned to any table for play, the dealer must reinspect and present the cards in the manner described above.

3.2 The shuffle and reshuffle

3.2.1 After the cards have been visually inspected they shall be turned face down on the table and stacked forming two equal piles and then mixed thoroughly by a “washing” or a “chemmy shuffle” then restacked forming two equal piles and “table riffle” shuffled once by deck.

3.2.2 After each stack of cards is dealt, the dealer must reshuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed. A reshuffle of the cards must take place at the conclusion of the hand during which the cutting card is reached.

3.2.3 At the discretion of the casino, the dealer may reshuffle the cards after the conclusion of any hand.

3.3 Cut

3.3.1 After the cards have been shuffled, the dealer shall stack the cards, with backs facing away from him/her and cut the cards personally.

3.3.2 The dealer must cut the cards by placing the cutting card in the stack.

3.3.3 Once the cutting card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards in front of the cutting card and place them to the back of the stack after which the dealer shall cut seven cards.

3.3.4 The cutting card shall be placed seven cards’ length from the back of the stack.

3.3.5 The stack of cards shall then be inserted in the dealing shoe for the beginning of play.

3.4 The Deal

3.4.1 The Dealer must deal the cards to the appropriate areas of the layout situated immediately in front of the Dealer.

3.4.2 At the end of the time to place bets the dealer will announce “NO MORE BETS” and the timer will flash red.

3.4.3 Two hands are dealt face up. The first and third cards will represent the player’s hand. The second and fourth cards will represent the bank hand.

3.4.4 If the player’s hand is to receive a third card according to the rules of Baccarat, the Dealer draws a card for the player’s hand and places it perpendicular to the player’s previous cards.

3.4.5 If the banker’s hand is entitled to a third card according to the rules of the Baccarat, the Dealer draws a card for the bank and places it over and perpendicular to the previous banker’s cards.

3.5 The Play

3.5.1 After the initial four cards have been dealt:

1. If either the player or banker has a “natural” 8 or 9, both automatically stand, no exceptions.

2. If the player’s total is 6 or 7, the player stands.

3. If the player stands, the banker hits on a total of 5 or less.

4. If the player’s total is 5 or less, the player automatically hits and the dealer gives the player a third card.

5. If the player receives a third card, the banker draws a third card according to the following:

• Banker’s hand totals 0,1,2:
• Banker always draws a third card.
• Banker’s hand totals 3: Banker draws if Player’s third card is 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-9-0 (not 8)
• Banker totals 4: Banker draws if Player thirds 2-3-4-5-6-7
• Banker 5: Banker draws if Player thirds 4-5-6-7
• Banker 6: Banker draws if Player thirds 6-7
• Banker 7: Banker stands

3.5.2 Order of merit of hands will be:

1. A point count of nine
2. A point count of eight
3. A point count of seven; and
4. So on down to a point count of Baccarat

3.5.3 The Dealer will announce the winner and the results shall simultaneously be displayed on the player’s side.

3.5.4 When the cutting card appears during play, the cutting card will be removed and placed on the right hand of the dealer next to the cardholder and in clear view of the player. The Dealer calling the game shall announce “Last Hand before shuffle”. Upon completion of that hand, no more cards shall be dealt until the reshuffle occurs.

3.6 Pick up

3.6.1 When the game is over, the dealer clears the table layout by picking up the cards.This is done from right to left, one by one placing one on top of the other to be able to place them back on the table at the correct order in case of a question or dispute.

3.6.2 Each dealer must consistently pick up cards in only one direction during any shift.

3.6.3 Once the cards are collected the dealer places them into the discard rack.

4. Prohibited Acts

4.1 No casino or other person may remove, add, or alter any cards except as provided by this rule, and no dealer or other employee of the casino shall permit any person to engage in such activity.

4.2 The dealer will not look at, nor expose to any person, the face of a card before it is dealt.

4.3 No dealer or pit boss shall advise a player about game strategy nor recommend the proper play of a hand while the player has a wager still pending on the outcome of the hand.

