N.J. Admin. Code § 13:47-20.20 - Rules of the game of baccarat

(a) The following words and terms as used for the game of baccarat shall have the following meanings:

"Bank" means the organization licensed to hold the casino night event or its designee.

"Natural" means the point value if either original hand is eight or nine.

"Point count" means the total value of all cards in a hand.

"Stack" means two or more decks of cards which have been shuffled together.

(b) The following equipment shall be used in the game of baccarat:

1. A table, which shall accommodate a maximum of 14 players, with a layout showing wagering options and player and dealer positions;

2. Cards with the following specifications:

i. A minimum of six decks of cards with backs of identical color and design;

ii. Two cutting cards of an opaque solid color, readily distinguishable from the color of the backs and edges of the playing cards and each other; and

iii. Face values as follows:

(1) Any card from two to nine: the value as indicated on the card;

(2) Any 10, jack, queen or king: a value of zero; and

(3) Any ace: a value of one.

(c) The following equipment is optional in the game of baccarat:

1. A dealing shoe; and

2. An automated shuffling device.

(d) The dealer shall:

1. Shuffle, cut and deal the cards pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:47-20.18 and the method of play in (e) below;

2. Be responsible for the operation of the game in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter;

3. Take a position at the table opposite the players;

4. Collect all losing wagers and pay all winning wagers; and

5. Collect a five percent commission in imitation money on all winning bets after each round of play.

(e) The method of play for the game of baccarat shall be as follows:

1. A player places a bet that either the bank or the player will attain a score of nine or closest to nine, or that the bank and player will be dealt cards of equal point value. Originally, four cards are dealt alternately to the player and the bank. If the point value of either original hand is eight or nine, it is called a "natural" and no additional cards are dealt. Additional cards are dealt, if appropriate, as set forth in (e)2 and 3 below.

2. Players shall draw or stand as follows:

i. When the players first two cards total zero, one, two, three, four or five, the player shall draw another card;

ii. When the first two cards total a six or seven, the player stands;

iii. When the first two cards total an eight or nine, the player has achieved a natural and the player stands.

3. Dealers shall draw or stand as follows:

i. When the player stands on a six or seven, the dealer shall draw on totals of zero through five, and stand on six through nine;

ii. When the player does not have a natural, the dealer shall draw on the totals of zero, one or two.

4. The point count shall be calculated as follows:

i. Picture cards and any combination of cards that add up to 10 have no value;

ii. Whichever hand totals nine or is closest to nine wins;

iii. If the total value of the cards in a hand is a two-digit number, the left digit of the number shall be discarded having no value and the right digit, zero through nine, shall constitute the point count of the hand (for example, a hand composed of an ace, a two and a four has a point count of seven and a hand composed of an ace, a two and a nine has a total of 12, but a point count of two since the digit one in the number 12 is discarded).

5. Winning wagers shall be paid as follows:

i. Winning hands shall be paid even money; and

ii. A winning bet on a tie shall be paid 8 to 1.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:47-20.20