Pai Gow Poker is actually two games in one and has been proven to be a popular alternative to Texas Holdem and other poker variants. Hundreds of casinos offer this game, and in this guide, you’ll find the details of the best ones.
Keep reading to uncover top Pai Gow online tips and generous sign-up bonuses. We’ll explain the different ways that you can get rewarded and outline the main pros and cons of popular payment options, including crypto.
Top Pai Gow Poker Online Casinos in October 2024
- All
- Crypto
- Telegram Casino
BetOnline Poker |
100% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 |
100% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000
|
BetOnline Poker |
Play Now
Copied
BOL1000
Copy
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This offer is subject to a 30-day time limit. Odds of at least 2:1 apply. This offer is limited to one bonus per new customer and first time deposit. |
Bovada Poker |
Get a 100% match deposit bonus of up to $500 |
Get a 100% match deposit bonus of up to $500
|
Bovada Poker |
Play Now
Copied
BVD1000
Copy
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Use code BVD1000 with your first deposit. Wagering requirement: 5x for sports and horses, 30x for casino. Deposit using credit card or Bitcoin. Withdrawing before requirements are met forfeits bonus money and any winnings from the bonus money. Casino games are excluded. |
Lucky Block |
200% welcome bonus up to €25,000 + 50 Free Spins |
200% welcome bonus up to €25,000 + 50 Free Spins
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Lucky Block |
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Official Partner
AC Milan
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Get INSTANT 200% deposit bonus up-to 10ETH |
Get INSTANT 200% deposit bonus up-to 10ETH
|
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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18+. Terms and Conditions Apply |
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Everygame Poker |
200% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 + 25 free spins |
200% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 + 25 free spins
|
Everygame Poker |
Play Now
Copied
3XBOOST250
Copy
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Bonus code must be entered immediately after you deposit and before you place any wager. Offer subject to rollover requirements of 8x at minimum odds of 1.5. Maximum of $50 of each bet counts towards wager requirements. Cannot be used on horse racing. |
Ignition Casino |
100% match deposit bonus of up to $2,000 |
100% match deposit bonus of up to $2,000
|
Ignition Casino |
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Get up to $3,000 when you make your first deposit with Crypto, or up to $2,000 when you deposit with a credit card. Full T&Cs apply. |
Juicy Stakes Poker |
$1000 Deposit Bonus for new Poker Players |
$1000 Deposit Bonus for new Poker Players
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Juicy Stakes Poker |
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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WSM Casino |
200% Bonus up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins + 10 Free Bets |
200% Bonus up to $25,000 + 50 Free Spins + 10 Free Bets
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WSM Casino |
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NO CODE REQUIRED
|
The 7 Best Pai Gow Poker Sites
Our team of online casino experts is constantly researching sites to highlight the best ones. In the following list, you’ll find the top Pai Gow Poker online casinos that you can sign-up to today.
- BetOnline – The Best Site for Pai Gow Poker in 2024.
- Bovada – A Top Online Casino for Card Game Beginners.
- Everygame – Rewards Loyalty Points with Every Eligible Real Money Wager.
- SportsBetting.ag – One of the Best Casinos for Crypto Payments.
- Ignition – Offers Numerous Poker Variants on Computers or Mobile Devices.
- Lucky Block – Provides the Fastest Withdrawals with Cryptocurrencies.
- Juicy Stakes – A Top Casino Online for Fiat Currency Payments.
Best Pai Gow Casinos Reviewed
Read through the following mini-reviews to discover the top benefits and characteristics of our featured Pai Gow Poker sites. At the bottom of each review, you’ll find details about current bonuses that you can use on this popular card game.
1. BetOnline – The Best Site for Pai Gow Poker in 2024
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 0 – 15 business days.
- Established: 2004.
- License: Panama.
- Headquarters: Panama.
