TITLE: Massachusetts Gaming Commission Proposes Amendments to Baccarat Table Physical Characteristics Requirements
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Massachusetts has proposed amendments to 205 CMR 146.18, which governs the physical characteristics and layout requirements for baccarat, midi-baccarat, mini-baccarat, and baccarat-chemin de fer tables in licensed gaming establishments.
The proposed rulemaking clarifies and expands existing requirements for table dimensions, player seating configurations, and layout specifications. Standard baccarat and baccarat-chemin de fer tables must accommodate no more than 14 player positions, while midi-baccarat and mini-baccarat tables are limited to nine player positions on one side with dealer placement on the opposite side. However, if cards are not changed after each shoe, midi-baccarat and mini-baccarat tables may only accommodate six player positions. Gaming licensees must submit true-to-scale renderings and colour photographs of all table layouts to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) Bureau prior to utilisation.
The amendments establish minimum layout requirements, including designated areas for wagers on "Banker's Hand," "Player's Hand," and "Tie Hand," with tie bets clearly marked as paying 8 to 1. The proposals introduce flexibility for gaming licensees offering optional wagers, including total card wagers, bonus wagers, dragon 7 wagers, and panda 8 wagers. Each optional wager requires either inscribed payout odds on the layout or posted signage at the table displaying the odds. The amendments also address marker button storage, drop box and tip box placement, and vigorish marking procedures.
Gaming licensees offering these games must ensure compliance with the updated physical characteristics and layout standards. The MGC will accept public comments on the proposed amendments during the designated comment period. Gaming establishments should review their current table configurations and layouts to ensure alignment with the new requirements upon adoption.