HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA

SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS

SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

Title: Criss Cross Poker

IAC Reference(s): 68 IAC 14-3

Objective:

Criss Cross Poker is a card game based on five (5) card stud poker. The object of the game is to
achieve a hand with a ranking of a pair of sixes or better. In Criss Cross poker, the players
compete against a pay table, not against the dealer and they win if their hand is a pair of jacks or
better and push if their hand is a pair of sixes or better. All other outcomes forfeit the ante
wagers.

Cards:

1. Except as provided in (2) below, Criss Cross Poker will be played with one (1) deck of
cards with backs of the same color and design and one (1) cover card. The cover card
will be opaque and in a solid color readily distinguishable from the color of the backs and
edges of the playing cards, as approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The deck
of cards will meet the requirements of 68 IAC 14-3-2.
2. If an automated shuffling device is used, the casino will be permitted to use a second
deck of cards to play the game, provided that:
a. Each deck of cards complies with the requirements of (1) above;
b. The backs of the cards of the two (2) decks are of different colors;
c. One (1) deck may be shuffled by the automated shuffling device while the other
deck is being dealt or used to play the game;
d. Both decks are continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being
used for every other round of play (with exceptions when there is a machine
malfunction or other issues which may momentarily prevent use of the second
deck); and
e. The cards from only one (1) deck will be placed in the discard rack at any given
time.

Criss Cross Poker Hand Rankings:

Section M13 – Page 1

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

1. The rank of the cards used in Criss Cross Poker, for the determination of winning hands,
in order of highest to lowest rank, will be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or
straight formed with a 2, 3, 4 and 5. All suits will be considered equal in rank.
2. The permissible poker hands at the game of Criss Cross Poker, in order of highest to
lowest rank, will be:
a. “Royal Flush” is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same
suit;
b. “Straight Flush” is a hand consisting of five (5) cards of the same suit in
consecutive ranking;
c. “Four-of-a-Kind” is a hand consisting of four (4) cards of the same rank;
d. “Full House” is a hand consisting of “three-of-a-kind” and a “pair”;
e. “Flush” is a hand consisting of five (5) cards of the same suit;
f. “Straight” is a hand consisting of five (5) cards of consecutive rank, with an ace,
king, queen, jack and 10 being the highest ranking straight and an ace, 2, 3, 4 and
5 being the lowest ranking straight; provided, however, that an ace may not be
combined with any other sequence of cards for purposes of determining a winning
hand (for example, queen, king, ace, 2, 3);
g. “Three-of-a-Kind” is a hand consisting of three (3) cards of the same rank;
h. “Two Pair” is a hand consisting of two (2) “pairs”; and
i. “One Pair” is a hand containing two (2) cards of the same rank.

Inspection of Cards, Presentation of Decks, Shuffle of Cards:

1. When playing cards are accepted for play at a live gaming device, the occupational
licensee accepting the playing cards shall inspect the playing cards to ensure the playing
cards comply with 68 IAC 14-3.
2. The cards shall be turned face down on the gaming layout and randomly intermixed.
This is also known as “washing the cards” so they are no longer in sequential order. The
cards will then be stacked.
3. Once the cards have been stacked, they will be shuffled to create a further random mix.
Upon the completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device will place the cards in a single
stack.

Section M13 – Page 2

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

4. A player may request to visually inspect the cards before the start of the game or during
the changing of the cards.
5. If the casino uses an automated shuffling device to play the game, two (2) decks of cards
with backs of different colors may be used. This process will be completed for each deck
of cards.
6. After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer will:
a. If the cards were shuffled using an automated shuffling device, deal or deliver the
cards in accordance with the procedures set forth below; or
b. If the cards were shuffled manually, cut the cards in accordance with the
procedures set forth in (7) below.
7. If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer will:
a. Cut the deck, using one hand, by:
i. Placing the cover card on the table in front of the deck of cards;
ii. Taking a stack of at least ten (10) cards from the top of the deck and
placing them on top of the cover card;
iii. Placing the cards remaining in the deck on top of the stack of cards that
were cut and placed on top of the cover card; and
iv. Removing the cover card and placing it in the discard rack.
b. A supervisor may require the cards to be re-cut if they determine that the cut was
performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of
the game.
c. Whenever there is no gaming activity at a Criss Cross Poker table which is open
for gaming and has previously had play, the cards may be shuffled and stacked or
spread and remain on the table in front of the dealer or be stored in an automated
shuffling device as approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Dealing the Cards, Automated Shuffling Device:

1. The casino may, at its discretion, choose to have the cards dealt from an automated
shuffling device. The automated shuffling device shall dispense cards in one (1) stack of
five (5) cards for the community card hand and in two (2) card hands for each player
hand.

