- Try Pai Gow Poker online for free in demo mode with no download or no registration required.
- Play Free Pai Gow Poker Online. If you're interested in playing some alternatives to the RTG pai gow poker game above, we have a few other pai gow poker games on our website that you are welcome to try out; including Rival pai gow poker, Microgaming pai gow poker, and Playtech pai gow poker. Learn More About Pai Gow Poker.
Play Free Pai Gow Poker Playing Pai Gow Poker Generally speaking, a good Pai Gow Poker game will have six players and a dealer with each being dealt seven cards from the 53-card deck including the joker that can be used to substitute in the making of a straight, or any suit to complete a flush.
Sam Torosian, the owner of the Bell Card Club in Los Angeles, invented Pai Gow Poker in 1985. Despite having a name similar to the Chinese domino game, the concept of Pai Gow Poker was acquired by its inventor from a Filipino card game called 'Pusoy.' Thus, it is important to remember that Pai Gow Poker and the classic Chinese Poker game (except for the name) are not related.
Pai Gow Poker is a simplified version of 'Pusoy'. This card game is designed for fast-play. Evidently, by the reduction of the number of cards from 13 to 7 for each player. In addition, the number of hands has also been reduced from 3 to 2. These alterations made Pai Gow Poker one of the easiest and fastest card games in casinos.
With that said, Pai Gow Poker quickly evolved to become a popular Vegas casino game in the 80s. Which, over time, has spread to the rest of the world. Today, Pai Gow Poker is still one of the most popular games in casinos worldwide. Nevertheless, if you want to learn or have a hands-on experience with the game without going to the casino, then, Pai Gow Poker online is the perfect game for you. Learn the basic rules of the game along with other features and tips in the game overview below.
Pai Gow Poker How To Play
Unlike most casino games, Donutman Software's Pai Gow Poker does not have extra features. This means that players can jump into action instantly with just a click of a button. Moreover, the modesty of the game's design allows the player to focus on the main game itself, which is best for novice players.
Free Pai Gow Poker With Fortune Bonus
High Definition Graphics
Pai Gow Poker online may not have the glitz and glam of other casino games but it does not mean that the game has poor quality. In fact, Pai Gow Poker comes with a high definition graphics engine that results in a seamless gameplay experience. Right off the bat, a full table setup will unfold that comes complete with all the necessary details. It includes the total money, total bet, and bonus bet. In addition, there are two buttons for changing bets and the start button, which in this case is the 'deal' button.
Moreover, situated on the upper right-hand corner is the main menu, which houses the player's statistics and the bonus paytable. Plus, also the detailed instruction on how-to-play manual, and the main options menu. To sum up everything, Donutman Software's Pai Gow Poker is a modest and highly immersive minimalist version of the iconic card game.
Winning Tips
Pai Gow Poker online may be easy to learn, but it is definitely quite challenging to master. Like most casino games, beating the banker or the house requires a strategic approach and focus. With that said, check out some of the tips from some of the best Pai Gow Poker players and experts around the world.
When in Rome…
'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'. It is the perfect saying that describes the first strategy. For those, however, who are not familiar with the quote, it simply states the importance of adapting thyself to the customs and behavior of the populace. In the case of Pai Gow Poker, it is important to observe strategies of the dealer and adapt it as your own. In other words, always think like the dealer in handling your cards.
Splitting the Two Pairs
Another strategy is to know when to split your two-pairs. Having the basic knowledge on when to separate this hand will give you a much-needed edge in the game. With that said, here are some instances where you must not split your two pairs;
1. When your hand includes a pair of seven (or greater) and does not have an Ace.
2. When your hand includes a pair of jacks (or better) and six or pairs that are better than an ace.
3. A pair of Aces along with any pair of cards is included in your deck.
Other than that, it is important to spit your two pairs with the highest-ranking card on the back and the lower ranking card upfront.
The Power of Three
Knowing how to handle your three-of-a-kind is also important in Pai Gow Poker. It is important to take note that you must always keep all three cards together. Unless, you need to deal with the three aces, to which it is advisable that you should put two aces at the back and one at the front.
In some cases, players receive two three-of-a-kind in a single round. When this happens, it is highly recommended to play the lowest three-of-a-kind in the five-card slots. The higher three-of-a-kind, on the other hand, requires splitting to play a pair in the front hand and the other on the backhand.
Pai Gow Poker is a fast-paced game that is easy to learn and challenging to master. For the most part, the game requires a little bit of luck paired with a solid strategic approach. Check out the game today by simply clicking on the 'Play Now' button on your screen.
Game Features
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On This Page
Introduction
This section contains my analysis of the following pai gow poker side bets:
Dealer Bonus
Please see my page on the Dealer Bonus for information on that side bet.