Our Verdict: 4.9/5
BetOnline Casino is one of the most trustworthy sites in North America. For over 20 years, this Panama-licensed casino has offered fair and entertaining games in a secure and user-friendly environment. The mobile-friendly main site is accessible across devices and does not require any download.
You can create a BetOnline Casino account in less than three minutes. Once registered, you’ll be able to play Pai Gow and numerous other poker games against other players or the house. You’ll find tables that accept all sorts of wagers and can play with fiat or cryptocurrencies.
Casino Game Variety at BetOnline: 4.7/5
BetOnline has partnered with Betsoft to provide it with a virtual Pai Gow Poker game. This game accepts minimum wagers of $0.50 and maximum bets of $1,000. As a result, it’s suitable for both casual players and high rollers.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
You can fund your BetOnline Casino account with fiat and cryptocurrencies. Crypto payments, including ones with Bitcoin and Litecoin, are generally preferred as you can deposit $20 or more and avoid costly processing fees. Debit/credit cards, meanwhile, require a minimum payment of $25 and are subject to extra fees.
Customer Support: 5.0/5
Whenever you need assistance, you can reach out to the BetOnline Casino support team via live chat. This service is open 24/7 and normally features short waiting times. Alternative contact options include sending an email or calling a toll-free number.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.7/5
As soon as you join this casino, you’ll become eligible for a generous welcome bonus designed to boost the value of your first three payments. Then, as an existing user, you can continue using BetOnline promo codes to unlock rebates, reload bonuses, and other rewards.
BetOnline online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Sign-Up Bonus | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 45x | $25 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Offers a generous match bonus to new players
- Features several other poker variants, including Caribbean Stud
- Accepts $20 minimum deposits with cryptocurrency
- Supports users with 24/7 live chat, email, and telephone
Cons:
- Charges fees of 9.75% on debit/credit card payments
2. Bovada – A Top Online Casino for Card Game Beginners
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 1 – 15 business days.
- Established: 2011.
- License: Curacao.
- Headquarters: Curacao.
Our Verdict: 4.8/5
Bovada is one of the best poker casinos for a wide variety of variants. This site lets you play poker against the house as well as against other real players. Moreover, it provides free resources to help you learn how to play and to also help you develop your skills.
This Curacao-based platform is designed to work seamlessly across digital devices, including smartphones. You won’t need to download any app or software to play on mobile as the entire site, including its games, has been developed using mobile-friendly technologies.
Casino Game Variety at Bovada: 4.8/5
You can start playing Pai Gow Poker even before you’ve registered your Bovada Casino account. This site lets you play this and hundreds of other virtual games for free in demo mode without needing to be registered. When you wish to switch to real money mode, you can wager a minimum of $1 on this game.
Payment Options: 5.0/5
Bovada Casino supports minimum deposits of $5 with Tether and $10 with Bitcoin, Player Transfer, and other options. Debit/credit card deposits are subject to a $20 minimum, but these methods are not very popular as they incur a fee of over 10%.
Customer Support: 4.7/5
If you ever have questions, you’ll probably find the answers that you need in the Bovada Casino help center. This mobile-friendly page provides an intuitive way to find what you’re looking for. However, if you need further assistance, you can speak to an agent via live chat 24/7.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5
You’ll find several match deposit bonuses and other rewards available at this casino. There are plenty of ongoing promotions that you can join by entering appropriate Bovada bonus codes, and you can also unlock loyalty points with every eligible wager.
Bovada online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Sign-up Offer | Get a 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 25x | $10 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Accepts wagers of up to $500 on Pai Gow Poker online
- Does not charge any processing fees for crypto payments
- Provides 24/7 live chat support to all users
- Rewards one loyalty point for every $1 wagered on this game
Cons:
- A new player needs to collect 2,500 points to redeem $1’s worth of bonus cash
3. Lucky Block – Provides the Fastest Withdrawals with Cryptocurrencies
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 0 – 24 hours.
- Established: 2022.
- License: Curacao.
