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The best Pai Gow poker online casinos feature open-face, fortune, and progressive fortune games. With RTPs north of 97%, this traditional Chinese game gives you a chance to win up to 4,000x your bet.
Our guide outlines how to play Pai Gow on desktop and mobile devices. Discover the key rules, card combinations, and best strategies.
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- 1. Wild Casino - Get a Monster $5,000 Pai Gow Poker Casino Welcome Bonus
- 2. BetWhale - Multiple Pai Gow Titles From Leading Providers
- 3. Bovada - Play Pai Gow Poker for Free in Practice Mode
- 4. BetNow - Play Pai Gow for up to $500 Per Round
- 5. MyBookie - Earn Weekly Reload Bonuses When You Play Pai Gow
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- Are Pow Gai Poker and Pow Gai Tiles the same game?
- What strategies can I use to increase my odds of winning at Pai Gow Poker?
- Can I play Pai Gow poker online for free?
- Is Pai Gow a low-volatility or high-volatility game?
- Are there any live Pai Gow tournaments I can play for real money like the WSOP?
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- 1. Wild Casino - Get a Monster $5,000 Pai Gow Poker Casino Welcome Bonus
- 2. BetWhale - Multiple Pai Gow Titles From Leading Providers
- 3. Bovada - Play Pai Gow Poker for Free in Practice Mode
- 4. BetNow - Play Pai Gow for up to $500 Per Round
- 5. MyBookie - Earn Weekly Reload Bonuses When You Play Pai Gow
- Show Full Guide
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- Are Pow Gai Poker and Pow Gai Tiles the same game?
- What strategies can I use to increase my odds of winning at Pai Gow Poker?
- Can I play Pai Gow poker online for free?
- Is Pai Gow a low-volatility or high-volatility game?
- Are there any live Pai Gow tournaments I can play for real money like the WSOP?
Comparison of The Best Real Money Pai Gow Online Casinos
You can play Pai Gow online at some of the best online casinos in the US. We have tested them and recommended our favorites. The table below highlights what’s on offer at our top-rated brands, including games and bonuses.
| Pai Gow Poker Room | Welcome Bonus | Open Face Pai Gow Poker | Fortune Pai Gow Poker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Casino | $9,000 bonus + 200 FS | Yes | No |
| BetWhale | 250% welcome bonus | Yes | No |
| Bovada | 125% on first three deposits up to $3,750 | Yes | Yes |
| BetNow | 200% welcome bonus | Yes | No |
| MyBookie | 150% bonus up to $750 | Yes | No |
| CoinCasino | 200% bonus up to $30,000 | Yes | No |
Reviews of the Best Pai Gow Poker Online Casinos
You can play Pai Gow online at all of our recommended casinos. However, each site operates differently in terms of the games, bonuses, and features offered. Read the reviews below to learn more about our top 5 sites.
1. Wild Casino – Get a Monster $5,000 Pai Gow Poker Casino Welcome Bonus
- Website: https://www.wildcasino.ag/
- No. of Pai Gow Games: 2
- Mobile Pai Gow: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
We rate Wild Casino as the best site to play Pai Gow Poker online. There are two different Pai Gow games, provided by different developers. Because of that, you will find some differences in style, layout, and even sound effects. Unfortunately, Wild Casino doesn’t have the option to play Pai Gow Poker for free, so you will have to use real money to practice.
However, Wild Casino more than makes up for that with a $5,000 welcome bonus that also comes with 125 free spins. Standard wagering requirements mean that Pai Gow casino game bets count as 10% towards the rollover requirement, which is pretty good given many Pai Gow Poker online casinos have bonuses that can only be used on slots.
Pros
- $5,000 welcome bonus
- Deposit with any of more than 15 cryptocurrencies
- Two types of Pai Gow Poker by different developers
- Play Pai Gow and contribute to rollover requirements
Cons
- No demo mode for Pai Gow games
2. BetWhale – Multiple Pai Gow Titles From Leading Providers
- Website: https://www.betwhale.ag
- No. of Pai Gow Games: 3
- Mobile Pai Gow: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.7/10
BetWhale is home to three Pai Gow games, all of which are controlled using a random number generator. All games accept bets from just $1, with the maximum $200 bet with one of the titles catering well to high rollers. We tested the games and found that they work well on desktop and mobile.
