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Play Pai Gow Poker Online– Rules, Free Games & Best Pai Gow Sites for 2024
Rules Difficulty | Medium |
---|---|
RTP | 92.23% – 97.47% |
Why Play Online | Top Advantages |
How to Win | Best Tips |
Where to Play | BetVictor |
Free Pai Gow Poker – Try Our Demo
Pai Gow Poker is one of the casino game titles offering familiar dynamics but served in an untraditional way, using only the tool of the trade – playing cards. Another thing is you get to make choices which means the game requires skills. It means one more thing – you’ll need to learn how to play Pai Gow Poker if you don’t know how this is done already, so let’s get started!
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How to Play Pai Gow Poker – Beginner’s Guide
For the players whose stomping ground are the poker tables of their favourite casino resort, learning the rules of Pai Gow Poker won’t be much of a challenge. The game is easy to play and lacks annoying technicalities that you should be aware of. In a few warm-up sessions, you’ll be ready to bring your A-game. So, what’s the game about? – beating the dealer, as always. Pay Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 playing card and one joker, of which, you and the dealer are dealt seven cards each. Below is a picture of the typical Pai Gow Poker table layout.
Pai Gow Poker – Learn How to Play
The basic rules boil down to choosing two hands called ‘high’ and ‘low’. For a high hand, five cards must be chosen whereas the low hand consists of only two cards. The dealer then does the same thing and the corresponding hands are compared to see who wins. If you want to spice it up a bit, then Pai Gow Poker side bets should be a worthwhile option for you. Other than that, there’s not much else to explain, so we took the liberty of listing the must-know rules of casino hold’em.
- Playable hands for the dealer are anything higher than a Pair of Fours
- If the dealer has a hand lower than a Pair of Fours, it’s your win.
- If your hand beats the dealer’s, you win.
- In case the dealer’s hand is best, the house wins
- If the player and dealer have identical hands, the pot is a push.
As you may imagine, the game is closely related to Hold’em and more specifically casino hold’em. The resemblance stems from the fact, the same hands are used to determine who wins. So far, we’ve discussed the mechanics of this casino title, but no information was given on the actual hands that are involved. We’ll correct that in the next paragraph, where such information will be provided, so stay with us for more detals
Online Pai Gow Poker Hands – All You Must Know
As explained previously, there are two hands to be made – one high and one low hand. Those are combinations of card which rank in accordance with the poker rules. For example, since your low hand has to be a combination of two cards, it can’t be anything different than a Pair. Pair is the lowest ranking hand in poker.
- A five-card “high” hand – The best-case scenario is to have five “connected” cards (Straight) of the same suit (Flush).
- A two-card “low” hand – The best “low hand” is a Pair of Aces. Nothing can beat that as Ace is the highest of all cards.
Set up your hand by selecting the cards manually. You have to do that for the areas of the table layout marked ‘high’ and ‘low’. If you know anything about James Bond movies, you’ll be able to guess correctly that the best hand is Straight Flush – Five connected cards of the same suit. That hand is sure to win you the bet.
Pai Gow Poker Side Bets – Your Options
The side bet availability and their payouts depend on the software version you’re playing. The chances are, you are going to have the opportunity to place side bets sooner rather than later, that’s why we took the time to list some of the most popular ones alongside a short explanation.
- Fortune Pai Gow – A game variant including quite a few side bets that have to do with the dealer and the player’s cards.
- Pai Gow Mania – This variation includes two side bets concerning the first three and all seven of the cards dealt to the player.
- Emperor’s Challenge – Winning a side bet at this variation, will give you a share of a progressive jackpot according to the game’s paytable
- Progressive Fortune Pai Gow – This game features a progressive jackpot, which could be yours, if you make a 7-card straight flush.
Players usually prefer to bet on the cards of the dealer (Dealer Bonus), which behaviour has a very reasonable explanation. For one thing, this type of wager serves as an insurance against losing because if the dealer has a Straight Flush, let’s say, you are most likely going to lose the main bet. Payouts, however, are lower than the side bets relating to the player’s cards.