- Headquarters: Curacao.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Lucky Block is one of the best new casinos on the Internet and has several unique features that are designed to deliver a superior user experience. For instance, this casino can only accept cryptocurrencies, however, it offers the fastest payout times of any online site.
You can connect to Lucky Block Casino directly from a variety of countries. However, if your location is blocked, you can still connect by using a VPN. You’ll need to sign-up before depositing funds, but you’ll only need an email address to create an account.
Casino Game Variety at Lucky Block: 4.5/5
At Lucky Block Casino, you’ll find thousands of games, including plenty of poker variants. These games have been created by Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Play’n GO, and 25+ other developers. You’ll be able to try most virtual games for free and start playing with real money with bets of $0.50 or more.
Payment Options: 4.9/5
To fund your Lucky Block Casino account, you can deposit Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, or eight other cryptocurrencies. The site’s minimum deposit limit is 0.0001BTC and the minimum withdrawal limit is 0.0002BTC. There are no processed fees or maximum payment limits.
Customer Support: 5.0/5
Live chat is open 24/7 and available to both new and registered Lucky Block users. The service is very convenient as it features very short waiting times and is accessible on mobile. Email support is also available, however, response times can be a few hours long.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.5/5
Launched at the end of 2022, this casino is still rolling out its player bonuses and promotions. Currently, all new players can take advantage of a generous match bonus that boosts the value of the first deposit by a further 2x. You can learn more about this and other offers in our Lucky Block Casino review.
Lucky Block online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Sign-up Offer | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | N/A | 60x | €20 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Provides free play mode without the need to register an account
- Accepts 11 cryptocurrencies with a minimum deposit of 0.0001BTC
- Supports all players with 24/7 live chat
- Processes payouts within one hour or less
Cons:
- Does not accept any fiat currencies, such as EUR or USD
4. Everygame – Rewards Loyalty Points with Every Eligible Real Money Wager
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 1 – 15 business days.
- Established: 1996.
- License: Curacao.
- Headquarters: Antigua and Barbuda.
Our Verdict: 4.8/5
Placing real money wagers on Pai Gow and hundreds of other casino games can lead to more than just in-game payouts at Everygame. This Curacao-licensed site operator has an enticing loyalty program that lets you convert your comp points into no deposit bonuses.
You can fund your Everygame Casino account using both fiat and cryptocurrencies. However, unlike other sites, this casino won’t charge you any deposit fees. In addition, you can get round-the-clock support and even request a callback at a convenient time.
Casino Game Variety at Everygame: 4.8/5
Everygame Casino has partnered with Betsoft and Nucleus Gaming to provide their own versions of Pai Gow online. This site lets you practice playing for free in demo mode and also lets you wager between $0.50 and $1,000 per game.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
Deposit options at Everygame include debit/credit cards, cryptocurrencies, and eWallets. You can deposit a minimum of $20 or $25, depending on the option, but in any case, you won’t be charged processing fees. However, only crypto and eWallet payouts are free, and debit/credit cards are not supported withdrawal options
Customer Support: 5.0/5
The Everygame support team is available to assist you 24/7, even if you haven’t yet joined the casino. Live chat is the most convenient way to get in touch with a representative as it typically has short waiting times. You can also request a callback or send an email.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5
There are numerous welcome and ongoing promotions that you can participate in just as soon as you register your account. Whilst some offers require Everygame Casino promo codes, others, including the loyalty program, are automatically assigned.
Everygame online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Sign-up Offer | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $7,777 + 77 free spins | USA200 | 30x | $20 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Provides poker games by Betsoft and Nucleus Gaming
- Does not charge deposit fees on debit/credit cards, crypto, and eWallets
- Offers a very generous welcome bonus that includes free spins
- Supports all players with 24/7 live chat
Cons:
- The site can be slow to load and looks somewhat dated
5. SportsBetting.ag – One of the Best Casinos for Crypto Payments
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 0 – 15 business days.
- Established: 1999.
- License: Panama.
