 All right. Then, Commissioner Stebbins on the minutes please. Sure. Thank you, Madam Chair. Colleagues in your packet, you have the minutes from the July 16th, 2020 meeting that was a pretty extensive one. Thank you, Sharra, for helping me pulling the notes together. I would move their approval subject to any corrections for typographical errors or any other non-material matters. Commissioner, do you have any edits or questions for Commissioner Stebbins? Commissioner Zunica? Okay, no. Okay. Then do I have a second? Second. Thank you. Take a roll call vote. Commissioner Cameron? Aye. Commissioner O'Brien? Aye. Commissioner Zunica? Aye. And Commissioner Stebbins? Aye. And I vote yes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Excellent job. Five zero. Moving on to item number three. Executive Director Wells. Good morning. Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the commission. I am, uh, have been really looking forward to this, uh, first item, the NGC staffing update. Uh, I do want to make an announcement this morning. I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be, I'm going to be the director. One of the, uh, uh, asks was to look at the agency structure. And, uh, my first priority was to look at what had been, uh, deemed the ombudsman's office. And now that the casino license fees have been awarded. And the three casinos are up and running. The functions have somewhat shifted from the original role of the ombudsman. And Joe Delaney has been promoted to chief of that division. So the functions of that division, uh, will include the management of the community mitigation fund. And as the commission is aware, uh, that's a multimillion dollar annual fund. That's a big project. And the focus will not only be on the guidelines, uh, the review and the awards, but also overview of an oversight of the grant contracts. Uh, that, that division will also, uh, have the task of compliance, the oversight of compliance by the licensees on commitments to not only MGC, but also the state and to local communities that oversight will include host community agreements, surrounding community agreements, license conditions, section 61 findings, RFA two commitments, uh, and licensees capital expenditure requirements. That division will also be in charge of the coordination of quarterly and annual reports by the licensees, uh, working with our various advisory committees and subcommittees providing support and planning there and working with the chair on recommended appointments, uh, to those committees and subcommittees. That role of the chief will also be the lead on community coordination and, uh, liaison with licensees and community representatives, advisory committee reps and others on commission activities, programs and priorities. Division will also be responsible for not only the license renewal process, which we just saw with the claimage part casino, but also that interim review. As you know, the, uh, the category one casinos, the, um, because it was in region A and region B, that's a 15 year license term. So this division will be responsible for what kind of interim process are we going to have to review, not just doing everything at the 15 year mark. So, uh, Joe will be responsible for overseeing that process. Joe's been with the commission since 2016 as the construction project oversight manager. And then he stepped in to oversee the ombudsman's office in March of 2020. From 2006 to 2016, he worked at the Massachusetts department of environmental protection as a deputy director of municipal services. Among other things in that position, he was the senior management manager of the state revolving fund loan program. And that provides over $400 million per year in low interest rate finance, low interest rate financing to cities and towns for water and sewer infrastructure projects. Uh, he served as the town engineer in Reading, a consultant with Arthur D. Little, and also as different, uh, project engineer and project manager positions. And he has a degree in, uh, civil engineering for North Eastern university. So I really would like to publicly acknowledge is the outstanding, outstanding job that Joe has done for this commission, uh, what kind of person he is, what kind of leadership, uh, he provides to the commission. I am so grateful, uh, for having the chance to work with him. I'm thrilled today to be able to announce this promotion. And I just want to congratulate you, Joe, and publicly acknowledge that we have moved into this, uh, new era of the commission of division of community affairs. And I'm thrilled that you're taking over here. So thank you very much for everything. Thanks, Karen. I don't know if you want to say anything now, you're welcome. No, I don't really have any remarks. Okay. That's fine. So that is my big announcement for today. I'm thrilled. And, uh, that's all I have for the, um, the first agenda item, uh, the second agenda item is, uh, the casino relicensing status. And I am going to turn that over to Loretta, Lillio's and Bruce Baird, uh, for the update. Similar to what you've been getting in commission meetings past. Good, good morning, chair. Good morning commissioners. I'm here with, with Bruce and really there are no significant changes or updates since we updated you at the last meeting, operations and each of the three gaming establishments are continuing, uh, playing Ridge Park casino is has returned to a 24 hour day, seven day a week, uh, schedule on core has opened some additional amenities in the retail and weekend spa arenas. Uh, MGM is continuing to have one for of its hotel in operation for invited guests and is offering weekend, uh, service at its full service. Chandler's a steakhouse. I know Bruce and his team are continuing with their monitoring. I'd invite him to share, uh, any, any of the observations that he and his team have made, uh, since we updated you last. Uh, there really isn't anything additional to add from my, uh, last report to you at the last meeting. Uh, things have been running very smoothly. Uh, which is. Attribute to the three properties. Uh, uh, there have been no incidents or anything worthwhile reporting to you. Any questions. No news as good news category. I'm not sure. Yeah. Yeah. At this point, that's, that's very true. That was going to be my acknowledgement, Loretta. Any questions, um, for, um, either Loretta or Bruce commissioner Cameron. Yes. Um, First of all, congratulations to Joe Delaney. Much, uh, you know, we've all seen firsthand his work and his ability to step up when we needed him, um, you know, to do some really important work for the commission. And he has done that. And he, he breathes us well. I'm just, I'm very happy for Joe. And much, much deserved Joe. Um, secondly, I just, Loretta, you mentioned, um, did you