Odds and Payouts
It’s a fact of life that the higher the odds of something occurring, the lower the return will be of that event occurring. The same idea is the cornerstone of Pai Gow Poker’s odds and payouts formation. For example in the unlikely event of making a 7-Card Straight Flush (no Joker) you get a payout of 8,000 to 1 on your bet. The odds of that happening are estimated at 0.01% or 1 in 10, 000 – that’s the house edge for you. In short, the casino will always give you slightly worse payouts than the actual odds imply. Even so, knowing both is very important.
Craps Bets | Payouts | Odds |
---|---|---|
7-Card Straight Flush (no Joker) | 8,000 – 1 | 0.01% |
Royal Flush Plus Two 2s | 2,000 – 1 | 0.05% |
7-Card Straight Flush with Joker | 1,000 – 1 | 0.10% |
Five Aces | 400 – 1 | 0.25% |
Royal Flush | 150 – 1 | 0.66% |
Straight Flush | 50 – 1 | 1.96% |
Four of a Kind | 25 – 1 | 3.85% |
Full House | 5 – 1 | 16.67% |
Flush | 4 – 1 | 20.00% |
Three of a Kind | 3 – 1 | 25.00% |
Straight Pays | 2 – 1 | 33.33% |
Despite the house edge, a trained eye will be able to discern the distinctly high payouts Pai Gow Poker online has to offer. Though high, it’s important to remember that the different operators pay differently. Adjust your game plan according to the specifics in the online casino you’re playing and choose which bets are worth taking after a careful deliberation. We discuss that topic in the next paragraph.
House Edge and RTP
In short, the house edge is how casinos make a profit. Yes, it puts the casino in a position of advantage relative to what position the player is in. That, however, also depends on the game version you’re playing. All Pai Gow Poker variations have a certain house edge. It’s not fixed but rather varies between 2.00% and 2.50% for the main bet. The smaller that number is, the fairer the odds given by the house are. In turn, you’ll win more when the house edge is lower.
Another vital indication for a fair game is the theoretical return to player rate (RTP for short). Higher RTP will serve you well in the long run. It’s calculated accounting for various factors and features in the respective game, so it may be slightly different than the actual RTP. Pai Gow Poker’s RTP is usually found between 92.23% and 97.47%. Not the highest for a game of skill but can be quite profitable under certain circumstances.
Pai Gow Poker Online Games – Live and RNG Variations
There are several RNG and live Pai Gow Poker variants that we are aware of each of them with a different return-to-player rate and minor modifications of the gameplay. One important difference are the side bets, which are important if you are used to that specific playstyle. They vary in numbers, payouts and whether or not the Joker counts. A progressive jackpot could also be a part of the game depending on the title you’re playing. We cared so much about the potential benefits of playing Pai Gow Poker that we listed them for your convenience.
- High-paying side bets
- Many opportunities for a split pot.
- Fairly comprehensible rules
- Reminds of Casino Hold’em
SG Digital is one of the well-known developers of free Pai Gow Poker. Their flagship product Fortune Pai Gow Poker distinguishes through beautiful graphics and an intuitive interface. Be that as it may, there are other top iGaming developers whose take on this casino title is nonetheless impressive. Such developers are Playtech, Play’n GO and Microgaming. Their games can be found all over the legal online casinos.
Best Pai Gow Poker Online Casinos for 2024
We know how important it is to get off on the right foot, which in this case means to sign with a good online casino. With a view of recommending you world-class gambling sites where Pai Gow Poker online can be played, we committed a fair amount of time choosing a top-five. The series of checks each site undergoes when we test them, reveal crucial information about the security features, bonus programmes, selection of games and mobile compatibility. The whole procedure is topped off with a reputation, licence, and payouts check, which helps us conclude whether an operator is legitimate. With that in mind, you can go ahead and see the details of our top five operators.