Definitions and Rules of Blackjack

1. Definitions and Specifications

1.1 Definitions

Blackjack

An ace and an additional card with a point value of ten, dealt as the initial two cards to a player or the dealer.

Hard total or hard point count total

The total point count of a hand which contains no aces or which contains aces that are each counted as one in value.

Hidden card

A card dealt face down to the dealer, which remains face down until all the players other than the dealer have received all the cards they have requested.

Layout or table layout

The felt, cloth, or other material covering the playing surface of a blackjack table.

Soft total or soft point count total

The total point count of a hand containing one or more aces when one ace is counted as eleven in value.

1.2 Physical characteristics of the black jack table(s)

1.2.1 Blackjack is played on a standard 1450x800mm round cut table with places for up to and no more than seven players on the one side and a place for the dealer on the other.

1.2.2 A blackjack table must have a discard rack. Tables are not equipped with a ‘no peek’ device. Card scanners can be used as an alternative to ‘no peek’ devices. If more than one blackjack table is in play, tables must have an identifying number, name or code, assigned by the casino, on the surface of the table or within the gaming user interface.

1.2.3 The following notices shall appear either on the table layout or on table signage clearly visible to every player at the table:

1. One of these statements, in substantially this form: “dealer must draw to 16 and stand on 17”
2. “Blackjack pays 3 to 2” (substitute higher odds according to fact); and “Insurance pays 2 to 1,” (substitute higher odds and restrictions on insurance according to fact).

1.3 The rules of the game must set forth:

1. Minimum and maximum table betting limits, and if applicable, minimum and maximum table betting limits for special circumstances.
2. If applicable, any restrictions on doubling down.
3. If applicable, any restrictions on splitting aces or the number of cards which can be drawn to split aces.
4. If applicable, any special payment schedule or payoff odds

1.4 Dealing shoes

A dealing shoe must be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game. Dealing shoes and discard racks must be inspected each gaming day before cards are placed in them to ensure that the shoe or other device is not damaged, is operating properly, and has not been compromised in any manner which might affect the integrity of the game.

1.5 Cards

The values of the cards contained in a deck of cards are as follows:

1. A card from 2 to 10 has its face value;
2. A jack, queen, or king has a value of 10; and
3. An ace may have a value of either 1 or 11 unless a value of 11 would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case it has a value of one.
4. A standard blackjack deck shall contain 52 cards in four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) with each suit consisting of numerical cards from 2 to 10 and a jack, a queen, a king, and an ace.

2. Wagers

2.1 General Rules

2.1.1 Before the first card is dealt for a round of play, a player must make a wager.

Wagers must be paid as winning wagers if any of the following events occur:

1. The sum of the values of the player’s cards is 21 or less and the sum of the values of the dealer’s cards is more than 21;
2. The sum of the values of the player’s cards exceeds the sum of the values of the dealer’s cards, and the sum of the values of neither the player’s cards nor the dealer’s cards exceed 21; or
3. The player has blackjack and the dealer does not.
4. Wagers will be lost whenever the player does not hold a winning hand, except when the value of the player’s hand is equal to the value of the dealer’s hand. The dealer will collect all losing wagers, except in the case of irregularities.

2.1.2 Except when splitting pairs, doubling down, or making an insurance wager, no wager may be increased, decreased, or withdrawn after the first card of a round has been dealt. All wagers at blackjack must be made in accordance with the gaming software from the player’s available funds.

2.1.3 No wager shall be accepted by the system, increased or cancelled after the timer of the system has run out indicating that the time for placing bets is over. At this stage the dealer calling the game shall announce “No More Bets”. “No More Bets” shall be announced prior to the first card being drawn from the shoe.

2.1.4 After the last card is scanned and the Dealer announces the result of the round, the system automatically takes care for the wagers on the table the system shall collect all losing wagers and pay all winning wagers.

1. A minimum and maximum wager permitted is shown on the screen of the game.
2. Players are responsible for the correct placement of their wager or wagers.
3. A wager may be rejected by the system prior to the cards being dealt when cards are not placed on time, not meeting the minimum or maximum betting requirements or a failure to communicate with the gaming server when prompted to do so.

