Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating fusion of ancient Chinese dominoes and modern American poker, offering one of the lowest house edges (around 2.5%) in casino gaming. Invented in 1985 by Sam Torosian at the Bell Card Club in California, it quickly gained popularity in Las Vegas and beyond due to its relaxed pace and strategic depth.
Unlike traditional poker, Pai Gow Poker uses a 53-card deck (including a Joker) and requires players to:
- Receive 7 cards from the dealer
- Split them into two hands:
- A 5-card hand (must be stronger than the 2-card hand)
- A 2-card hand (must follow standard poker rankings)
- Beat both of the dealer’s hands to win
The game also features a unique “banker” position, where players can take turns acting as the house and earn a 5% commission on winning hands.
Here’s an updated table with more online casinos offering Pai Gow Poker, including new entries with competitive bonuses and features:
Best Online Casinos with Pai Gow Poker
| Casino | Pai Gow Poker Variants | Live Dealer? | Min/Max Bet | Welcome Bonus | Progressive Jackpot? | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDT Casino | Standard, Fortune Bonus | ✅ Yes | $5 – $5,000 | $1,000 No Deposit | ❌ No | 1-3 Days |
| ETH Casino | Standard, High-Limit | ✅ Yes | $10 – $10,000 | $1,250 Welcome Bonus | ✅ Yes | 24-48 Hours |
| mBit Casino | Standard, Progressive Jackpot | ✅ Yes | $5 – $2,500 | $1,000 + 20 Free Spins | ✅ $500K+ Jackpots | 12-24 Hours |
| WynnBET | Standard (RNG Only) | ❌ No | $10 – $1,000 | $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | ❌ No | 2-5 Days |
| DraftKings | Standard (RNG Only) | ❌ No | $1 – $500 | $1,000 + Free Spins | ❌ No | Instant (Crypto) |
| FanDuel | Standard, Bonus Bet | ✅ Yes | $5 – $2,000 | $1,000 Bonus + $50 Free | ❌ No | 1-2 Days |
| Golden Nugget | Standard, Turbo Pai Gow | ✅ Yes | $10 – $5,000 | $1,000 + 200 Free Spins | ✅ Yes | 24-72 Hours |
| BetRivers | Standard (RNG) | ❌ No | $5 – $1,000 | $250 Bonus Bet | ❌ No | 1-3 Days |
| Resorts Casino | Standard, Side Bets | ✅ Yes | $5 – $3,000 | $1,000 + Free Play | ❌ No | 12-48 Hours |
| 888 Casino | Standard, Multi-Hand | ✅ Yes | $1 – $2,500 | $1,500 Welcome Package | ✅ Yes | Instant-3 Days |
How to Play Pai Gow Poker: Basics Rules
Gameplay Basics
- Place Your Bet – Choose a wager amount (typically $5-$500).
- Receive 7 Cards – The dealer deals each player and themselves 7 cards.
- Split Your Hand – Arrange your cards into a 5-card and 2-card hand.
- Compare Hands – Both of your hands must beat the dealer’s to win.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
The game follows standard poker rankings, with the Joker acting as a wild card (can complete straights, flushes, or act as an Ace).
| Hand | Example | Payout (If Bonus Bet) |
|---|---|---|
| Five Aces | A-A-A-A + Joker | 200:1 |
| Royal Flush | 10-J-Q-K-A (♠) | 100:1 |
| Straight Flush | 5-6-7-8-9 (♥) | 50:1 |
| Four of a Kind | 7-7-7-7-2 | 20:1 |
| Full House | K-K-K-Q-Q | 7:1 |
Best Online Casinos for Pai Gow Poker 2025
Here are the top-rated casinos offering Pai Gow Poker online, along with a brief review of each:
| Casino | Bonus Offer | Pai Gow Poker Variants | Live Dealer? | Min Bet | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $1,000 Deposit Match | Standard, Progressive | ✅ Yes | $5 | 1-3 Days |
| Caesars | $1,250 Welcome Bonus | Classic, Fortune Bonus | ✅ Yes | $10 | 24-48 Hours |
| Borgata | $1,000 + 20 FS | Progressive Jackpot | ✅ Yes | $5 | 12-24 Hours |
| WynnBET | $1,000 Risk-Free | Traditional, Side Bets | ❌ No | $10 | 2-5 Days |
| DraftKings | $1,000 + Free Spins | RNG Only | ❌ No | $1 | Instant (Crypto) |
Casino Reviews
1. BetMGM Casino
- Why Play Here? Offers live dealer Pai Gow Poker, creating an authentic casino experience.