Pai Gow Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Pros and Cons | Test Score | Trusted Link | Terms |
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BetVictor | £60 | Diverse Game Selection, Casback Promotions, Top-class Live Casino | 98% | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New customers only. Opt in and wager £10 on selected games within 7 days of registration. Get 3 x £10 bonuses for selected games with up to 40x wagering plus 100 Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Max redeemable from bonuses is £750. Card payments only. T&C's Apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. | |
888casino | £100 | No Deposit Bonus, 500+ Mobile Games, 3+ Gaming Developers | 98% | Full T&Cs apply. New players with valid mobile number only ? Claim in 48 hrs. ? 14 day expiry ? Valid for selected games ? Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins ? Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game ? Bonus expires in 90 days | |
MrVegas | €200 | Rich Game Catalogue, Excellent Customer Support, No Loyalty Scheme | 98% | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. New Casino players only. Min. deposit £20. 35x wagering applies within 60 days. Play responsibly. | |
Grosvenor Casinos | £50 | Offers for UK Players, Licensed in the UK, Table Games Expert | 98% | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ MIN DEPOSIT £20. MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. WAGERING REQUIREMENTS VARY: 5X WAGERING FOR £20 BONUS, 10X WAGERING FOR ADDITIONAL £10 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. T&CS APPLY. BeGambleAware.org |
However you look at it, these are some of the most reliable casino operators in the United Kingdom. Not only are they licensed by the UKGC, but they have a long enough track record of serving the punters on the territory so that there’s not a shred of doubt about the quality of their online casinos.
Play Pai Gow Poker Online with a Bonus – Best Promotions
Your best bet would be to attach the biggest importance to the welcome bonus, that is after you weigh the pros and cons of it. Not that there aren’t promotions for regular players, but our years of experience suggest that the first deposit offer bears the most significance for a newly-signed player. We also are well aware that not all offers are suitable for Pai Gow Poker and we cared enough to take that into consideration. Below is a list of five operators that keep one step ahead of the competition in terms of remuneration programmes.
Casino | Bonus* | Wagering Requirement | Pai Gow Poker Contribution | Min Deposit | Top Payment Method | T&C |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BetVictor | £50 | 60x Bonus within 3 days | 100% | £10 | PayPal | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ New customers only. Opt in and wager £10 on selected games within 7 days of registration. Get 3 x £10 bonuses for selected games with up to 40x wagering plus 100 Free Spins on Fishin' Frenzy. Bonuses expire in 30 days. Max redeemable from bonuses is £750. Card payments only. T&C's Apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. |
888casino | £100 | 30x Bonus within 90 days | 20% | £20 | Neteller | Full T&Cs apply. New players with valid mobile number only ? Claim in 48 hrs. ? 14 day expiry ? Valid for selected games ? Pre-1st deposit only: Bonus wins & max redeemable amount capped at £100, excl. JP wins ? Wager Bonus x1 - req. contributions vary by game ? Bonus expires in 90 days |
William Hill | £40 | 40x Bonus within 7 days | 25% | 10£ | ecoPayz | Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BASS40 only. Opt in required. 1x per customer. Min. £10 deposit and stake on Big Bass Bonanza only. Max. bonus £40 with 35x wagering to use on Big Bass Bonanza only. Bonus expires 24 hours from issue. Eligibility rules, game, location, currency, payment-method restrictions and terms and conditions apply. www.begambleaware.org |
Grosvenor Casinos | £50 | 5x Bonus within 30 days | 100% | £20 | Paysafecard | Full T&Cs apply. 18+ MIN DEPOSIT £20. MAX BONUS £30, BONUS AMOUNT NON-WITHDRAWABLE, PLAYABLE ON SELECTED GAMES ONLY. WAGERING REQUIREMENTS VARY: 5X WAGERING FOR £20 BONUS, 10X WAGERING FOR ADDITIONAL £10 BONUS. EXPIRES WITHIN 30 DAYS. T&CS APPLY. BeGambleAware.org |
Much like the Pay Gow Poker rules are described in detail, so too all casino offers have their terms and conditions laid out in written form somewhere in plain sight. The thing you should be concerned with the most is the wagering requirement. That aspect of the bonus reveals how many times it needs to be wagered to become withdrawable. Really, make a point of reading the terms and conditions thoroughly before opting in.