- Headquarters: Panama.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
SportsBetting.ag is one of the best Bitcoin casinos as it not only accepts 18 coins and tokens but also has some of the widest limits of any site. As a Panama-licensed platform, this site safeguards users and funds with the use of a variety of tools, including encryption.
Just like most other casinos on this list, SportsBetting.ag also offers a dedicated poker platform where you can play Texas Holdem and Omaha against other players. This platform also includes frequent tournaments, including Knockouts and Sit and Go’s.
Casino Game Variety at SportsBetting.ag: 4.7/5
SportsBetting.ag has partnered with Betsoft to provide it with its sole Pai Gow online table. Through this mobile-friendly game, you’ll be able to wager between $1 and $1,000 per round. Unfortunately, this site does not offer free play mode, so you can only play for real.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
If you plan to fund your SportsBetting.ag Casino account with crypto, you can deposit $20 or more. High rollers can deposit up to $500k with Bitcoin and withdraw up to $100k with most coins and tokens. Debit/credit card deposits are subject to a much lower max deposit limit and are subject to fees.
Customer Support: 4.8/5
You don’t need to have a SportsBetting.ag Casino account to speak to a representative via live chat. This service is available to all users and is open 24/7. It normally features short waiting times, but if you don’t wish to wait, you can send an email instead.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5
Generous offers and promotions await you from the moment you register an account. As we explain further in our SportsBetting.ag review, this casino provides several rewards, including matched bonuses. You can also claim rebates and reload offers through weekly or monthly promos.
SportsBetting.ag online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Sign-Up Bonus | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 40x | $25 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Processes crypto payouts within five hours or less
- Does not charge any fees on crypto payments
- Features Pai Gow Poker by Betsoft
- Offers a mobile-optimized website that includes regular poker
Cons:
- Pai Gow contributes 5% to the welcome bonus wagering requirement
6. Ignition – Offers Numerous Poker Variants on Computers or Mobile Devices
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 1 – 5 business days.
- Established: 2016.
- License: Curacao.
- Headquarters: Curacao.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Ignition is a sister casino to Bovada and therefore features many of the same characteristics and games. This site is a top poker casino that lets you play numerous variations against other players, against the house, or in an electronic format.
In addition to Pai Gow Poker, you’ll find hundreds of other games. You can play these on mobile devices, including tablets, without needing to download any app or software. Moreover, you can try most virtual games for free even before you’ve registered an account.
Casino Game Variety at Ignition: 4.7/5
Even though Ignition Casino only offers one Pai Gow table, you’ll find everything that you need to play this game. As you play, you’ll be able to refer to the game’s rules and hand rankings on a list that’s featured right next to the game.
Payment Options: 4.5/5
Ignition Casino accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies with different payment limits. Tether deposits can have a minimum value of $5, whilst Bitcoin payments must be equivalent to $10 or more. Debit/credit card deposits, meanwhile, are subject to a $20 minimum value.
Customer Support: 4.8/5
You will find a detailed and mobile-friendly help center on the Ignition Casino website. Using this page, you should be able to resolve any queries. However, if you need to speak to a representative, you can do so 24/7 using live chat or email.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5
As a poker-focused casino, this site welcomes new players with generous match bonuses that are split between casino games and regular poker. These and other Ignition Casino bonuses reward you for playing Pai Gow, Texas Holdem, and several other top variants.
Ignition online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Crypto Sign-up Offer | 150% match deposit bonus of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 25x | $20 | ✅ |
USD Sign-up Offer | 100% match deposit bonus of up to $2,000 | INSIDERS | 25x | $20 | ❌ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Provides a virtual Pai Gow table that accepts bets of between $1 and $500
- Does not charge any fees on crypto payments, including Tether and Ethereum
- Process crypto payouts within two hours or less
- Offers free play mode without registration
Cons:
- Only available in the US
7. Juicy Stakes – A Top Casino Online for Fiat Currency Payments
Casino facts:
- Payout time: 0 – 15 business days.
