(a) Authorization.--The board may authorize a slot machine licensee to conduct table games, including table game contests and tournaments, and to operate a system of wagering associated with the conduct of table games at the slot machine licensee's licensed facility. Authorization shall be contingent upon the slot machine licensee's agreement to ensure that slot machine and table game operations will be conducted in accordance with this part and any other conditions established by the board. Nothing in this part shall be construed to create a separate license governing the conduct of table games by slot machine licensees within this Commonwealth.

(b) Number of authorized gaming tables.--

(1) A Category 1 and Category 2 slot machine licensee awarded a table game operation certificate may operate up to 250 gaming tables at any one time at its licensed facility. No more than 30% of these gaming tables may be used to play nonbanking games at any one time. Six months following the date of commencement of table game operations, the board may permit a Category 1 or Category 2 certificate holder to increase the number of gaming tables above the number authorized under this paragraph. The certificate holder shall petition the board for the increase at its licensed facility. The board, in considering the petition, shall take into account the appropriateness of the physical space where the gaming tables will be located and the convenience of the public attending the facility. The board may also take into account the potential benefit to the Commonwealth.

(2) A Category 3 slot machine licensee awarded a table game operation certificate may operate up to 50 gaming tables at any one time at its licensed facility.

(2.1) A Category 3 slot machine licensee awarded a table game operation certificate may petition the board for additional table games at its licensed facility. The board may authorize up to 15 additional gaming tables. The additional tables shall be used to play nonbanking games. The board, in considering the petition, shall take into account the appropriateness of the physical space where the gaming tables will be located and the convenience of the public attending the facility. The board may also take into account the potential benefit to the Commonwealth.

(2.2) The following apply:

(i) A Category 4 slot machine licensee may submit a petition for a table game operation certificate at a Category 4 licensed facility under section 13A12 (relating to petition requirements). A Category 4 slot machine licensee that submits a petition for a table game operation certificate under section 13A12 shall pay, at the time of submission of the petition, a one-time nonrefundable authorization fee in the amount of $2,500,000.

(ii) A Category 4 slot machine licensee awarded a table game operation certificate at a Category 4 licensed facility by the board may operate up to 30 gaming tables at the licensee's licensed facility.

(iii) Twelve months following the date of commencement of table game operations under subparagraph (ii), a Category 4 slot machine licensee awarded a table game operation certificate may petition the board for an increase in the number of gaming tables at the Category 4 licensed facility. The board may permit the certificate holder under this section to add up to 10 additional gaming tables at a Category 4 licensed facility. The board, in considering the petition, shall take into account the appropriateness of the physical space where the gaming tables will be located and the convenience of the public attending the facility. The board may also take into account the potential benefit to the Commonwealth.

(iv) Gaming tables used in tournaments shall not be used in the calculation of the total number of gaming tables authorized in a table game authorization certificate under subparagraphs (ii) and (iii).

(3) Nonbanking gaming tables shall seat a maximum of ten players.

(Oct. 30, 2017, P.L.419, No.42, eff. imd.)

2017 Amendment. Act 42 amended subsec. (b).

Cross References. Section 13A11 is referred to in sections 13A22.1, 13A61 of this title.