- Bonus: $1,000 deposit match + $25 free play.
- Game Variations: Standard, Progressive Jackpot, and Fortune Bonus side bets.
- Payout Speed: 1-3 business days.
2. Caesars Palace Online Casino
- Why Play Here? High-limit tables (up to $10,000) and exclusive Fortune Bonus bets.
- Bonus: $1,250 welcome package + 2,500 reward credits.
- Live Dealer: Yes, with professional dealers.
- Withdrawal Time: 24-48 hours.
3. Borgata Casino
- Why Play Here? Features a progressive jackpot version with prizes exceeding $500,000.
- Bonus: $1,000 deposit bonus + 20 free spins.
- Mobile Play: Fully optimized for iOS & Android.
4. WynnBET Casino
- Why Play Here? Sleek interface and $1,000 risk-free first bet.
- Downside: No live dealer option.
- Min Bet: $10 (higher than average).
5. DraftKings Casino
- Why Play Here? Low $1 minimum bets, perfect for beginners.
- Fast Payouts: Instant withdrawals with Bitcoin.
- Game Variety: Only RNG (no live dealer).
Expert Recommendation:
“For the best experience, choose BetMGM or Caesars—they offer live dealers, high payouts, and generous bonuses.”
Pai Gow Poker Bonuses & Progressive Jackpots
Best Casino Bonuses for Pai Gow Poker
| Casino | Bonus Type | Max Bonus | Wagering Req. | Cashout Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Deposit Match | $1,000 | 15x | 1-3 Days |
| Caesars | Welcome Bonus | $1,250 | 20x | 24-48 Hours |
| Borgata | Deposit + FS | $1,000 | 10x | 12-24 Hours |
| WynnBET | Risk-Free Bet | $1,000 | 1x | 2-5 Days |
| DraftKings | Deposit + Spins | $1,000 | 25x | Instant (Crypto) |
Progressive Jackpot Hotspots
🎰 Borgata Casino – $500K+ progressive jackpots on Pai Gow Poker.
🎰 BetMGM – Smaller but frequent jackpot payouts.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy: Tips to Win
1. Always Split Strong Hands Correctly
- If you have two pairs, split them (one pair in each hand).
- Avoid putting weak pairs in the 5-card hand.
2. Avoid the “House Way” Trap
- Some casinos force dealers to split hands a certain way. Learn their rules to anticipate moves.
3. Use the Joker Wisely
- The Joker can complete a straight, flush, or act as an Ace.
Quick Tips:
✔ Bet on side bets only if you have extra bankroll.
✔ Practice with free Pai Gow Poker games before playing for real money.
Free vs. Real Money Pai Gow Poker
| Free Pai Gow Poker | Real Money Pai Gow Poker |
|---|---|
| ✅ Risk-free practice | ✅ Win real cash & bonuses |
| ❌ No payouts | ❌ Requires bankroll management |
Best Free Play Sites:
- WSOP App (Best for beginners)
- Slotomania (Social casino version)
Best Real Money Casinos:
- BetMGM (Best live dealer)
- Caesars (Best high-limit tables)
FAQ: Pai Gow Poker Online
❓ Can I play Pai Gow Poker for free online?
Yes! Many casinos (like WSOP and Slotomania) offer free demo versions with no download required.
❓ What’s the best strategy for winning at Pai Gow Poker?
- Split hands optimally (never put a weak pair in the 5-card hand).
- Avoid side bets unless you have extra bankroll.
- Practice first in free-play mode.
❓ Is Pai Gow Poker better than blackjack or baccarat?
It depends:
- Lower house edge than Caribbean Stud (2.5% vs. 5%+)
- Slower-paced than blackjack
- More strategy than baccarat
❓ Can I play Pai Gow Poker on my phone?
Absolutely! BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings all have mobile-optimized Pai Gow Poker.
❓ Are there any tricks to beating Pai Gow Poker?
No “tricks,” but:
✔ Learn the “House Way” (how dealers split hands).
✔ Use the Joker strategically (it can complete straights/flushes).