2.1.5 A system malfunction will result in the voiding of all pays or plays.

2.2 Push and Exceptions

A wager is void and returned to the player when the sum of the value of the player’s cards is equal to the sum of the value of the dealer’s cards or when both the dealer and the player have blackjack. A player’s wager is lost if the dealer has a blackjack and the sum of the value of the player’s cards is 21 but not a blackjack. A player’s wager is lost when the values of both the player’s cards and the dealer’s cards exceed 21.

2.3 Payout of wagers

1. Winning wagers will be paid at odds of at least one to one with the exception of blackjack, which will be paid at odds of at least three to two.
2. When both the dealer and player’s hand totals are equal, it is called push; neither wins nor loses.
3. If the player’s hand total exceeds 21, he or she busts and loses his or her bet.

2.4 Handling of wagers

After a wager on the insurance line, a wager to double down, or a wager to split pairs has been confirmed by the software, no player will be allowed to handle, remove, or alter the wagers until the player’s hand has been settled.

2.5 Insurance wagers

2.5.1 If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, a player may make an insurance bet which wins if the dealer’s hole card is a king, queen, jack, or ten and loses if the dealer’s hole card is an ace, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine. An insurance bet is made by placing a wager of half the amount staked on the player’s initial wager. The Player may decline or accept insurance by clicking on the appropriate button.

2.5.2 Insurance wagers must be placed immediately after the second card is dealt to each player, after the dealer’s card is exposed, and before any additional cards, beyond the second card, are dealt to the dealer.

2.5.3 All winning insurance wagers must be paid at odds of two to one. All losing insurance wagers is collected by the software immediately after the dealer checks the hole card for blackjack.

2.6 Doubling down

A casino may allow a player to double down on the player’s hand, which is to make an additional wager, not exceeding the player’s original wager, on the first two cards dealt to the player. One additional card only must be dealt to the hand on which the player has elected to double down.

2.7 Splitting Pairs

If the first two cards dealt to a player are identical in value, the player may split the hand into two separate hands by making a wager on the second hand equal to the player’s original wager. If a player splits pairs, the dealer must deal both second cards to each hand. After an additional card is dealt to a split pair, the player must stand or draw. A player may not split pairs, including pairs of aces more than once. At the discretion of the casino, a player splitting aces may have only one card dealt to each ace. In the event of splitting aces where the player gets a second card with a value of 10, it will count as 21 and not Black Jack.

3. Card Handling and Manipulation

3.1 Inspection and presentation of cards

3.1.1 After receiving the cards at the table, the dealer must sort and inspect the cards. The dealer must ensure that the decks are complete, and that no cards are flawed, scratched, or marked in any way.

3.1.2 The Pit boss must spread out the cards, faced upward on the table, by deck, according to suit, and in sequence, in such a manner that each individual card can be identified. The casino surveillance system shall video record this process.

3.1.3 The dealer must inspect, present, shuffle, and place the cards into a shoe at the blackjack table where the cards will be dealt.

3.1.4 At any time when cards have been removed from the playing surface of a blackjack table and are subsequently returned to any table for play, the dealer must re-inspect and present the cards in the manner described above.

3.2 The shuffle and reshuffle

3.2.1 Following presentation and inspection of cards, the dealer must turn the cards face down on the table, mix them thoroughly using a “wash” or similar technique, shuffle them, and then stack them.

3.2.2 After each stack of cards is dealt, the dealer must reshuffle the cards so that they are randomly intermixed. A reshuffle of the cards must take place at the conclusion of the hand during which the cutting card is reached.

3.2.3 At the discretion of the casino, the dealer may reshuffle the cards after the conclusion of any hand.

3.3 Cut

After the cards have been shuffled, the dealer must personally cut the cards.

1. The cutting card shall be placed 4 decks from the back of the shoe in Blackjack games.
2. Once the cutting card has been inserted, the dealer must take all cards in front of the cutting card and place them on the back of the stack.