- Established: 2013.
- License: Curacao.
- Headquarters: Curacao.
Our Verdict: 4.6/5
Juicy Stakes is a reputable casino that’s based and licensed in Curacao. Whilst it was originally launched as a poker platform where players can play Holdem and Omaha against each other, it eventually developed a virtual casino full of slots and table games.
Once you register your Juicy Stakes account by providing basic user details, you’ll be able to play Pai Gow and hundreds of other games. This casino supports payments with Bitcoin as well as several fiat currencies. Deposits are fast and secure, and can also be made on mobile.
Casino Game Variety at Juicy Stakes: 4.7/5
Juicy Stakes Casino has partnered with Nucleus Gaming and Betsoft to provide two Pai Gow online tables. Both tables are mobile-friendly and are played with the computer. You can wager between $1 and $100 per game and you’re also able to try games for free.
Payment Options: 4.7/5
As a top casino for fiat payments, Juicy Stakes supports a wide selection of banking options. The site’s overall minimum limit is $10, however, you will need to deposit $20 or more if you’re paying with Interac, Visa, or other options. Bitcoin payments, meanwhile, are subject to a $25 minimum value.
Customer Support: 4.8/5
Live chat support is available at Juicy Stakes 24/7. Waiting times are usually short and the team is well-trained to support you. You can also send the team or look for answers on the detailed FAQ page.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.3/5
Many of Juicy Stake’s bonuses are suitable for either regular poker or slots. This means that, unfortunately, there are no current promotions that you can use whilst playing Pai Gow. You can, however, unlock free spins, matched offers, and cashback by playing eligible games.
Juicy Stakes online casino bonuses & promos:
Bonus name | Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Bitcoin accepted? |
Poker
Sign-up Offer |
200% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | N/A | $25 | ✅ |
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Offers two Pai Gow tables powered by leading software developers
- Features a mobile-friendly platform that does not require an app
- Supports all users, including unregistered ones, with 24/7 live chat
- Accepts a wide variety of payment options, including eWallets
Cons:
- No casino promotion that’s suitable for Pai Gow Poker
FAQs About Pai Gow Poker
How do you win at Pai Gow Poker online?
What are the Pai Gow Poker odds of getting five Aces?
How do you play Pai Gow Poker?
What does Pai Gow mean in Poker?
Top Pai Gow Online Casinos Comparison
To help you find the best Pai Gow casinos, we’ve developed several comparison tables that outline the key characteristics of each site. The following ones compare game options and popular bonuses that you can use in this game.
Pai Gow Casino | Bonus | Number of Games | Free Pai Gow? | Min & Max Stakes |
BetOnline | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | 1 | ❌ | $0.50 – $1,000 |
Bovada | Get a 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | 1 | ✅ | $1 – $500 |
Everygame | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $7,777 + 77 free spins | 2 | ✅ | $0.50 – $1,000 |
SportsBetting.ag | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | 1 | ❌ | $0.50 – $1,000 |
Ignition | 150% match deposit bonus of up to $3,000 | 1 | ✅ | $1 – $500 |
Lucky Block | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | 1 | ✅ | $0.50 – $500 |
Juicy Stakes | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 | 2 | ✅ | $1 – $100 |
Other Online Poker Guides That You Might Like
This Pai Gow Casinos article is one of several that focus on different poker variants. If you’d like to learn more about this game, we recommend checking out the following guides.
- Online Poker for Real Money – Discover poker hand rankings and online strategies.
- Real Money Texas Holdem – Play the most popular variant against other players.
- Bitcoin Poker – Use cryptocurrencies to play poker against the house and other players.
- Best Video Poker Casinos – Experience this electronic poker that’s ideal for beginners.
What is Pai Gow Poker?
At first glance, Pai Gow Poker might seem like a complex game, but in reality, it’s easier to play than Texas Holdem or even video poker. This casino card game is played on a table and uses a standard, 52-card deck in addition to a Joker. This Wild Card can substitute for an Ace, but only if this allows you to complete either a Flush or Straight.