Betsoft and Rival Gaming are the developers that deliver Pai Gow at BetWhale. All games are traditional variants of Pai Gow, with no Fortune or progressive options to speak of. The 250% welcome bonus makes signing up more attractive. Bets on Pai Gow games contribute to the 30x wagering requirements.
A host of payment methods are accepted at BetWhale. You can withdraw winnings instantly through cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals through traditional options can take up to 5 days.
Pros
- Bet from $1 to $200 per round
- Instant payouts are possible for crypto users
- Pai Gow poker casino games from Betsoft and other providers
- Pai Gow and other table games are eligible for the welcome bonus
Cons
- No VIP rewards
3. Bovada – Play Pai Gow Poker for Free in Practice Mode
- Website: https://www.bovada.lv
- No. of Pai Gow Games: 1
- Mobile Pai Gow: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.6/10
If you are a fan of card games at an online casino, Bovada is a great option. There is only one Pai Gow option under table games but the game is modern, easy to play, and includes information on game rules, hand rankings, and payouts. Furthermore, you can play Pai Gow Poker online for free at Bovada, so you can practice playing the game without risking real money.
Bovada’s welcome bonus of up to $3,750 is spread across your first three deposits (125% bonus on each) and the great news for Pai Gow players is the wagering requirement is only 25x and Pai Gow contributes 20%.
Bovada also has its own loyalty program. You get 1 Reward Point for every $1 spent on table games and can redeem your accumulated points for more funds. The rate depends on the loyalty level and can be as low as 1,000 points for $1.
Pros
- 3 x $1,250 welcome bonus
- Choose from 40+ table games
- Play free Pai Gow poker online
- Earn $ in loyalty points every time you play
Cons
- Only one Pai Gow Poker option
4. BetNow – Play Pai Gow for up to $500 Per Round
- Website: https://www.betnow.eu
- No. of Pai Gow Games: 1
- Mobile Pai Gow: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
BetNow is another leading Pai Gow poker casino. Although there is just one game available, it caters to beginners and high rollers thanks to bets from $1 to $500. You can enjoy it for free or for real money.
There is a 200% welcome bonus worth up to $200 for crypto users. A 150% bonus up to $225 is offered to you when you use a card for your opening deposit. Bets on Pai Gow contribute to the rollover requirements, albeit not 100%.
10% weekly rebates and other promotions help to keep you satisfied at BetNow. Although the casino’s website is outdated, it remains simple to use. Traditional and modern payment methods can be used to fund bets on Pai Gow.
Pros
- 200% referral bonus
- 10% weekly casino rebate
- Deposit limits of up to $40,000
- Play Pai Gow on desktop and mobile devices
Cons
- Only one Pai Gow game
5. MyBookie – Earn Weekly Reload Bonuses When You Play Pai Gow
- Website: https://www.mybookie.ag
- No. of Pai Gow Games: 2
- Mobile Pai Gow: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
Two Pai Gow games are found at MyBookie. Both are traditional variants that follow the basic rules of the game. One option comes from Nucleus Gaming, where bets from $1 to $100 are accepted. It has 95.3% RTP and a maximum 10x payout. Wheel of Fortune and free spin features will appeal to you.
The other Pai Gow game has a maximum bet of just $15. However, the minimum bet is $0.30, making it a good option for beginners. Both games are eligible for the casino’s welcome bonus. Worth 150% up to $750, bets on Pai Gow contribute to the 40x wagering requirements.
100% reload bonuses, free spins, and casino bonus weekends are the ongoing promotions that keep things interesting at MyBookie.
Pros
- Bitcoin is accepted
- 20+ other table games
- Realistic welcome bonus T&Cs
- Pai Gow to suit beginners and high rollers
Cons
- No native mobile app to download
Is it Legal to Play Pai Gow Poker in the US?