Our Top Recommended App
It would be fair to say that most online casino games nowadays are mobile-friendly. That applies to the Pai Gow Poker app too. Launching the game on a mobile device entitles you to a few distinct advantages such as on-the-go play. When you think about it, this feature adds a tremendous amount of value because it makes playing through a 50-60x wagering requirement possible. Imagine you clearing so many spins in just three days playing on your personal computer. You’d have to sit on your chair for hours. Playing on mobile is also facilitated by responsive design, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable.
Best Mobile App
We can cite many reasons why to play Pai Gow Poker on a mobile device is your best bet, but it has to be noted that the desktop experience also has a lot to offer. However that may be, it may come to your attention that some minor differences in the interface for the two platforms do exist. Mobile Pai Gow Poker distinguishes through a clean, and easy-to-use interface, while the interface of some desktop apps feel – at least at first glance – not so neatly structured. All in all, when it comes to the specific game features, mobile and desktop versions are pretty consistent.
Our Pai Gow Poker Tips – Be at the Top of Your Game
Now comes the million-dollar question, is there a shortcut to winning at Pai Gow Poker? We wouldn’t call it a ‘shortcut’ but rather a series of informed decisions, which if you take in due time could amount to better odds of winning. One of the things that can’t be stressed enough is knowing the odds and payouts in Pai Gow Poker, so go give them another look before we get started with the tips. Speaking of tips, here they are.
- The game has many versions. Learning how the rules are interpreted is crucial if you want to stand a chance of winning.
- Get to know the real deal – play a free demo to learn the mechanics of the game and familiarise yourself with its features.
- Pick the version of Pai Gow Poker that’s most suitable for you. There are several games you’d want to compare before making a decision.
- Is poker your thing? Well, it better be if you want to read the game well. If not, you’re your time to learn how the hands are formed.
- Knowing all possible bets that are at your disposal is another crucial step towards improving your chances of winning at Pai Gow Poker.
- Another thing worth stressing is you should know the odds and payouts of the different bets implemented into the game.
- To build a healthy bankroll you must first do the math on how much you can afford to wager and what bonuses you have access to.
- Last but not least, enough time and effort should be committed to finding a reputable Plai Gow Poker online operator with excellent gambling service.
Certain house edge is embedded in every gaming software and can’t be circumvented but playing with a strategy is one way for the gambler to fight back. Being the pundits that we are, we searched for suitable Pai Gow Poker strategies that will help you to hold your own. Take a look.
Best Pai Gow Poker Strategy – Improve Your Odds to Win
There are numerous Pai Gow Poker strategies and we really believe studying them will pay dividends sooner rather than later, although none of them can guarantee positive results. Still, the systematic approach is the right thing to do and the best part about it is you have choices. Some of the best strategy according to our search we listed below.
- House Way Strategy
Since there’s only one round of betting and you can’t draw additional cards, implementing a strategy boils down to how you’re going to arrange your hands. Step into the shoes of the dealer and think how they would arrange their cards. Of course, there are specifics in that on which we’ll go into more detail some other time.
Final Overview – Play at the Best Pai Gow Poker Online Casino
First and foremost, you can get better at Pai Gow Poker when you learn how to arrange your hands properly. Along with the learning curve, your profits will increase. Another argument in support of the game are the many good Pai Gow Poker apps that are out there. They do foster having a good time playing the title and emphasize customer security like no other mobile apps do. The same could be said about the recommended operators featured here. It’s safe to assume that you can play Pai Gow Poker in a regulated and secure environment judging by what these gambling operators have to offer.
Top Offer
If you’re somehow still not convinced that Pai Gow Poker is the right game for you, you can always try Casino Hold’em, which has similar rules and gameplay. You can learn anything about the game – from rules to where it’s best to play – on our dedicated Casino Hold’em page.
Popular Questions About Pai Gow Poker
It comes as no surprise that a modern take on an ancient Chinese game could excite gambler’s curiosity. If you’re keen on learning more about even more before getting started, you’ve come to the right place. The following section will give an answer to the most commonly asked questions about Pai Gow Poker – it’s worth giving it a read.