When you play at land-based Pai Gow casinos, you’ll notice that the table can accommodate up to six players. However, just like with Blackjack, each player plays against the dealer, not each other.
How to Play Pai Gow Online Poker
To keep things simple, we’ve split a typical game of Pai Gow poker online into two stages.
1. Ante Bet and Dealing of Cards
At the start of a new round, you need to place an Ante bet on the table. Depending on the table, you can wager between $0.50 and $500 or more. Some tables will also accept optional side bets that are normally based on the cards that you are dealt. It’s up to you whether to take advantage of these side bets.
Once your bet is placed, both you and the dealer get seven hands. You will be able to see your cards, but the dealer cards will stay hidden. As you view your cards, you need to create two hands, one with five cards and the other with two. At the end of the game, your hands will be compared to the ones of the dealer to determine the winner.
2. The Result
When you play Pai Gow Poker online, it won’t take you long to find out whether you’ve won. Side bets are normally settled first as these are based on your own cards, not the dealer’s.
The dealer will reveal his cards and the result of the game will be announced. For you to win the game, both your hands must be better than those held by the dealer. If only one hand beats the dealer’s, the game will end in a push and you’ll get your Ante bet back. However, if the game ends in a tie, you’ll lose your Ante bet.
Pai Gow Poker Compared to No Limit Texas Hold’em
Both of these games are played with cards and are based on poker hand rankings. However, beyond these characteristics, there are very few similarities between these two variants. The following table outlines the main features of both games.
Feature | Pai Gow | Texas Hold’em |
Cards | Standard 52-card deck plus a Joker | Standard 52-card deck |
Opponents | House | Other Players |
Hand | Seven cards | Two cards |
Community cards | No | Yes |
Result | Based on two hands | Based on one hand |
Rake | No | Rake is taken per played hand |
Pai Gow Casino Rules
Just like the gameplay, Pai Gow online rules are easy to follow and understand. Here are the main ones that you need to know.
Place a Wager to See Your Cards
Just like with most poker games, you cannot join a game unless you first place a wager. Only once your Ante bet is placed will you get your seven cards.
Split Your Cards to Play The Game
You’ll need to divide your seven cards into two hands. The five-card hand must include the highest-ranking combination.
The Limits of the Joker
If you are dealt a Joker you can use it to replace the Ace. However, this feature is only valid if doing so would create either a Flush or a Straight.
Beat Both Hands to Get a Payout
You will only get standard Pai Gow payouts if you beat the dealer’s both hands. If you only beat one of the hands, you’ll get your original wager back. However, if you tie with the dealer you’ll lose your bet.
Pai Gow Poker Free Play
Some of the best Pai Gow Poker online sites, including Bovada and Ignition, give you the option of trying the game for free. Using demo mode, you’ll be able to experience the full gameplay without risking any of your funds.
In addition to practicing, playing this table game for free allows you to test different strategies. Since demo games feature the same Pai Gow Poker odds as real games, you’ll get a very good indication of whether a particular strategy is better.
Pai Gow Poker Odds and Strategy
The Pai Gow house edge is 2.84%, which means that, on average, betting $100 will result in a $2.84 loss over the long term. However, as with any odds, this figure is purely a statistic and holds very little meaning when you play just a few rounds. Moroever, there is a way to reduce the house edge to 1.42% if you take on the role of the Banker.
How To Deal Pai Gow Poker
If you do get the opportunity to play as the Banker at a land-based casino, here’s what you need to do to play a round.
- You’ll start by collecting the Ante bet of the players.
- The next step requires you to deal seven cards to each player, facing down.
- As a banker, you’ll wait for the players to create their two hands within the allotted time.
- When this time has passed, you’ll need to reveal your cards.
- With the help of the dealer, you’ll need to determine the result for each player and provide the standard Pai Gow payouts.