The simple answer is yes. At present, you can legally play Pai Gow online in six US states. Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia make up the list. However, multiple states have plans in place to regulate this type of gambling in the coming years.
If you live outside one of these six states, you can play Pai Gow on offshore casino sites. Not based in the United States, these sites are licensed by international gambling authorities. This means that you can sign up and place real money bets without being prohibited. You also don’t have to pay any tax on winnings.
Real Money Pai Gow Poker Online Vs Free Pai Gow Poker
Free Pai Gow Poker and real money Pai Gow Poker share the same gameplay and rules. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of. They can impact your playing experience and ability to make money. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each:
Real Money Pai Gow Poker
- Win Real Money – Offers the chance to win actual cash prizes.
- Bonuses and Promotions – You can take advantage of deposit bonuses and other rewards.
- Access to More Features – Real money versions often provide better graphics, more variations, and advanced features compared to free play.
- Availability Restrictions – Some regions may restrict real money play, making it less accessible for certain players.
- Wagering Requirements – Bonuses often come with wagering requirements that limit quick withdrawals.
Free Pai Gow Poker
- Risk-Free – No financial risk, allowing you to enjoy the game without the worry of losing money.
- Perfect for Learning – Great for beginners to practice and learn the rules and strategies without pressure.
- No Signup Required – Often, free versions don’t require registration, allowing instant access to the game.
- No Real Winnings – You can’t win any actual money, limiting the rewards of playing.
- No Bonuses – Free play typically doesn’t include promotions, bonuses, or rewards.
What is Pai Gow Poker?
Dating back to 1985, Pai Gow is a version of poker. Originally played using Chinese dominoes, a single 52-card deck of cards has now replaced them. One joker also makes up Pai Gow. The aim of the game is simple, to overcome the banker by forming greater five-card and two-card hands from the cards dealt.
Multiple variants of Pai Gow have been developed. They include Progressive Fortune, Fortune, and Face-Up. These titles grew in popularity after hitting the Las Vegas strip in the 2010s.
Pai Gow Poker Rules
In Pai Gow, you are allowed to use the joker as an Ace. It can also be used to form a straight, flush, or straight flush. We have outlined how a game of Pai Gow Poker works below:
- Players and the banker are dealt 7 cards. You must split your cards into two, known as “high” and “low”.
- You must ensure that your high hand is greater than the low one.
Winning Conditions
How do you win when playing Pai Gow poker casino games?
- Your high and low hands must beat the dealer’s to earn a payout.
- Your bet is pushed if just one hand is better than the dealer’s.
- The dealer wins if both of your hands are beaten by the dealer.
- The house wins if the round ends in a tie.
House Edge
The house edge can vary between Pai Gow variants. 2.84% is the standard percentage, which is an appealing amount for most.
Pai Gow Poker Game Variations
There are multiple variations of Pai Gow poker casino games. The rules differ slightly between them, as do the levels of complexity and strategic depth.
This is why learning how to play poker and starting with free-play options are a great way to get started. We have outlined the variants you can expect to find on our recommended sites below.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online
These days, it is simple to play Pai Gow online for real money. Using Wild Casino as an example, follow the step-by-step guide below to get started.
Sign Up
Enter the Wild Casino website on desktop and mobile and select “JOIN NOW”. Complete the registration form by entering your full name and email address. You must also provide your email address and mobile phone number. Complete this step by selecting “Create Account”.
Deposit Funds
Login to your account and access the cashier page. Select your preferred method of payment and enter the deposit amount. Add your payment details and confirm the transfer. Wait a few moments for funds to reach your casino account.
Launch Game
Browse available Pai Gow games under the “Table Games” heading. Select your favorite title and launch the game.Place Bets
Once the game has loaded, set your stake and confirm your opening bet. Follow the action closely and make decisions based on the cards dealt.
Pai Gow Card Combinations
In Pai Gow Poker, players aim to make the best possible two-card and five-card poker hands from their seven cards. There are 13 winning payout hands in Pai Gow Poker, most of which are similar to winning hands in more traditional poker games.