Section M13 – Page 3

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

2. If the casino chooses to have the cards dealt from an automated shuffling device, these
procedures will be followed:
a. Once the procedures required above have been completed, the cards will be
placed in the automated shuffling device.
b. The dealer will then close the action prior to delivering any stacks of cards.
c. The dealer will deliver the first stack of cards dispensed from the shuffling device
as a five (5) card stack for the community card hand.
i. The stack shall be placed on the area designated for placement of the
(dealer’s) left side “across” card.
ii. The dealer shall slide the top four (4) cards of the stack forward to the area
designated for placement of the top side “down” card.
iii. The dealer shall then slide the top three (3) cards of the stack to the area
designated for placement of the right side “across” card.
iv. The dealer shall then slide the top two (2) cards of the stack to the area
designated for placement of the bottom side “down” card.
v. The dealer shall then slide the top card of the stack to the area designated
for placement of the middle card.
d. After the community cards are delivered, the dealer will receive two (2) card
stacks dispensed to the dealer by the automated shuffling device and the dealer
will, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the
other players who has placed a wager.
e. After the players have received their cards, the dealer shall remove the stub from
the automated shuffling device and place the cards in the discard rack without
exposing the cards.

Dealing the Cards, Dealing from Hand:

1. The casino, at its discretion, may permit a dealer to deal the cards from their hand.
2. If the casino chooses to have the cards dealt from the dealer’s hand, these procedures
shall be followed:
a. The casino shall use an automated shuffling device to shuffle the cards;
b. Once the shuffle has been completed, the dealer shall place the stacked deck of
cards in either hand.

Section M13 – Page 4

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

i. Once the dealer has chosen the hand in which they will hold the cards, the
dealer shall use that hand whenever holding the cards during that round of
play.
ii. The cards held by the dealer shall at all times be kept in front of the dealer
and over the table.
iii. The dealer shall then close the action prior to dealing any cards. The
dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand
and using the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it
face down on the appropriate area of the layout.
3. The dealer shall deal five (5) cards face down to create the community card hand.
4. The dealer shall then deal two (2) cards face down to each player, starting with the player
farthest to their left and continuing around the table in a clockwise manner.
5. After two (2) cards have been dealt to each player and the five (5) community cards have
been dealt, the dealer shall place the stub in the discard rack without exposing the cards.

Placing Wagers:

1. Before any cards are dealt for a round of play, a player must place two (2) separate, yet
identical ante wagers. These ante wagers shall be identified as the “across” and the
“down” bets. Both bets must meet the posted table minimum and be no more than the
posted table maximum. Players may also make any side bets by placing gaming chips or
an approved promotion voucher in the appropriate area of the layout at this time.
2. Only players who are seated at a Criss Cross Poker table may wager at the game. Once a
player has placed their wagers and received cards, that player must remain seated until
the completion of the round of play.
3. Before dealing any cards the dealer shall close the action to indicate no more bets are
allowed. Except as provided in (4) below, no wager will be made, increased, or
withdrawn after the dealer has closed the action.
4. After the players have examined their cards, the dealer will offer each player the option to
either make an additional wagers or to forfeit their two (2) ante bets.
i. Players may make their “across” wager in an amount of one (1) to three (3) times
their original across bet or forfeit their two (2) ante bets.
ii. The dealer shall then expose the two (2) horizontal “across” cards.

Section M13 – Page 5

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

iii. Players may make their “down” wager in an amount of one (1) to three (3) times
their original down bet or forfeit their two (2) ante bets and any previous across
wager.
iv. The dealer shall then expose the two (2) vertical “down” cards.
v. Players may make their “middle” wager in the amount of one (1) to three (3)
times their original ante bets.
vi. The dealer shall then expose the middle card to complete the Criss Cross Poker
hand.
5. A player may play more than one (1) box at the discretion of casino management. A
player may be limited to playing one (1) box only at the discretion of casino
management.