mention that the, um, The MGM hotel, one quarter occupancy. Is that what you said? One floor. One floor. I'm sorry. One floor occupancy. Is that, um, is that due to that's, that's all the work. Um, I know we're trying to be very careful with numbers and distancing and, uh, but is that, is that just because of demand? What is your, um, Their program has been that they are opening that floor of the hotel for invited guests only. For invited guests. Yes. So that's been their, uh, business plan. Uh, at this point in time. Okay. Thank you for that clarification. Any other questions. Commissures. No, uh, I, I will take that as good news and, uh, and continue on. Excellent. And we do appreciate these updates. I think commissioner Brian, you've noted that, uh, they're really helpful to have. Um, We don't mind that they're briefed like this and reporting, you know, nothing exceptional. So I think we can keep this cadence going. Commissures, you agree at this point? Okay. Thank you. All right. Karen, anything else? No, not nothing there. Um, I just, as a reminder, I do have to drop off. I'll be on the phone and call. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Karen, anything else? No, not nothing there. Um, I just, as a reminder, I do have to drop off. I'll be on the phone and call and it'll be on a phone line. Uh, and then, uh, if when I'm out of the box, uh, you have Loretta and you have Derek on the meeting for any questions. And, and I'll hopefully be jumping back on by the end. Yes. Thank you. Um, and, uh, uh, we appreciate it. I think we'll be just fine. Um, and we'll continue then with item number. And item number four and the rather Lilios for the, um, and I guess, uh, general counsel Grossman. Thank you. And really I was going to invite, uh, Todd and, uh, Bruce to, uh, cover the, uh, amendments to the rules portion. I think we also have, um, for Kane too, who's. Yes. Maybe. And I carry. Carry. Right. Yeah. Thank you. And my apologies. I do see that it's, um, really, uh, carries, um, the lead on this. Good morning, Carrie. Good morning, Madam chair and commissioner. Thank you. I believe that, um, Bruce is actually going to kick off this. Portion of the agenda for it related to the rules of the game. Good morning again, Bruce. Good morning. This is kind of like. You're it. So I will take it. Good morning, Madam chair commissioners. Uh, this portion has to do with changes to the rules of the game. Uh, we're here to present to you. Uh, this is mostly a cleanup to the current rules. Uh, Little bits and pieces that need needed to be clarified, including changes to the game. Blackjack. Uh, here with me to present our, uh, uh, uh, Field Manager, Burke Kane, the compliance manager, Sturro carpenter. And of course, one of our, uh, uh, Council's carry to our seat. Uh, Burke Kane will present. Uh, You ready, Burke? Yes, apparently tag. I'm it now, right? Exactly. Good morning, Madam chair. Good morning, commissioners. Nice to be everybody. Thank you. I'm going to present to you the regulations, clarifications, some procedural changes for rules of the game. Maybe easier for you. Uh, commissioners to ask questions as we're going along, but that's up to you guys. Um, in the packet, there's a memorandum for us to go over. Okay. We have it up there. Uh, below the proposed changes to all the rules of the games on the mass gaming website. Uh, we also have a number of changes. Uh, commissioners by the dealers who deal multiple games. Other changes include the modernization. Of all the technology used in gaming as well as social distancing protocols that are needed during the time of pandemic. Table games. Use one to eight decks of cards at a time and doing so the table games that use one deck at a time. We have two decks on that game. We have two decks of cards. The backs will be a completely different colors. Although these games will have two decks on them, only one deck will be used at a time. For that reason. We will call these games one deck games for this memo. Blackjack games have the option by regulation to use two to eight decks at one time in the operation of the game. In the game, we will use a shuffle machine to shuffle the cards for the dealer. So there'll be two batches of cards of different colored backs and they'll be alternated in and out of the game. In the section below. We will split the games into two groups. The group a games will be all the one deck games. For example, Caribbean step poker for card poker. Let it run by three card poker or ultimate Texas hold them or some of the more common games will find. The games are the multi deck. variety. Many Bach. Blackjack casino war, Spanish 21. Or some general. Some general changes to the rules of the game. Manual shuffle has been removed from all the group a one deck games. The option to manually shuffle any one that game has been removed from all the games, but poker. This changes is to remove any games, protection concerns in regards to the manually shuffling of a deck. If a licensee wishes to perform a manual, manual shuffle on a one deck game, they're going to have to submit that procedure and protection to the IAB for approval. The cut card. We have an addition to the group B multi deck game. All games that allow a cut card to be placed by the dealer has had additional language added due to the COVID-19. Presently, the regulation reads the dealer call in the game show perform one of the following options. The dealer will offer the stack of cards with the back spacing away from them to the players to be cut. We've added new language that says or at the casino's discretion, the dealer will cut the stack of cards for the table. Cut card uniformity. Group B games, multi deck games. All the cards that offer the patient the ability to cut the cards of the change to offer the cut card counterclockwise. If not already offered that way. All games will offer the cut card this way so that the process is the same for all the dealers, all the games. The reg will now read and working counterclockwise around the table shall offer the stack of cards to the participant to cut the cards. This is basically because dealers can work in a pit that might have all of these multiple games in it. And they'll routinely go from a Texas hold-on game to a three-card poker game to a four-card poker game. So to alleviate mistakes that they may have in offering the cut card, we're always going to ask them to offer it counterclockwise. Option to use pre-shuffled or pre-inspected cards on a one-deck game. This is being removed because manufacturers simply do not produce one deck of cards pre-shuffled. So it's obsolete and doesn't need to be in iris. Added language to the rules due to advances in shuffler technology. This is with the one-deck type A games. The following language was added with all the one-deck shufflers that require a different amount of cards to be dealt. The automatic shufflers are so advanced or programmed that they can deal a certain number of cards depending on the game that that shuffler is programmed for. For instance, on three-card poker, obviously we need three cards. Caribbean Stud, you would need five cards. And four-card poker, four cards. Updating the showing of the cards. This is an update or a removal for type A and type B games. Can you scroll back up, please? Am I right? I think we're in the right spot there. The rules regarding how cards must be displayed face up on a game awaiting play stated that the cards needed to be displayed to the patron prior to the shuffle. This process has been updated due to technology and it is for this reason that the requirement of showing the faces of the decks have been revised. Cards on a table now may be displayed face up or face down. It's now an option and not a requirement. Clarification of terminology in addition to type A games. This is a simple addition. Dealing shoes has been edited to now read dealing shoe or machine. This is a regularity section on all one deck games or removal. The following section was removed on one deck games due to the removal of the manual shuffle. All automated card shuffling devices or automated dealing shoes shall be removed from a gaming table before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table. There were some common small grammatical fixes that we put in the rules of the game section. And now specific changes made to the rules of the game. Blackjack switch. We have a removal clarification. Section four, the following section was removed due to it being obsolete. The bar card shuffle is no longer going to be in our regulation. We do have a section of our regulation that explains how a manual shuffle will be performed, including the plug to turn the ruffle, etc. The bar card shuffle is now obsolete and will be removed. Section eight, language correction to the following. After the dealer has blackjack, all losing wagers shall be collected. It's been changed to that. Previously it had all losing insurance wagers would be collected. If a dealer has blackjack, an insurance wager is a winner. This was an editorial clarification. Section 15. In any table game when a card is delivered incorrectly, the card will not under any circumstance be placed backwards on the game. As stated in the irregularity section of the specific game, the card will move forward to the next player. It will be used as a dealer's card or it will be burned. The licensees shall allow one or more players out of the hand to be able to move forward. The card will be used as a dealer's found to make this error. Section N, if a dealer mistakenly forgets to burn a card, the hand will continue as if no mistake has been made. Blackjack section, I believe Carrie has an introductory comment for this section. Yes, thank you. Just a little background on this one before Burke runs through the changes to the rules. As you know, there is a lot of confusion regarding the rules of blackjack. I believe there is a big issue that is related to the payout of blackjack and the odds for that payout. One of the main issues raised in the decisions that were issued on the motions to dismiss were that there was confusion as to what the term six to five meant when six to five meant was referring to a six to five game variation versus when it was referring to the game of blackjack. We think that that addresses the issues raised. I will turn it back to Burke to run through those changes. Yes, so as Carrie just stated, the term six to five variation is defined as a one or two deck and dealt game of blackjack. It was introduced in casino four years ago to mimic what most casual gamblers thought the game of blackjack should look like. All references of six to five variation have been removed from the rules in its entirety. Section one under blackjack we're adding a new definition called a pat hand. A pat hand is a hand in which is a sufficient value to play as it is dealt without needing to draw additional hands. Section six after each full set of cards is placed in the shoe the dealer shall remove the first card face downwards and place it in the discard rack. Each gaming licensee may at its discretion offer the patrons the option not to burn this card when a new dealer comes to the game. Section six removal of the double shoe reference. Double shoe reference was back in the 80s pre shuffle machine time they would actually have two dealing shoes on a blackjack game and it never really took off. I never actually saw it and this is since it's obsolete we now have shufflers this section of the reg is being revised and double shoe references being removed. Section seven clarification. Section seven discusses the payment of blackjack the even money payment option for certain insurance wagers. We have this section here represented in its entirety from A to D because all the references to 6 to 5 variation have now been removed. Section 15 an addition if the dealer mistakenly forgets to burn a card the hand will continue to be removed. Section 19 a clarifying statement the definition of a progressive on a blackjack game shall be as follows an additional wager is a side bet traditionally $1 or $5 to the main wager which a percentage of the wager goes into a pool of money this pool increments upwards until the stated combination is achieved by the player. There are many different progressive wagers for licensees to offer so this statement talks about that. To help clarify this originally progressive blackjack was a game but now there's so many progressive blackjack wagers we just wanted to help clarify what this new definition would be. Inclusion of all the blackjacks in the same section we have a relocation. The following section was removed section 31 in place with all the other progressive wagers in section 19 this way they're all in one location. Section 31 had the blazing 7 progressive bet and now we pulled that over for consistency to section 19 and below is all of the blazing 7 language for the break. We can go down to free bet free bet addition section 11 in any table when a card is delivered incorrectly the card will not under any circumstance be placed backwards in the game as stated in the irregularity section of the specific game the card will move forward to the next player used as the dealer's card or burned the licensees shall allow one or more players out of the hand when the dealer's going to make this mistake. Section N if the dealer mistakenly forgets to burn a card the hand will continue as if no mistake was made red dog I don't know if we'll ever see red dog an old game where we're adding this clarifying statement section D if the dealer