How To Arrange Your Hand
Hand rankings in Pai Gow are the same as in Texas Holdem and other top variants. Two cards of identical values form a Pair whilst five cards of successive values form a Straight. Once your cards are dealt, think carefully about how to split your cards, and remember that you need to win both hands in order to get a payout.
Hand Ranking in Pai Gow
Here are the accepted winning hands in Pai Gow Poker and our suggested ways of handling them.
- Flush or Straight – You would normally make either of these hands your five-card hand. This is what you should do unless you’ve got a Pair of face cards, in which case you’d want to move this to your two-card hand.
- Four-of-a-Kind – The way that you should deal with such a combination depends on the value of the cards. You should keep four 6s or anything below in your five-card hand. Anything above that should be split unless you also have an Ace that you can move to the two-card hand.
- Full House – You should always generally split a Full House. Put the Pair in the two-card hand and keep the Three-of-a-Kind in your five-card hand.
- Three-of-a-Kind – Unless this combination is made up of As, you should keep it in your five-card hand. If you do have three As, you should keep a pair in your five-card hand and place the other one in the two-card hand.
- Three Pairs – If you’re fortunate to get three pairs, you should pick the highest one and make it your two-card hand.
- Two Pairs – Make your highest-value Pair your two-card hand. If both Pairs are weak, you could keep them both in your five-card hand and place a high card, if available, in your two-card hand.
- Pair – You should always keep a Pair in your five-card hand, except if you’ve got a couple of As. In this case, you should split them and make them your high card in each hand.
- High Card – If all you’ve got is a high card, you should place it in your five-card hand. Your next two highest-value cards should make up your two-card hand.
Pai Gow Payouts
Here are the main payouts at a classic Pai Gow table. If you’re playing a variant, some of these may be different.
Pai Gow Poker Hand | Payout: |
7-card Straight Flush (no joker) | 8,000:1 |
Royal Flush + 2x 2s | 2,000:1 |
7-card Straight Flush (with joker) | 1,000:1 |
5x As | 400:1 |
Royal Flush | 150:1 |
Straight Flush | 50:1 |
Four-of-a-Kind | 25:1 |
Full House | 5:1 |
Best Pai Gow Poker Online Tips
Keep these tips in mind as you practice or play Pai Gow with real money.
- If you’ve got a non-ranking hand, such as Pairs or better, you should keep your highest-ranking card in your five-card hand. The next two highest-value cards should make up your two-card hand.
- Split Pairs of 7s or higher. If you’ve also got an A, you should send it to the two-card hand as a high card.
- Split medium-value Pairs of 6s or lower ranking. Once again, if you’ve also got an A, use it as your two-card hand high card.
- Keep a Three-of-a-Kind in your five-card hand, unless you’ve got three As. In this instance, put one A in your two-card hand.
- You should split Four-of-a-Kind combinations of 10s or higher. If this combination is made up of 6s or lower you should keep them intact in your five-card hand.
- Split a Full House, making your Pair your two-card hand and keep the Three-of-a-Kind intact in the five-card hand. Should you have another Pair, you should make the higher-value pair your two-card hand.
Pai Gow Poker Variants
The classic Pai Gow Poker game has evolved into several variants. The following ones are the most popular variations of the game.
Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker
This commission-free version of Pai Gow features a house edge of just 1.3%. The edge is lower as you’ll only lose your wager if the dealer beats you. However, winning payouts are different from the classic version so as to make up for this difference.
EZ Pai Gow Poker
This version of the game is also played without a commission. To make up for this difference, there are several hands that can end in a push instead of a win. One example is if the dealer has a Q high in the five-card hand, the game ends in a push no matter what the player holds.
No Push Pai Gow Poker
This variant is typically only found at land-based casinos in Vegas. In this version, there is no commission and push hands are not allowed either. If the game ends in a tie, the dealer will use the four left-over cards to determine the winner of the game.