Minimum and Maximum Wagers:

1. The minimum wager on the base game of Criss Cross Poker shall not be less than three
dollars ($3.00) and the maximum wager shall not exceed one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
2. Higher limits may be offered at the discretion of the VP of Casino Operations or above.

Pay Table:

Criss Cross Pay Table

Hand Pays
Royal Flush 500 to 1
Straight Flush 100 to 1
Four of a Kind 40 to 1
Full House 12 to 1
Flush 8 to 1
Straight 5 to 1
Three of a Kind 3 to 1
Two Pair 2 to 1
Pair Jacks or Better 1 to 1
Pair 6s through 10s Push
Section M13 – Page 6
Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

Playing the Game:

1. Players must make two (2) ante wagers of equal value: the “Ante Across” and “Ante
Down” bets. The player may also place an optional “5 Card Bonus” bet.
2. The dealer then deals five (5) community cards face-down in a crossed formation.
3. Players then receive two (2) cards face down. Players may examine their cards.
4. Players may fold or make an “Across Bet’ of one (1) to three (3) times the “Ante Across”
bet.
5. The dealer then turns over the two (2) outside horizontal community cards.
6. Players may then fold or make a “Down Bet” of one (1) to three (3) times the “Ante
Down” bet.
7. The dealer then turns the top and bottom community cards.
8. Players may then fold or make a “Middle Bet” of one (1) to three (3) times one (1) of the
original ante bets.
9. The dealer then reveals the middle card.
10. Players then use their two (2) cards along with the community cards to form “Across”
and “Down” hands.
11. Winning “Across” and “Down” hands are paid according to the pay table listed. The
“Middle” bet is paid if either the “Across” or “Down” hand qualify as a win and is paid at
the odds of the highest ranking hand.
12. The two (2) Ante bets are paid even money on a pair of jacks or better and push on a pair
of 6s through 10s. All other hands lose.
13. Players will be allowed to touch and hold the two (2) cards dealt to them. Only the dealer
and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch that player’s cards. The player
may only use one (1) hand when handling the cards. Spectators shall never touch the
cards.
14. A player may not touch the cards with their person or any instrument in any manner that
would alter, mark, bend or otherwise allow any card to be distinguished from any other
card. All cards possessed by a player must remain in clear view of staff at all times.
Management reserves the right to void any hand that is removed from the sight of staff.
Player wagers may be forfeited if the house voids a hand for cards being taken out of
sight by a player.

5 Card Bonus (Optional Side Bet):

Section M13 – Page 7

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

1. The Casino may offer, at its discretion, a 5 Card Bonus side bet.
2. The minimum wager on the 5 Card Bonus bet shall not be less than one dollar ($1.00)
and the maximum wager shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
3. Higher limits may be offered at the discretion of the VP of Casino Operations or above.
4. The 5 Card Bonus will receive action independently of the outcome of the Criss Cross
Poker “across” and “down” wagers.
5. Players win with at least a pair of sixes or better. See pay table below for odds.
6. The 5 Card Bonus bet wins based upon the five (5) community cards only.

5 Card Bonus Pay Table:

5 Card Bonus Pay Table

Hand Pays
Royal Flush 250 to 1
Straight Flush 100 to 1
Four of a Kind 40 to 1
Full House 15 to 1
Flush 10 to 1
Straight 6 to 1
Three of a Kind 4 to 1
Two Pair 3 to 1
Pair 6s or Better 1 to 1

Irregularities:

1. A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt will
not be used in the game and will result in a misdeal for that round of play.
2. If any player or the area designated for the placement of the community cards is dealt an
incorrect number of cards, all hands will be void and the cards will be reshuffled.
3. If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling
during a shuffle, or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards will be reshuffled in
accordance with procedures approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
4. Upon an incorrect card count being discovered, all hands shall be void.

Section M13 – Page 8

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
 HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
SYSTEM OF INTERNAL CONTROLS
SECTION M: RULES OF THE GAME

Date Submitted to the Indiana Gaming Commission (“IGC”): March 22, 2021
Date Approved by the Commission:

5. The decision of casino management shall be considered final. All decisions will be made
with the concepts of fairness and the rules and regulations of the Indiana Gaming
Commission as well as policy and procedure of the casino in mind.

Section M13 – Page 9

Attention:
This document contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the individual(s)
named above. If you are not an intended recipient of this document, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.