TITLE: Washington State Gambling Commission Initiates Rule Making for Assisted Card-Dealing Poker Tables
BODY:
On March 2026, the Washington State Gambling Commission received a rule petition from Cassidy Thomas of Autopoker requesting the creation of new rules to authorize equipment-assisted card-delivery poker tables. The petition seeks amendments to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 230-15 and WAC 230-16 to address emerging poker table technology that uses equipment to assist with card delivery while maintaining a live dealer responsible for game conduct and supervision.
Current Washington gambling rules do not specifically authorize self-dealing or equipment-assisted card-delivery poker tables. Existing regulations require a dealer to conduct and supervise all game functions, even when equipment assists with tasks such as shuffling. The petitioner contends that new poker table technology, which changes how hole cards are delivered while preserving live dealer oversight, falls outside existing rule categories and requires clarification. The petitioner believes a specific rule would create a clearer and more consistent review process for such equipment, benefiting both card room licensees and Commission staff.
The Commission staff recommends accepting the petition and initiating rule-making proceedings. Before developing substantive rules, the equipment referenced in the petition must be submitted for evaluation under WAC 230-17-192 to allow staff to fully assess system functionality, security, player protection, communication, and interoperability. Any new rules developed would address standards, authorization requirements, and operational requirements for card room licensees and dealers. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the Commission must act on the petition within 60 days of receipt.
REFERENCES:
Washington State Gambling Commission, Rule Petition – Assisted Card-Dealing Poker Tables, March 2026 Commission Meeting Agenda