3.4 Procedure for Dealing Cards

Cards may be dealt from a dealing shoe specifically designed for the purpose and located on the table to the left of the dealer. A dealer must remove cards from the shoe or the deck and then place them on the appropriate area of the layout. At the beginning of a round of play, the dealer must, starting with the first player to the dealer’s left and continuing clockwise around the table, deal the cards in the following order:

1. One card face upward to each player who has made a wager;
2. One card face upward to the dealer;
3. A second card, face upward to each player who has made a wager; and
4. A second card faces downward to the dealer.

3.5 The Play

1. After two cards have been dealt to each player and to the dealer, each player will be prompted to double down, split pairs, stand, hit, or make an insurance wager.
2. A player must indicate their intention by selecting the appropriate action through the software controls on the player’s computer interface with the game within the allocated timeframe.
3. The dealer must wait for a software signal of intention of the player before dealing additional cards to the player or before moving on to the next player, unless the player’s card count is exactly twenty-one or exceeds twenty-one in which case the software will signal the dealer to move onto the next play. If there is no response from the player’s side and time assigned to the player by the casino has ended the dealer will be indicated by the software to move onto the next player without action on the earlier player’s hand.

3.6 The Pickup

At the conclusion of a round of play, all cards on the layout must be picked up by the dealer from right to left placing one on top of the other so that they can be readily arranged to indicate each player’s hand in case of question or dispute. Each dealer must consistently pick cards up in only one direction during any shift. The dealer must first pick up her cards and use them to pick up the players cards adding to the stack in her hand in opposite order of the initial deal direction or from right to left in such a manner that the dealer’s cards will be located at the bottom of the discard stack when placed in the discard rack. After the pickup, all players’ cards and the dealer’s cards must be placed in the discard rack.

3.7 Dealer’s Hole Card

The dealer may not look at, expose, nor permit the exposure of the face of the dealer’s hole card until after all cards requested by the players have been dealt to them unless the dealer’s face up card is an ace. If the dealer’s face up card is an ace, the software will offer players the choice to buy insurance after the selected time for the operation is over the dealer will be signaled by the software to check if the hole card makes Blackjack.

4. Prohibited Acts

4.1 No casino or other person may remove, add, or alter any cards except as provided by these rules, and no dealer or other employee of the casino shall permit any person to engage in such activity.

4.2 The dealer shall not look at, nor expose to any person, the face of a card before it is dealt.

4.3 No dealer or pit boss shall advise a player about game strategy nor recommend the proper play of a hand whilst the player has a wager still pending on the outcome of the hand.

4.4 Drawing of additional cards by players and dealers

1. A player may elect to draw additional cards if the player’s hard point count total is less than 21. A player with blackjack or a hard or soft point count total of 21 may not be offered additional cards by the software.
2. A dealer must draw additional cards to the dealer’s hand as signaled by the software until the dealer has a hard or soft total of 17, 18, 19,20, or 21.
3. A dealer may not draw additional cards to the dealer’s hand, regardless of the point count, if decisions have been made on all players’ hands and the point count of the dealer’s hand will have no effect on the outcome.

Definitions and Rules of Roulette

1. Definitions and Specifications

1.1 Definitions

Black Bet

A wager placed on the numbers that are black. Column Bet A wager placed on all twelve (12) numbers in one (1) column.

Corner Bet

A wager placed on the four (4) numbers, which form a corner.

Or on the following four numbers:

• Zero (0)
• One (1)
• Two (2)
• Three (3)

Dozen Bet

A wager placed on any of the following:

• The numbers one (1) through twelve (12)
• The numbers thirteen (13) through twenty-four (24)
• The numbers twenty-five (25) through thirty-six (36)
• Eighteen

Number Bet

A wager placed on one (1) of the following:

• The numbers one (1) through eighteen (18)
• The numbers nineteen (19) through thirty-six (36)

Even Bet

A wager placed on the even numbers of the roulette wheel

Inside Bet

A wager within the field of thirty-seven (37) numbers corresponding with the numbers on the roulette wheel, including the following:

• Corner (or square) bet
• Five number bet
• Line bet
• Row bet
• Split bet
• Straight up bet
• Street Bet
• Six line bet

Line Bet

A wager placed on the six (6) numbers contained in two (2) rows.

Odd Bet

A wager placed on the odd numbers of the roulette wheel.

Outside Bet

A wager that is placed outside the field of thirty-seven (37) numbers, including the following:

• Black bet
• Column bet
• Dozen bet
• Eighteen number bet
• Even bet
• Odd bet
• Red bet
• Low/High Bet

Pit boss

The person responsible for the supervision of the operation of the game.

Red Bet

A wager placed on the numbers that are red

Row or Street Bet

A wager placed on the three (3) numbers in a row

Split Bet

A wager placed on two (2) numbers

Straight Up Bet

A wager on the following:

• Single number from one (1) to thirty-six (36)
• Zero (0)

Street Bet

A wager placed on three (3) numbers in a row

1.2 Physical characteristics of the roulette table:

1.2.1 Roulette is played on a non-standard 2000x950mm solid wood table with a standard single zero European roulette layout.

1.2.2 If more than one table is in play, tables for roulette must have an identifying number, code or name, assigned by the casino, on the surface of the table or the gaming user interface.

2. Wagers

2.1 GENERAL RULES

2.1.1 All wagers for Roulette must be made by placing gaming chips on the appropriate areas of the roulette layout. Players may continue to place bets until the dealer announces, “No more bets” or the system’s timer flashes red.

2.1.2 Each player is be responsible for the correct positioning of his or her wager or wagers on the Roulette layout.

2.1.3 Each wager shall be settled strictly in accordance with its position on the layout when the ball falls to rest in a compartment of the wheel.

2.1.4 Minimum and maximum wagers permitted are shown on the screen of the game.

2.1.5 A wager may be rejected by the system prior to the ball being spun because of it not being placed on time, not meeting the minimum or maximum betting requirements or a failure to communicate with the gaming server.

2.1.6 A system malfunction will result in the voiding of all pays or plays.

2.2 Payout

Winning wagers are paid by the system at the odds listed below:

• BETS PAYOUT ODDS
• Straight 35 to 1
• Split 17 to 1
• Street 11 to 1
• 4-Number 8 to 1
• 6-Number 5 to 1
• Column 2 to 1
• Dozen 2 to 1
• Red 1 to 1
• Black 1 to 1
• Odd 1 to 1
• Even 1 to 1
• Low 1 to 1
• High 1 to 1

3. Wheel Handling and Manipulation

3.1 Rotation of Wheel and Ball

3.1.1 The Roulette ball shall be spun by the dealer in a direction opposite to the rotation of the wheel and shall complete at least three revolutions around the track of the wheel to constitute a valid spin.

3.1.2 Upon the ball coming to rest in a compartment around the wheel, the dealer shall announce the number of such compartment.

3.1.3 After the Dealer announces the result of the round, the system automatically takes care of wagers on the table by collecting all losing wagers and paying all winning wagers.

3.2 Inspection of Roulette Wheel and Ball

3.2.1 Prior to opening a Roulette wheel, the Pit boss shall inspect the wheel for any contrivance that would affect proper operation of wheel.

3.2.2 The level of the wheel shall be checked prior to the wheel being opened for play.

3.2.3 The wheel will be spun to check and see that all moving parts are rotating freely and evenly, and that all parts are secure and in good working condition.

3.2.4 Physical inspection will be completed to check for smoothness and roundness of ball.

3.3 The Play

3.3.1 Roulette is played on a table consisting of two parts; a wheel and a layout (the table).

3.3.2 The wheel is divided around its perimeter into 37 randomly numbered compartments; 1 through 36 and “0”. Eighteen of the numbers are red and 18 are black and “0” is green.

3.3.3 The same numbers appear sequentially on the layout, which serves for betting. Also included on the layout are spaces for betting red and black, odd and even and a variety of other number combinations.

3.3.4 Players make wagers on one or more of the numbers and/or combinations. The dealer then spins the wheel in one direction. As the ball slows, it drops into one of the numbered compartments, thus indicating the winning number. The camera then zooms in on the winning number on the wheel.

3.3.5 Payoffs on bets depend on how many possibilities are covered. The fewer the possibilities, the higher the payoff. After all bets have been taken or paid, new bets are made and the ball is spun again.