1. How to play Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards and one Joker. The goal is to beat the dealer. When the bets are settled, each of you receives seven cards. Your seven cards are face-down while the dealer's are face-up. You then should form the best two hands possible – one with 2 and another one with 5 cards.
2. How to win at Pai Gow Poker?
Accordign to the rules player wins a round of Pai Gow Poker when both his high and low hands are better than the dealer's. If only one is better, the pot is a push and no money is won or lost. In some casinos, additional side bets are available which bring different winning conditions to the table.
3. How to deal Pai Gow Poker?
To start, you'll need a standard 52- card deck of playing cards with one joker. The dealer then shakes a dice cup, and the total number on the dice determines where the first set of cards will be dealt. After that, seven cards are dealt to each player and the dealer according to the Pai Gow Poker rules
4. How many betting positions are there at a Pai Gow Poker table?
A typical Pai Gow Poker table has two betting positions – one for the Main Bet and another one for the Fortune Bonus. The Fortune Bonus bet wins if the player is dealt Three of a Kind or higher. There are additional side bets that could come into play if the player feels adventurous.
5. What does it mean to bank in Pai Gow Poker?
Banking in Pai Gow Poker means to play your hand against the hands of the other players at the table. It's commonly seen at land-based casinos and not so common online. It doesn't come as a surprise though, it's known that the rules of online Pai Gow Poker differ ever so slightly.
6. What is the payout ratio for Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker offers the opportunity to play an online casino game with a house edge of around 2.5%. The Fortune Bonus pays 2:1. Winning the main bet pays even money. Nailing a seven-card straight flush can win you up to 8000 times your main bet or a sizeable jackpot.
7. How to set a Pai Gow Poker hand?
Pai Gow Poker hands are set according to the rules of Texas Hold'em, and more specifically, the rankings of the hands there. You have to choose a two-card combination for your Low Hand and a five-card combination for your High Hand. Keep in mind that only winning on both positions will win you the bet.
8. What is the house advantage in Pai Gow Poker?
The casinos where Pai Gow Poker is played have an advantage over the players called house edge. It comes from the fact the payouts are slightly lower than what they should be. Think of it as something like a commission that goes to the house for hosting the games.
9. Where can I play free Pai Gow Poker online?
To play Pay Gow Poker for free, look no further than the embedded demo game on our page. It doesn't take anything to play and, at the same time, the potential benefits include learning the rules, testing strategies, and getting the hang of it.
10. Where can I find the best Pai Gow Poker online casinos?
A list of reputable Pai Gow Poker operators will always come in handy when figuring out where to play. There can be no doubt about that the best casinos are the ones that are licensed. Never transfer money to casinos that don't have a gambling licence.
11. Can I play Pai Gow Poker online with a bonus?
Most casinos that have Pai Gow Poker would offer you a sizeable welcome bonus. This bonus activates whenever a first deposit is made and its utility isn't limited to playing Pai Gow Poker only. Remember to check what the wagering contribution of the game is in the terms and conditions of the bonus.
12. Can I play Pai Gow Poker on the go?
Playing Pai Gow Poker on the go is the best way to experience the game, all things considered. Most online casinos are designed after the mobile-first model and accommodate handheld device users. To get started, all you need to do is choose a Pai Gow Poker app from our list of recommended operators and register.
13. What is the best Pai Gow Poker strategy?
The key to a winning Pai Gow Poker strategy is setting your hands so that they have better chances against the dealers' hands. You also have to decide whether you want to try and win it all or have a chance for a push. Arrange your hands accordingly, considering the rules of Texas Hold'em and hope cross your fingers.
14. What are the Pai Gow Poker odds of winning?
The odds of winning at Pay Gow Poker are tightly related to the actual payout of the side bets. For example, making a straight is valued at 2 to 1 while the actual odds are 3 to 1. Close enough isn't it? Winning with a 7-Card Straight Flush with Joker pays 1,000 to 1. The actual odds are 0.1%, which means the payout rate is fair.
John Isaac is one of the editors at online-gambling.com. He is an expert at card games, such as blackjack and poker. In addition, he writes about the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets.