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Welcome to the Seneca Poker Room in Salamanca!
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Poker Room Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
|Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 am
Poker Tournaments
Check out all the tournament action we have going on in our Poker Room! Stop by the Poker Cage to buy-in any of these great tournaments and play your way to the top!
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Rules & How to Play
Texas Hold ’em
Texas Hold’em uses a dealer button to indicate which player will receive cards first and where the action will start for every betting round. To begin, one or more “blind” bets are placed to create action in the first betting round. A “blind” bet constitutes all or part of the player’s wager and must be “posted” before the player receives any cards, unless a specific game or situation deems otherwise. The player closest to the left of the button must post the “Small Blind” – approximately half of the minimum bet for the first betting round. The player to the left of the “Small Blind” must post the “Big Blind” which is equal to the minimum bet for the first betting round. Players are allowed to check and raise, with a maximum of three raises per betting round. If action becomes “heads up” (only two active players remaining) before a third raise is made, there is no limit to the number of raises that the remaining players can make. Players are dealt two down cards followed by another round of betting. Action starts with the person to the left of the player who posted the “Big Blind.” This betting round is followed by three cards (also called the “Flop”) being dealt face-up in the middle of the table. The “Flop” is followed by a round of betting started by the active player who is sitting closest to the left of the button. Two additional cards are turned face-up in the middle of the table, one at a time, each followed by a betting round. Players may use any combination of their two down cards and the five board cards to create their best five card Poker hand – including using all five board cards. The standard ranking of hands applies when determining the value of a player’s hand.
7 Card Stud
To begin, players are dealt two down cards and one up card, followed by a round of betting. The first round of betting starts with a predetermined “force bet” – a mandatory bet by the player with the lowest up card – the amount of which varies from limit to limit. Following this betting round, three additional up cards are dealt one at a time, with a betting round following each card. Then, a final down card is dealt followed by the last betting round. The initial action, also known as the “force bet,” is made by the player with the lowest ranking up card, ranked by suit, if necessary, with aces always counting as high. On all following betting rounds, the player whose up cards form the highest ranking hand starts the action. In a structured limit game (e.g. $10-$20 Stud), on the first betting round any player – including the one with the low card – may bet either the force bet amount or the lower structured amount for that betting round. After the structured bet has been made, all calls and/or raises must be made by the structured bet amount. In a spread limit game (e.g. $1-$5 Stud), on the first betting round any player (including the player with the low card) may bet any amount within the limits at any time. All raises must be greater than or equal to the previous bet or raise, but cannot exceed the maximum dollar limit for that game. Players are allowed to check and raise, with a maximum of three raises per betting round. If action becomes “heads up” (only two active players remaining) before the third raise is made, there is no limit to the number of raises that the remaining players can make. If there is a tie in determining initial action for a betting round, the player with the tied hand who is sitting closest to the left of the dealer is responsible for starting the action for that betting round. If there is an open pair on the fourth card in a structured game, any active player has the choice of making a bet or raise at the higher limit. The standard ranking of hands applies when determining the value of a player’s hand. A player may only use five of their seven cards.
Omaha
This game is a variation of Texas Hold’em. To begin, each player receives four down cards in their hand and shares five board (community) cards. Players determine the value of their five card hand by using any two cards from their hand with any three cards from the board. This is the only way a player can formulate their hand. The standard ranking of hands applies.
Omaha High-Low
A variation of Omaha allowing the best high hand to split the pot with the best low hand. Straights and flushes do not count against the value of a low hand. Therefore, the best low hand is 5-4-3-2-A, also known as a “bicycle” or a “wheel.”
Omaha High-Low (Eight or Better)
Played in the identical manner as Omaha High-Low, but with a “qualifier” for the low hand. A player needs all five of their low cards unpaired and less than nine to qualify for low. The high hand will win the whole pot if there is no qualifying low hand. A player may have the best high hand and low hand and may use a different combination of cards to make each the low and then the high hand.
Crazy Pineapple
Crazy Pineapple is a Texas Hold ’em game very similar to regular Texas Hold ’em. However, there are two significant differences in Crazy Pineapple, which do change the game quite a bit:
- You start with three (3) hole cards In regular Texas Hold ’em, the player starts with two hole cards. In Crazy Pineapple, the player starts with three, creating many more possible good starting hands, and many more hands that can work with the flop.
- In Crazy Pineapple, you throw a hole card away Just as in regular Texas Hold ’em, there is a betting round after players receive their hole cards, and another betting round after they see the flop. However, in Pineapple a very important change happens here. AFTER betting on the flop is completed, players must discard one of their hole cards.For example, if you start with a hand of (8h-8s-Jh) and then see a flop of 10h-9h-8d, you have a pretty big decision to make. If you want to keep your open-ended straight flush draw, you’re going to have to discard one of your trip eights (a pleasant dilemma, but a dilemma nonetheless). If you want to keep the trips, you need to throw away the the key card in the straight flush draw.Crazy Pineapple really is an odd hybrid of Texas Hold ‘em and Omaha. The average winning hands are stronger in Pineapple than they are in Texas Hold ’em, because you get to look at more combinations on the flop. Occasionally you will make a stronger hand in Crazy Pineapple than you would have in Omaha, even though players get four hole cards in Omaha, because Pineapple does not share the Omaha “you must use two and exactly two of your hole cards in your final hand” rule.For example, if your Omaha hand was Ac-Qd-Jc-10d, and the final community board was Ah-As-5c-5h-8c, you do NOT have a full house, but rather only trip aces with a Q-8 kicker, because you must play at least two cards from your hand and can’t just add the ace in your hand to the two pair on board to make aces full of fives. In Crazy Pineapple, had you kept an ace in your hand after the post-flop discard, the five on the turn would have given you a full house, just as if you’d started with A-J or A-Q in Texas Hold ’em. We’re sure that you’ll find Crazy Pineapple a fun game to play because of the extra strong flops and extra key decision about which cards to keep after the flop.
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment will conduct all games in a manner that meets the highest standards of fairness to its patrons. It is with this in mind that that Seneca Gaming and Entertainment has incorporated certain rules for poker games that are offered to the public.
Management and floor persons reserve the right to make decisions that are in the best interest of the game, even though technical interpretation of the rules would dictate a contrary decision.
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment provides house poker dealers for all games, but does not participate in actual play of the game and has no interest in the outcome of play.
Seneca Gaming and Entertainment is not responsible for the conduct of any player, but retains the right to refuse the use of the facilities to any player.
A waiting list will be kept for all poker games. Players may reserve a seat by having their names placed on the list for the game of their choice. Players will be paged when a seat becomes available. An immediate response is expected. Once in a poker game a player may request a table change from a floor person.
By taking a seat in a poker game players agree that management has the final word on who may play and the manner in which play is conducted.
When players are seated in a poker game they must ante or post blinds as per type of game being played. If a player is dealt in by dealer error then the hand will be declared dead and play continues, otherwise the player must fulfill their obligation for the amount owed.
New players arriving in “rake” games below $10-$20 may receive a hand without posting any blinds unless they are in a blind position and want to receive a hand on that deal. New players arriving in $10-$20 games and above are required to post the blinds or they may wait for the big blind. In all “time” Hold’em games they are required to post or wait for the big blind.
All poker games are table stakes and all players entering a poker game must make at least the minimum buy-in.
- The minimum buy-in is generally ten (10) times the minimum bet for that game.
- Players may take their cheques with them when leaving the poker room; however, they must verify the amount prior to leaving with the dealer and replace the same amount upon their return.
- If a player runs out of cheques during the course of a hand that player is eligible to play all-in for the portion of the pot in which he/she has an interest in.
- Players may not add to their table stakes once a hand has begun.
- Players are allowed one short buy-in (50% or more of original buy-in) for each full buy-in (adding less than the full buy-in amount is considered a short buy-in).
Cards must be kept on or above the table surface in plain view. Cards may not be removed from the edge of the table surface.
It is each player’s responsibility to protect his/her own hand and right to action.
Once a card touches the muck that hand will be declared foul.
All losing hands will be mucked before the pot is awarded.
The winning hand will remain face up until after the pot has been awarded.
A misdeal may be ruled for circumstances not covered here. The following will be ruled misdeals:
- The deal is out of position and it is discovered prior to the flop being turned.
- The first card is boxed or exposed.
- If two or more down cards are exposed due to dealer error.
- If two or more boxed cards appear when the starting hands are dealt. (If it is discovered that there are boxed cards in the stub after the completion of the deal, the action continues.)
- Wrong number of cards on the deal in Stud games.
- Exposed card on the button or 1st card on one of the blinds is a misdeal.
- An exposed card in the flop is treated as a scrap piece of paper, unless it is the second boxed card, in which case it would be declared a misdeal.
Once a new hand has begun no decision can be rendered in regard to the previous hand.
No one may play other player’s cheques.
Play-overs will be allowed at management’s discretion.
No “rabbit hunting”. Players and dealers are not allowed to look through the discard pile.
Cards speak. Winning hand must show all cards face up on the table. The player instituting the last action (checking or betting) must turn their hand over first. The house dealer will assist to the best of their ability in the reading of hands although it is each player’s responsibility to protect their own hand at all times.
A player miscalling a hand with the intent to cause another player to act on their hand risks forfeiture of the pot and/or expulsion from the poker room.
At the request of other players at the table, non-players may be asked not to stand or sit at the table.
No beverage containers, food, books, etc., allowed on the poker table.
The splitting of pots among players is not allowed, all hands must be played to completion.
Show one show all. If any player shows his/her cards to another player at the table all other players at the table then has the right to see them upon request.
If a player shows one of his/her cards in an uncalled hand, that player is not required to show other card.
A bet and three raises are allowed unless it is “heads up” before the “cap” (third raise) then players may make an unlimited number of raises.
All raises must be at least equal to the size of the last bet, except in “all-in” situations.
Players must act in turn. A knock on the table constitutes a pass. To eliminate the possibility of forfeiture a player must call “time”, failure to stop the play prior to substantial action occurring may result in the right to act.
Players who place a single chip into the betting perimeter that is larger than the bet to them are considered to be calling the bet unless they announce “raise.”
String raises are not allowed. A player must either put out the full amount of the bet and raise at once or announce “raise.”
Verbal statements in turn are binding; verbal statements out of turn may also be binding.
If a player acts out of turn and their bet or raise influences action, that bet or raise must stay in the pot.
A card found face up in the deck (boxed card) is treated as a scrap of paper. A card being treated as a scrap of paper is replaced by the next card below it in the deck.
If an irregular card or cards (cards of the same rank, cards of a different back color, etc.) appear during the course of a hand, all hands are dead and all action is void. If an irregular card(s) is discovered in the stub, all action for that hand and previous hands stand.
All-in wagers are considered action only if the all-in amount is less than 50% of the betting structure. If the all-in amount is 50% or more of the betting structure it is considered a wager and may be called, completed or raised.
In no-limit play, even in an all in situation, unless there is a full raise (100%), the betting is not re-opened to a player that has already acted.
Players may request a table change from a floor person. However, they must enter the new table with a full buy-in, unless they are coming from a broken game of the same or higher limit.
If a player requests a table change that player must move immediately when the seat becomes available. When moving to a different limit the player may play until their big blind. In must-move games, if a player has played the big blind they may play through the button.
In multiple-blind games, players must meet the total amount of their blind obligations every round, or they will receive a missed blind button.
In any all-in situation a partial blind constitutes a full blind.
In “time collection” games, if a player is away from their seat, the dealer will collect “time” from their stack. If a player is playing in a tournament they are still responsible for paying “time”.
In case of theft or natural disaster, Seneca Gaming and Entertainment is not responsible for any money or cheques left on the table.
Only English will be permitted while a hand is in play.
Cell phone use is prohibited at the poker table.
Any changes or modifications to these rules will be conspicuously posted.
Managements’ decisions are final.
QUALIFIERS FOR JACKPOT:
Texas Hold ’em*: A player must lose with four deuces (2,2,2,2) or better to a higher 4 of a kind or better. Both the winning and losing hands must play both of their hole cards (pocket pair for 4 of a kind). Seven Card Stud: A player must lose with four deuces (2,2,2,2) or better to a higher 4 of a kind or better. Both the winning and losing hands must use at least one hole card. Omaha All Varieties: A player must lose with four nines (9,9,9,9) or better to a higher 4 of a kind or better. Both the winning and losing hands must play two of their hole cards. (pocket pair for 4 of a kind). For all jackpots, there will be a table requirement that the pot must have a minimum of $20, a minimum of five (5) players must be at the table for Texas Hold’em and Omaha and a minimum of four (4) players must be at the table for Stud.
PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
Whenever a jackpot is hit, the day’s posted amount will be divided accordingly. 50% to losing hand (second best hand) 25% to winning hand 25% equally divided between eligible remaining players at the table who do not have a “missed blind” button. If a player is a Seneca Gaming and Entertainment employee the winnings of the employee will be replaced back into the secondary jackpot. The player with the “Bad Beat” (2nd best hand) will receive 50% of the posted amount, the player with the winning hand will receive 25% of the posted amount, and the remaining 25% will be equally divided between the remaining players at the table who do not have a “missed blind” button. All players must have money at the table or be playing behind, to qualify for the Bad Beat Progressive. If two players lose with hands that qualify for bad beats in the same hand, only the higher of the two losing hands will constitute a bad beat. Adjustments to the posted Bad Beat Jackpot amount may be made at the discretion of the house. All employees are ineligible for any Bad Beat progressive payouts.
COLLECTION SCHEDULE:
Games that qualify for the “Bad Beat” collection are all games of $5/$5 and smaller BLINDS. In all of these games $2 chips/tokens will be taken from every pot when the pot reaches $20. Only $2 Chips/tokens will be put into the “Bad Beat” boxes. The $2 chips/tokens will be placed on the left side of the dealer on the drop slot. The $2 chips/tokens will only be dropped into the “Bad Beat” box after all hands are mucked, the pot is pushed to the winner, and the house rake is dropped.
DROP PROCEDURES:
1. The $2 chips/tokens will be placed on the left side of the dealer in front of the drop slot 2. Muck all losing hands 3. Push pot to the winning hand 4. Drop the house rake 5. Drop the $2 chips/tokens “Bad Beat” chip
DISQUALIFIERS:
1. A fouled deck 2. Players talking about a potential jackpot 3. Less than five (5) players 4. Less than $20 in the pot, not counting the rake
COLLECTION DISBURSEMENTS:
The money collected for the Bad Beat Jackpot will be distributed into three (3) distinct accounts accordingly for each game as listed: 1. Thirty-five percent (35%) to the primary jackpot 2. Twenty-five percent (25%) to the secondary jackpot 3. Forty percent (40%) to the promotional account** The above percentages will be effective with the following day’s drop. *Once the primary jackpot reaches $25,000 the jackpot will be capped and the Bad Beat collection will be distributed in the three (3) distinct accounts accordingly until the jackpot is won and below $25,000: 1. Zero percent (0%) to the primary jackpot for each individual game. 2. Thirty five percent (35%) to the secondary jackpot for each individual game. 3. Fifty percent (50%) to the promotional jackpot for all games. 4. Fifteen percent (15%) to promotional high hand jackpots. Once the primary jackpot is awarded and the amount is below $25,000 the collection disbursement will revert to the original collection. Collection Disbursement for Promotional High Hand Jackpot amounts will be: Eight percent (8%) to the Royal Flush pool. Seven percent (7%) to the Straight Flush pool.
PRIZE DISTRIBUTION OF HIGH HAND JACKPOT:
The High Hand Jackpot includes Royal and Straight Flush of any suit unless otherwise noted through a promotional award. Each jackpot can only be won once per day. Whenever a high hand jackpot is hit, the winner will receive fifty percent (50%) of the collection. **The promotional jackpot will include all games and will be distributed accordingly with no regard to which game is being played at the time of distribution, thus making all games eligible for promotional giveaways. Promotions include, but are not limited to, promotional merchandise and other promotional programs designed by Seneca Gaming and Entertainment. Seneca Gaming and Entertainment reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice.
IRS Requirements
Bad Beat falls under table games wagering transaction where a posted jackpot is paid. For US Residents, an IRS Form W2-G is required for Bad Beat winnings with a value of $600 or more and withholdings are required at $5,000. Foreign citizens will be issued an IRS Form 1042-S and 30% withholdings are required All transactions over $10,000 will require an IRS Currency Transaction Report (CTR).
Cage Controls
A record of each winner receiving non-cash prizes with a value of $25 or more will be maintained by the poker room cage and turned into accounting on a monthly basis. At the end of the calendar year, the patrons who have received cash and non-cash prizes totaling $600 or more will receive an IRS Form 1099. Seneca Gaming & Entertainment reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion at any time without
Rank of hands
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