Fortune Pai Gow Bonus Payouts
This is one example of a variant that also offers Pai Gow bonus payouts through optional side bets. Fortune Pai Gow Poker lets you wager an extra $1 for a chance to win a progressive jackpot. Jackpots can climb to $200k or more and you’ll win it all, or just a share of it, depending on your cards.
Pai Gow Poker Glossary
Here are some of the terms and phrases, that we’ve used throughout this guide, explained in a simple manner.
- Flush – Five cards of the same suit but not of consecutive value.
- Four-of-a-Kind – Four cards of the same rank but of different suits.
- Full House – A combination of a Three-of-a-Kind and a Pair.
- High Hand – The five-card hand.
- Low Hand – The two-card hand.
- Pair – Two cards of the same rank but a different suit.
- Push – When the result is a tie and the player’s wager is refunded.
- Royal Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit and in a specific order of 10 to A.
- Straight – A set of five cards of sequential value and of different suits.
- Straight Flush – Five cards of sequential value and of the same suit.
- Three-of-a-Kind – Three cards of the same rank but different suits.
- Two Pairs – Two different sets of Pairs.
Pai Gow Poker Bonuses
When you sign up to most of the featured casinos, you’ll be able to claim rewards that you can use to play Pai Gow Poker for free. The following table provides a brief explanation of the most popular casino promotions.
Bonus Type | About | Best Brands |
Welcome Bonuses |
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Lucky Block – Get a 200% match deposit bonus of up to $10,000 + 50 free spins. |
Existing Customer Promotions |
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BetOnline – Get a 20% match bonus of up to $500. |
No Deposit Bonuses |
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SportsBetting.ag – Get 10%, up to $250, in weekly rebates on your losses. |
Comparing Pai Gow Poker Bonuses
Here are the most popular welcome bonuses offered by the best Pai Gow Poker online sites.
Casino | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Rollover | Minimum Deposit | Bitcoin Accepted? | Expiration Date |
BetOnline | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 45x | $25 | ✅ | 30 days |
Bovada | Get a 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 25x | $10 | ✅ | 30 days |
Everygame | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $7,777 + 77 free spins | USA200 | 30x | $20 | ✅ | 30 days |
SportsBetting.ag | Get 100% match deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 40x | $25 | ✅ | 30 days |
Ignition | 150% match deposit bonus of up to $3,000 | INSIDERS | 25x | $20 | ✅ | 30 days |
Lucky Block | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $10,000 + 50 free spins | N/A | 60x | €20 | ✅ | 30 days |
Juicy Stakes | 200% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000 | INSIDERS | N/A | $25 | ✅ | 30 days |
How to Sign Up to a Pai Gow Poker Online Casino
Here’s what you need to do to join BetOnline or any other top Pai Gow Poker site.
Step 1: Register a BetOnline Account
Visit BetOnline and click on ‘Join’. Enter your personal information and click on ‘Create Account’.
Step 2: Verify Your Email Address
You should receive an automated email from the BetOnline team asking that you confirm your email address. To complete this step, simply click on the link that you’ll find in the email.
Step 3: Place Your First Deposit
Back on the BetOnline page, click on ‘Deposit’ to select your preferred payment method. Once selected, enter the value of your payment along with any promo code. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your first deposit.
Step 4: Start Playing Pai Gow Online
Once your funds have been added to your BetOnline Casino account, you’re ready to start playing. Use the site’s navigation menu to locate ‘Table Games’ and then scroll down to the ‘Casino Poker’ section. There, you’ll find the Pai Gow table. Click on it to launch it.
The Best Pai Gow Poker Site
BetOnline Casino is the overall best online casino for Pai Gow Poker thanks to its game selection, support for different payment methods, and bonus availability. You can join this Panama-licensed casino in less than five minutes using both desktop computers and mobile devices.
Sign-up to BetOnline Casino today to benefit from a generous, three-part welcome package. You’ll be able to use this and many other bonuses and offers on Pai Gow Poker tables and hundreds of other games.