mistakenly forgets to burn a card the hand will continue as if no mistake has been made Spanish 21 we're adding the definition casino war addition section 10 the verbiage about not moving a card backwards as stated previously and the licensees shall allow one or more players out of the hand if the dealer is found to have made this error section F if the dealer mistakenly forgets to burn a card the hand will continue as if no mistake had been made I think that concludes the updates additions clarifications for the rules of the game special thanks to our compliance manager Sterl Carpenter our experienced gaming agents with gaming background who helped assist in these revisions. Any questions? Questions Commissioner Commissioner Zuniga thank you Burke and Kerry and Bruce it really seems like there's a lot of work that went into fine-tuning a lot of these a lot of these rules and regulations can I just for the on the topic of the 6-5 removal of the 6-5 variation is a term that is now being removed so the one that survives sees the 6-5 payout of the odds the odds on the blackjack which is only 6-5 in some cases usually the lower limits and 3-2 on all the other upper limits is there anything in the regulations that stipulates when or whether to use one or the other it's at all the discretion of the casinos currently it's up to the casinos it's a business decision on the casino support so there's nothing relative to 6-5 applies to the one deck cards or the multiple deck games or anything like that. No there isn't it used to be that one game called blackjack variation 6-5 where you would pay 6-5 but now there's nothing in the regular states that we're going to go over 146-13 right now also and that details more about how the odds should be stated on the layout etc. Thank you. So other questions for Burke and team with respect to what's presented so far I would just echo we've had the benefit of proper briefings and those briefings were enormously helpful and I think Commissioner O'Brien and you and I shared our briefing and I think that we learned from Bruce that this is an exercise that not necessarily all jurisdictions do to go and modernize and bring up the rules up to date so this is really important and very helpful for us so thank you. Commissioner I would like to reiterate that that's so important in particular where there's confusion to be proactive and go in and make a change so that patrons are not confused is really important so I commend the team for being proactive and keeping us modernized when it comes to our rules of the game so thanks to everybody. Yeah. Okay so so that we can get just a little further confused let's continue on very very helpful so far thank you. Madam Chair I don't know if you'd like to take a motion for a vote on the rules and then move on to the equipment reg or should we do that with this juncture? Okay I guess then I want to make sure we've exhausted every question that there's no need to go on to the next phase Enrique to help clarify the rules for you. No there isn't and I'm comfortable and I was just going to perhaps state for the record that this is because it's not a regulation we would not go through the promulgation process our regs would have us just vote on this and then they would be effective. That's right. Okay. I think I heard this correctly Carrie with respect to the decision that the judge in a helpful fashion brought up some of the potential need for clarity that was a that decision dismissed that case correct so there's no other further action on that case correct? Well there are two the Superior Court case was dismissed the District Court case was dismissed in part and the motion dismissed was granted in part and denied in part so that one is still moving forward. Okay excellent thank you and if I'm remembering correctly this work was well under underway prior to that decision I think it was helpful to know for all to know that clarity and we don't want any confusion as Commissioner Cameron pointed out. All right thank you so do I have a motion with respect to the rules of the game as presented with the changes? Madam Chair I move to amend the various rules of the game as posted on the commission's website in the manner discussed here today as included in the commissioners packet. Second. Thank you. Last minute questions Great work. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien Commissioner Zunica. Aye. Commissioner Stebbins. Aye. And I vote yes. Five zero. Thank you. Thank you Carrie. You're welcome. All right so next in your packet you have a draft of 205 CMR 146.13 This is a regulation that deals with the physical characteristics for the actual table for the game of blackjack so we've made some changes to the rules to clarify on that end but with respect to the litigation as we discussed another issue that was raised was that the this regulation stated that the layout would read that blackjack pays three to two or six to five depending on what odds are being offered at that particular table and as Bruce mentioned that's at the discretion of the licensee. So I believe Burke is going to run through some of these other changes in this regulation as well. Okay we have up on the screen 146.13 blackjack table characteristics inspections under section three under section three Kerry just stated the following inscriptions shall appear on the blackjack layout blackjack will pay three to two or blackjack will pay six to five under section B the rules the draw rules of one of the following have to be imprinted on the table dealer must draw to 16 and stand on all 17s or the dealer must hit on soft 17 and C must be on the table insurance pays two to one section four the gaming licensee offers blackjack rules variation the blackjack layout shall have imprinted on it the appropriate rules or payout odds observed for the particular version of blackjack being offered which may include blackjack pays one to one the dealer must draw to 16 and stand on all 17s or the dealer must hit soft 17s C the dealer hold card would be dealt face up or any other similar language as approved by the assistant director of IVB moving down I do have a question in what instances the blackjack pays one to one there's a specific rules for that game as you're all having a strong background in the old pit-blast Cheryl can you help us on that version of that sure that rule pertains to a version of blackjack in which the casino will allow the patron to see both cards but since you have the advantage of seeing that the dealer has 16 dealt to him that you're only paying blackjack one to one okay posted on the game yes I've seen this game on a casino floor it it didn't last long they could put it back out this kind of gimmicky as you can see and I don't think the public grab the whole of it years ago and I haven't seen it up here yet okay section 5 each blackjack table you have a drop box and a tip box attached to it with the location of said boxes on the same side of the gaming table but on opposite sides of the dealer or on an approved area as approved by the assistant director of IUB because of the rather large shuffling machines on some of these games it makes it a problem sometimes to have the same tip box opposite the drop box and with approval we will allow them to tell us what might work out for them better okay no changes small changes editorials in 6 7 8 9 10 they changed the spot 11 change gaming establishment to a game supervisor small editorial change changes in 12 section 13 if a gaming licensee offers a match to dealer wager pursuant to authorize rules of the game of blackjack the blackjack table shall contain section B a layout inscription or sign posted at the table indicating the payout odds for the match to dealer wager so before we were asking that it was inscribed in the layout now we're adding the fact that you could put a sign up in addition to that section 14 we're striking out the whole 6 to 5 blackjack variation has as Kerry has told us and because we struck out section 14 the rest of the document is simply a renumbering down to 18 which is now 17 any questions about 14613 this is a regulatory change that's right in terms of implementation it's like a 90 day window so that's right typically 50 to 90 days somewhere in there any questions for Burke and Kerry I see no from commissioner Cameron again we've had the benefit of a good briefing and also really clear memorandum that when you walk us through it again it's great reinforcement thank you without any further questions we would want to start the voting process we also have the small business statement correct ready for a motion I am Madam chair I move that the commission approve the small business statement for 205 CMR 146.13 blackjack table card reader device physical characteristics inspections as included in the commissioners thank you any questions on that okay commissioner Cameron I commissioner Brian commissioner Zinneke I thank you I vote yes 50 moving on to the regulation Madam chair I further move that the commission adopt the version of 205 CMR 146.13 blackjack table card reader device physical characteristics inspections as included in the commissioners I would like it and authorize the staff to take necessary steps to begin the regulation promulgation process okay any further questions on that the moving ahead commissioner Cameron I commissioner Brian I commissioner Zinneke I commissioner Stevens I I vote yes thank you excellent work thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you very much appreciate it we'll move on then to item 4C on roulette I think we're starting with you Loretta thank you yes sure so encore and MGM have requested to reintroduce roulette at their gaming establishments and back in June when you adopted the minimum health and safety requirements for the reopening of the casinos following the closure due to the pandemic at that time you determined that neither craps nor roulette was permitted at that time and you acknowledge games offerings could change as circumstances evolve so the category one casinos have now requested that roulette be allowed to be reintroduced and we have worked with them to identify health and safety measures that could be implemented with roulette and in doing so we tried to hue closely to the measures that the commission already approved for the blackjack style games you have a document in your packet that lists the measures we identified and I am going to share that now and as you know one of our obligations with the request like this is that we consult with the Department of Public Health and to that end we did provide the department with the list of the same measures that in your packet that we are looking at now the department raised no objections to the reintroduction of the game and communicated that it is comfortable with doing so in conjunction with the minimum safety measures outlined here and the department also considered that gaming jurisdictions in the states contiguous to Massachusetts that's Rhode Island in Connecticut along with New York and New Jersey are currently offering roulette the measures that we've identified are that there would be a maximum of three players per table as you know there can be nine or more seated players in other circumstances that roulette along with players in standing positions around the table actively engaged in the game under these requirements there would be a maximum of three players and all would be required to be seated with no spectators or patrons congregating around the tables would be separated by plexiglass barriers of the same measurements as the blackjack style tables not less than six feet high with a minimum of four feet separating the seats the original request from the licensees was for three to four players per table but we couldn't consistently get this measurement of the 48 inches with the four players so that explains why it's a three player request of the dealer at each table would be separated by a plexiglass barrier again not less than six feet tall there would be a pass through window at hand level there again generally consistent with the blackjack table table configurations of chips would occur when they went to the cage and that would be at a minimum on a daily basis hand sanitizers on each table Encore has requested that not more than 16 roulette tables be permitted that would be addition of 48 players MGM has requested not more than seven that would be 21 players importantly although your initial occupancy formula was based on gaming positions the addition of gaming positions by roulette would not be counted in that formula so the occupancy numbers would stay the same and the actual layout requirements would be required to be approved by IEB and Bruce's team before becoming operational the other measures that apply throughout the property as a whole would continue to be in effect the six foot social distancing the masks covering the nose and mouth, no food on the casino floor beverages only while seated the general cleaning and sanitization the HVAC air quality measures as well so that is the summary of the measures that we've identified and are bringing forward for your consideration today can I share a photo of the table it would be helpful yes please I don't know if you're still sharing I'll stop my share see if I can share can everybody see that yes I do have a question about this picture I'm glad it shows what I wondered about one one of the details that you point out is that the players for that will be seated and that was important for the plexiglass but the dealer stands correct and the budget is six foot high I should add that right so if the dealer is sitting and that dealer happens to be taller than six feet is that a challenge most of the time the dealer is only up here when the placement of the chips when the balls rolled he will take a step back or so so he will be back from the table for he can view the whole layout here so really the proximity to the table for the dealer isn't really an issue the players will be seated and will be down if you can see my cursor at this level so I don't really think the plexiglass you can see is actually up here yes so I'm just looking at this particular dealer's height it looks like it accommodates accommodates it nicely here but it did occur to me unlike the blackjack style tables where everyone stays seated in this case the dealer must stand in order to place the ball so does the dealer in blackjack though he has to stand as well I don't know if this is part of what what you're asking but it occurs to me that when the dealer the dealer is far away from the players because of the table when including the plexiglass and when the dealer needs to go collect the chips far away he or she is going to sort of lean down because of the table which you know and I do understand that the at a lower level and I do understand the roulette dealer is quite removed particularly when we only have three players I had a question Bruce to your knowledge you just listed the states that are now allowing roulette has anyone put this additional measure in which is the not allowed to bet once the ball is in motion so where the dealer waves his hand or her hand and so is that a measure that we're contemplating but or is it used in other jurisdictions I have not brought that up yet after if we do approve roulette that would be something I would request of you to put it in is that we would because of the plexiglass blocking sound and this is a very verbal game we would request that no wagers be allowed to be made after the ball starts to spin and that would eliminate that games protection problem that we'd see I think it's very reasonable and makes sense that the roulette table people are constantly speaking loudly and you know engaged verbally so I do think that's a great measure I just didn't know if you knew if it was used anywhere else not to my knowledge it was my concern from the beginning with roulette and actually craps is when we discussed that both those games are so verbal that we're concerned people would take a shot I didn't hear what I said this eliminates that problem all together and obviously I'm sorry I said and obviously I know as your practice is and it's a very good practice to get these rule changes out to the licensees before they come to us and to see what they may or may not have a concern with so there was no concern with this one right we discussed these with them a matter of fact I don't know if you can see it but this is on court we're hoping that this gets passed it says you gotta place your bet before the spin right so the signage will be clear the patrons will understand what the new rule is for safety purposes okay great so Commissioner Cameron has raised a question about some of the proposed integrity modifications does it make sense Loretta for us to even though I think if we are thinking allowing for a lot that we take those into consideration right now as well and go through them absolutely and it is in your packet and before we move on I'm sorry before we move on I just I have a question can somebody just give me the measurements of the table and the shot that we're looking at right now in terms of like center player seat to dealer as he's approaching the table I don't have that right here but the seats midseat to midseat are 34 inches across I don't have that in another file that I have but they're 34 inches between seats 34 inches between the seats correct so this minimum I'm not saying that these seats are placed correctly here okay I just asked for some pictures of the table with the plexiglass on it and they rushed these to me yesterday the other ones I had had cracks and roulette kind of mixed together so Areta do you want to clarify and we did Commissioner O'Brien I did see photographs with you know the tape measure laid out seat to seat with the 48 inches and some of the placements around the mocked up table it was even a little more than so I have seen it and I know Bruce has seen it as well that the placement is able to be done with the minimum of 48 and again that was why the packet that's coming to you is with the three seats three players per table and not the four because the four was too tough to get the 48 inches at consistently the closest that the dealer comes to any seated player when he or she has to come up to the table I don't I don't even think it's 48 inches to be honest with you so as long as it's not crossing the 48 inches just a reminder the rule for social distancing on our gaming floor is 4 feet plus 4 feet plus plexiglass otherwise 6 feet photo you'll see it there's a divider that comes out here a divider that comes out here he's pretty well protected on this corner as well I wanted to confirm that at no point does it get less than the 48 even with the seats again 48 with plexiglass 6 feet we're achieving that great Bruce just a quick question and if you take the photo you're currently showing if I'm sitting at this end of the table can the dealer help me put a chip up at the other end of the table instead of reaching out and reaching over crossing hands or whatever with some of the other players if you need help and you want to make a single zero wager you only have three people at the table the dealer will help you place a wager anywhere on the table from my chat with you and Burke I like the fact that the steps we're taking here are really adding to the integrity of the game Loretta a quick question for you I know we're proving you have us considering an approval for a certain number of tables do you expect to come back to us if our licensees seek to add tables would because that would be definitely would on this game because the approval is specified with the maximum number of games so we would come back if they asked to do more and I'm not sure Bruce you may know better but I'm not sure that they actually will have the maximum number in operation at all times I would be shocked if they asked for more tables Bruce okay all right thank you can I ask Loretta also did you get an answer as to whether or not the reintroduction of roulette would then potentially lead to the rehire of any of the dealers I did get an answer to that the answer that I got was for on-core it would be a minimum of 60 rehires and at MGM I didn't get a number but I got it would lead to some rehires but the number was uncertain okay thank you Loretta that was 60 60 yes that was what was communicated to me that's significant and Loretta just to emphasize it won't change the capacity number it's really an embellishment of business options and that's the way it was communicated to me that they want to give patrons additional options and are agreeing to not using this increase in gaming positions to the formula so the occupancy limits would stay the same from the formula you approved back in June and of course they're not nearing those occupancy numbers now so I think offering the options to the players is what makes business sense so I would just reiterate with respect to the physical space I think Commissioner Cameron raised it in one of our early meetings is that if we did have a dealer who's particularly tall that they would be able to have an additional shield or some kind of screening if in fact is a her base above that six foot plexiglass it sounds as though it's not a big problem given the distance that they can achieve here but I would like to certainly if there is someone who surpasses six feet have that safety precaution available should we go through it is that a measure that you would like to explicitly add here or is that you know advisory informing the licensees of that or did you want to actually add a measure they may not have a practical issue but if they did I would hope that they would recognize it I'm not sure if it needs to be codified in any formal fashion okay with respect to sharing the next part of the document so that we can think about the integrity of the game and how it's impacted okay so here we have the rules of roulette and there is a highlighted new portion that I will go to that I think it's about what I think it's on the last so under the section on rotation of the wheel and ball as a temporary rule in conjunction with the COVID-19 related health and safety measures all bets must be placed prior to the spin and essentially placed at the table stating that no bets are allowed once the ball is in motion the dealer shall wave their hand over the roulette layout prior to the spin and then the dealer shall wave their hand over the roulette layout so that we can always know more bets questions on this commissioner a camera and commissioner Brian I can't see your faces so if you have a question no questions they answered everything already so thank you you're all set or carry. Do you want to jump in? Sure. It's not a regulation. It's the rule of the game. So we actually, this was also in rule that was in the packet that was part of item A. We've taken that version, cleaned it up, and then this has been additional change to it. So it's just a rule. Okay, great. Thank you. Any further questions? All right. So I know that we have to have a vote on this. If we proceed, this gives the licensees, the two licensees with table games, an additional option without impacting the bottom line capacity. And at this juncture, we did say when we first considered these guidelines, and then when we considered an early request to expand to roulette, that we would always take into consideration where we were from the public health metrics perspective. And with the Redis update and consultation as we are required, respect to the Department of Public Health, this seems to be a time where this measure is reasonable and acceptable. So that was just one of the commitments we made to always keep that as a priority in mind. And of course, we're considering the business options for our licensees right now. Madam Chair, I do want to reiterate that in terms of timing. I think two of the critical parts of this analysis are that it does not increase the occupancy cap, that the licensees are in fact aware of that and in fact sort of proactively indicating that when they ask for this. And I also think we now have a history of watching the licensees and the patron compliance and our ability to enforce is the numbers are not static, they are trending in an opposite direction of where everyone would like to see. But on balance, I think if you look at the integrity of the game, the protections in place, the lack of increase to occupancy, the additional rehires that would occur as a result, I think it is an appropriate time now to discuss this and vote on this as a commission. Commissioner, I think you raised really good points and help us think about framing it correctly. We do wish some of the trends reporting in a different direction, but what we have been able to see is considerable compliance with respect to the patrons and their licensees. Commissioner Cameron's nodding, do you mind adding? Yes, I was just going to say that when Commissioner Bryant said we now have a record and it is a positive record, they are working hard to comply with the rules and are doing a good job at that. And I think the numbers of cases within a casino reflect that they are minimal here in our jurisdiction. That is not the case everywhere. So I think certainly the licensees have earned the right to ask for this additional offering. And I know that I am convinced that the safety measures that are outlined here are appropriate and actually probably stronger than anywhere else with the added addition of the dealer not taking bets after that ball is in play. I would agree with Commissioner O'Brien that those measures are appropriate. And it is really important to think about some of these individuals getting their jobs back. Commissioner Stebbins or Commissioner Zinnicka, do you wish to add or enhance? No, just to agree with all of that, I think it is well put. And I think as Commissioner O'Brien and Cameron say, for all those reasons it is very prudent and they have earned that right to ask for it. I would agree. So bottom line is we continue to appreciate our licensees vigilance. So thank them for that. So do we have a motion if you are prepared to move? Madam Chair, I move that the Commission adopt the minimum requirements for the reintroduction of roulette at the Category 1 Gaming Establishments as those requirements are set forth in the document discussed today. Second. Thank you. With no further questions or comments, Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zinnicka. Aye. Commissioner Stebbins. Aye. I vote yes. Five-zero. Thank you. Loretta and Bruce and Ting for very careful consideration as we expand that option to our licensees. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Madam Chair, apologies for the interruption, but we would also be looking for a motion to adopt that updated rule for roulette. I believe you have that in front of you as well. I have, but yeah. Sorry about that, Terry. Thank you. Madam Chair, I further move to amend the rules so the game for roulette is posted on the Commission's website in the manner discussed here today and is included in the Commissioner's packet. Second. And any further questions on that? Straightforward. Excellent. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zinnicka. Aye. Commissioner Stebbins. Aye. Yes. Five-zero. Thank you, Shara. So that's all great work completed. We have a number of five again with Jo Delaney and Joe repeat your official new title. Chief of Community Affairs. Chief of Community Affairs, congratulations to you. Thank you. Commissioner Cameron passed on. I think the sentiment we all share how well deserved this promotion is. And I know that from my perspective, I find all of your briefings and your public briefings to be so clear and so accessible. And for that, I'm very appreciative. So thank you. So now you've got a piece of business that's pretty straightforward today. Yes. As my first great act as Chief of Community Affairs, we have a pretty simple item in front of you. As you know, the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee has three subcommittees. And the commission has an appointment on each of those subcommittees. First one being the subcommittee on community mitigation, which Bruce Stebbins has been performing admirably in that role. For the last couple of years, we have the Public Safety Subcommittee, which we have Eileen O'Brien as the commission member. And we also have the Addiction Services Subcommittee, where Mark VanderLinden has been serving on that subcommittee. So we are just simply recommending the reappointment of those same folks to those same positions. Any questions for Jo? Just to clarify, I would be, Commissioner Cameron has been heavily involved in public safety. This is something we've been talking about for quite some time in terms of me. Actually, and we did vote last year. So this is a reappointment, yeah. But the transition's been going on. I just wanted to acknowledge that I didn't want to be dismissive of Commissioner Cameron's contributions. Commissioner O'Brien, I suspect the two of us will always be interested in public safety for no matter what we do in our careers going forward. So I certainly am very supportive of you in this role and will support you in any way you see fit. Yeah. Other questions? If I may, just also state for the record and background, even though it's a reappointment of Mark VanderLinden for the Addiction Services subcommittee, it is a subcommittee that unfortunately we have not been able to put together quite in the past, but there's renewed energy. And I know you, Chair, have been trying and communicating with the governor's office as well as the other stakeholders to make this committee happen because it's not only a requirement of the statute, but there's important feedback that we really could use from members. Yes. And so this designation today presumes that that will be an activated subcommittee with Mark representing the commission. Yeah. So any further questions? And for Joe, do I have a motion? I have a question, actually. I mean, I'm not so sure I'm going to participate in a vote that pertains to me. Do we break it up? I'm wondering if we should break it up. I was just going to- So that we can resolve that conundrum for Commissioner Stephens and myself? I would like, I was just thinking I would like it to be broken up so that, although you could, in fact, vote for yourselves. Right. I understand. So why don't we do it one step at a time? The Community Mitigation Subcommittee, do I have a motion? Madam Chair, I move that the Commissioner Point, Commissioner Bruce Stephens, as representative of the Community Mitigation Advisory Subcommittee. Second. Thank you. Commissioner, I'm assuming no for the discussion, except a big thank you, Commissioner Stephens, for your leadership on this effort and the partnership you have with everybody involved on the team. Glad Joe still wants to have me on. Stay tuned. He's got a new promotion. So we'll see. So we'll go ahead with the vote. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zuniga. Aye. Commissioner Stephens. I'm going to politely abstain, Madam Chair. Thank you. And of course, I vote strong. Yes. Thank you. So four and a one abstention. Now we'll move to the Subcommittee on Public Safety, please. Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. You go ahead. Commissioner, I would just, I would be very pleased to recommend that we reappoint Commissioner Eileen O'Brien to represent the Commission on the Public Safety Subcommittee. Second that. Okay. Again, I have no further questions. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. I abstain. Commissioner Zuniga. Aye. And Commissioner Stephens. A new fatic. Aye. And I too vote yes enthusiastically. So four with one abstention. And now for the Addictive Services Subcommittee. Madam Chair, I'll move that the Commission appoint Mark Benderlinden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, as representative to the Addiction Services Subcommittee. Second. Thank you. No further questions. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zuniga. Aye. And Commissioner Stephens. Aye. And I vote yes. Five zero. Moving on to item number six, Commissioner Updates. Raise your hand if you have one. Just to add my congratulations to Joe on the well job that he does and the promotion that now reflects a lot of the work that he has already been undertaking in the past few months on the community integration process. So thank you Joe for all the work you do and congratulations. Thank you. I would also offer my congratulations and I'd like the new title because it's somewhat vague that we can always assign you some more responsibilities. Fair enough. My hunch is he'd readily accept them so. Absolutely. Any further questions? I think I just want to pass along a good luck to Commissioner Cameron. I know you've got your speaking gig. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting virtually Mike Noel and he did say pass on a big hello. He would see you today. Oh really? Okay. Terrific. Thank you for that and I thank you to our team because of course with their expertise I'm very well prepped. So thanks to everybody. Good luck. Okay. But no further updates. I just want to note it's 11. 18. Enrique you're not going to be late for lunch today so that's a good a good sign. We appreciate it. And again excellent work to you know the discussion today really was at the core of the gaming commission's functions and responsibilities as a gaming regulator and I think all of us just appreciated the detail and the thoroughness of the preparation so thank you. Any further? All right. I'll take a motion. I'll move to adjourn. Second. Thank you. Commissioner Cameron. Aye. Commissioner O'Brien. Aye. Commissioner Zinica. Aye. Commissioner Stabbins. Aye. Thanks everybody. But yes 5-0. Thanks everyone. I appreciate it. Thank you.