The update directly addresses regulatory changes to authorize new poker table technology and equipment in Washington State cardrooms, which is core poker/cardroom regulation.
Low confidence — requires human review. While the update involves land-based gambling venues, it is specifically about poker operations rather than house-banked casino games.
Topic
The update describes the Washington State Gambling Commission's exploration of new rules to authorize self-dealing poker table technology, which constitutes a change to existing licence conditions and regulatory framework for poker equipment.
The proposed rules governing equipment-assisted card-delivery systems impose technical standards on poker table hardware and dealer oversight protocols.
2026-04-21 13:20:07·mschanke@vixio.com
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TITLE: Washington State Gambling Commission Explores Rules to Authorize Self-Dealing Poker Tables
BODY:
On March 26, 2026, the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) issued a preproposal statement of inquiry regarding potential rule changes to authorize self-dealing poker tables in Washington State.
The WSGC is exploring new rules to amend the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 230 under the authority granted by Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.46.070. Current WAC rules do not specifically authorize self-dealing poker tables and require poker games to have a dealer responsible for conducting and supervising all game functions, even when equipment assists with tasks such as shuffling. The proposed rule package would address new poker table technology that changes how hole cards are delivered. The WSGC notes that creating specific rules for equipment-assisted card-delivery tables would establish a clearer and more consistent process for reviewing this type of equipment. Importantly, the rule package would not eliminate the dealer role; dealers would continue to oversee game operations under the new framework.
The WSGC will proceed with regular rulemaking to develop the proposed rules. Interested parties can participate in the rule development process by contacting Tricia Gullion, Legislative and Rules Manager, at the WSGC. Contact details are as follows: PO Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400; telephone 360-486-3473; TTY 360-486-3637; or email rule.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov. Additional information is available at www.wsgc.wa.gov.
REFERENCES:
Washington State Gambling Commission. Preproposal Statement of Inquiry CR-101. March 26, 2026. Available at: www.wsgc.wa.gov
CODE REVISER USE ONLY PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY CR-101 (October 2017) (Implements RCW 34.05.310) Do NOT use for expedited rule making Agency: Washington State Gambling Commission Subject of possible rule making: Exploring new rules to authorize self-dealing poker tables. This rule package may include new or amended rules to WAC 230 Statutes authorizing the agency to adopt rules on this subject: RCW 9.46.070 Reasons why rules on this subject may be needed and what they might accomplish: Current WAC rules do not specifically authorize self-dealing poker tables. This rules package would be necessary to authorize such tables. Current rules require poker games to have a dealer responsible for conducting and supervising game functions, even when equipment is used to assist with tasks such as shuffling. This rule package addresses new poker table technology that changes how hole cards are delivered. This rules package would not seek to eliminate the dealer as the dealer would still have the responsibility of overseeing the game. Creating new rules specific to equipment assisted card-delivery tables would help create a clearer and more consistent process for reviewing this type of equipment. Identify other federal and state agencies that regulate this subject and the process coordinating the rule with these agencies: None Process for developing new rule (check all that apply): ☐ Negotiated rule making ☐ Pilot rule making ☐ Agency study ☒ Other (describe) Regular Rulemaking Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting: (If necessary) Name: Tricia Gullion Name: Address: PO Box 42400, Olympia, WA 98504-2400 Address: Phone: 360-486-3473 Phone: Fax: Fax: TTY: 360-486-3637 TTY: Email: rule.coordinator@wsgc.wa.gov Email: Web site: www.wsgc.wa.gov Web site: Other: Other: Additional comments: Page 1 of 2 Date: 3/26/2026 Signature: Name: Tricia Gullion Title: Legislative and Rules Manager Page 2 of 2