The exception to this is the addition of the joker, which is a wild card that can be used to complete any hand. Here are the key card combinations in descending order of rank for the five-card hand:
- 7 Card Straight Flush (No Joker) – Seven consecutive cards of the same suit
- Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
- 7 Card Straight Flush (With Joker) – Seven consecutive cards of the same suit using the Joker
- Five Aces – This hand is possible when the Joker is used as the fifth Ace.
- Straight Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank.
- Full House – Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- Flush – Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Straight – Five consecutive cards of different suits.
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair – Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- One Pair – Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card – The highest card when no other hand is made.
The two-card hand, often called the “low hand” or “front hand,” is simpler:
- One Pair – Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card – The highest card if no pair is made.
When setting the hands, the five-card hand (high hand) must outrank the two-card hand (low hand). For example, if the five-card hand is a Pair of Kings, the two-card hand should not be a Pair of Aces.
The goal is to have both your low hand and high hand beat the dealer’s respective hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push. When both hands lose, you lose the bet. Should both hands win, you win the bet.
Pai Gow Poker Payouts and Odds
Pai Gow is just like any variant of poker in that it’s critical you understand the odds and probabilities of winning hands. If you are new to Pai Gow Poker at online casinos, then you should find the below table an extremely useful point of reference.
| Pai Gow Poker Hand | Probability | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Card Straight Flush (No Joker) | 0.00000021 | 5,000,000-1 | 8,000-1 |
| Royal Flush | 0.00000047 | 2,000,000-1 | 2,000-1 |
| 7 Card Straight Flush (With Joker) | 0.00000127 | 800,000-1 | 1,000-1 |
| Five Aces | 0.00000732 | 140,000-1 | 400-1 |
| Straight Flush | 0.00119788 | 750-1 | 50-1 |
| Four Of A Kind | 0.00199472 | 500-1 | 25-1 |
| Full House | 0.02717299 | 36-1 | 5-1 |
| Flush | 0.04004129 | 25-1 | 4-1 |
| Straight | 0.07289350 | 14-1 | 2-1 |
| Three Of A Kind | 0.04977518 | 20-1 | 3-1 |
| Two Pairs | 0.23065464 | 9-2 | N/A |
| One Pair | 0.41663862 | 5-2 | N/A |
| High Card | 0.15269722 | 13-2 | N/A |
Pai Gow Poker Game Strategy Tips and Tricks
Like all forms of poker, strategy is hugely important when you play Pai Gow Poker online. It’s important that you are able to construct both of your hands in order to gain maximum advantage. With that in mind, we’ve come up with five tips that will help you build the best hands possible.
Joe YarnoldCasino & Betting Expert
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Other Poker Resources and Training
Here at ReadWrite, we have developed an in-depth library of educational material that can help you if you like to play poker online. There are many different skills required to be a successful poker player online and we have many of them covered in the below list of resources.
Final Thoughts
With a house edge as low as 2.7%, simple gameplay, and significant payouts, the Pai Gow card game has a growing presence online. There are few better platforms than Wild Casino for Pai Gow.
We found games from Betsoft and Rival Gaming, as well as a welcome package worth up to $9,000 and 200 free spins. Bets on Pai Gow start at just $1, with beginners and high rollers catered to.
Immediate VIP Program Access
- $15,000 Daily Cash Races & Freerolls up to $10,000
- 250 Welcome Free Spins and automatic VIP enrollment
- Super Sunday Raffle with cash prizes
FAQ
Are Pow Gai Poker and Pow Gai Tiles the same game?
What strategies can I use to increase my odds of winning at Pai Gow Poker?
Can I play Pai Gow poker online for free?
Is Pai Gow a low-volatility or high-volatility game?
Are there any live Pai Gow tournaments I can play for real money like the WSOP?
Responsible Gambling
It’s important that you understand the risks involved with gambling on Pai Gow Poker and gamble responsibly. Losing control of your gambling can have catastrophic consequences on your finances, relationships, and mental health. If you are concerned that gambling may be becoming an issue, here are three responsible gambling resources that will be able to help you.