Fortune Pai Gow Poker
Please see my page on the Fortune side bet for information on that side bet.
Jackpot Pai Gow Poker
'Jackpot' is a side bet I noticed at the Rio in November 2005. The game was closed at the time so the top prize was not evident, but according to the Shufflemaster web site it is alternatively $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000.
The following table shows the probability and return for each possible event. A $100,000 for the top win is assumed and a $5 bet, for a win of 20,000 to one. The table also assumes the player will always set his hand to maximize the value of the side bet, at the possible cost of his pai gow poker bet. The lower left cell shows a house edge of 2.21%, which for a side bet is pretty good.
Jackpot Pai Gow Poker Return Table
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Royal plus Pair of Aces* | 20000 | 12 | 0.00000008 | 0.001557 |
Five Aces plus Pair | 400 | 72 | 0.00000047 | 0.000187 |
Royal Flush plus Pair | 200 | 1560 | 0.00001012 | 0.002024 |
Five Aces | 200 | 1056 | 0.00000685 | 0.00137 |
Royal Flush | 100 | 24560 | 0.00015933 | 0.015933 |
Straight Flush plus Pair | 60 | 11748 | 0.00007621 | 0.004573 |
Four of a Kind plus Pair | 40 | 57648 | 0.00037399 | 0.01496 |
Straight Flush | 30 | 173084 | 0.00112288 | 0.033686 |
Four of a Kind | 20 | 249824 | 0.00162073 | 0.032415 |
Full House plus Pair | 12 | 150480 | 0.00097624 | 0.011715 |
Flush plus Pair | 8 | 489260 | 0.00317406 | 0.025393 |
Straight plus Pair | 6 | 1155536 | 0.00749652 | 0.044979 |
Full House | 6 | 4024560 | 0.02610925 | 0.156655 |
Flush | 4 | 5631420 | 0.03653372 | 0.146135 |
Straight | 3 | 10145388 | 0.06581799 | 0.197454 |
Three of a kind | 2 | 7470676 | 0.04846585 | 0.096932 |
Nothing | -1 | 124556196 | 0.80805571 | -0.808056 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.022088 |
* Both royal flush and pair of aces must be natural (no joker) for highest win.
If the top prize is less than $100,000, or the player bets more than $5 on the side bet, the return will be slightly less. The next table shows the house edge according to various other wins for a natural royal plus pair of aces according to the win on a to one basis.
House Edge by Highest Win
Natural Royal plus Aces Pays | House Edge |
---|---|
20000 | 2.21% |
10000 | 2.29% |
5000 | 2.33% |
4000 | 2.33% |
3000 | 2.34% |
2000 | 2.35% |
1000 | 2.36% |
Emperor's Challenge
Emperor's Challenge is a side bet I noticed at Hooter's Casino in Las Vegas in April, 2006. The following return table shows the probability and return of all possible outcomes. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 4.171%.
Fortune Pai Gow Poker Free
Emperor's Challenge Return Table
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Natural 7-card straight flush | 5000 | 32 | 0.00000021 | 0.001038 |
Wild 7-card straight flush | 1000 | 196 | 0.00000127 | 0.001272 |
Five aces | 500 | 1128 | 0.00000732 | 0.003659 |
Royal Flush | 150 | 26092 | 0.00016927 | 0.025391 |
Straight Flush | 50 | 184644 | 0.00119787 | 0.059894 |
Four of a Kind | 25 | 307472 | 0.00199472 | 0.049868 |
Full House | 5 | 4188528 | 0.02717299 | 0.135865 |
Flush | 4 | 6172088 | 0.04004129 | 0.160165 |
Three of a kind | 3 | 7672500 | 0.04977518 | 0.149326 |
Straight | 2 | 11034204 | 0.07158417 | 0.143168 |
9 high pai gow | 40 | 31080 | 0.00020163 | 0.008065 |
10 high pai gow | 5 | 248640 | 0.00161305 | 0.008065 |
J high pai gow | 2 | 963480 | 0.00625056 | 0.012501 |
Nonpaying hand | -1 | 123312996 | 0.79999048 | -0.79999 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.041714 |
I hear that in Washington State the player must bet at least $5 to qualify for the pai gow hands.
Progressive Pai Gow Poker
The Falls View casino in Niagara Falls Ontario offers 'Progressive Pai Gow Poker'. This is basic pai gow poker with an added $5 side bet. Lucky red casino no deposit bonus codes 2017.
The following table shows the return table based on a breakeven meter of 20536.05 bet units, which for a $5 bet is $102,680.24. The house edge at all other times is 11.5428% less 1.1242% for every $10,000 in the meter.
Progressive Pai Gow Poker Return Table
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Royal Flush or Five Aces + pair | 20536.05 | 336 | 0.000002 | 0.044764 |
Wild Royal Flush + pair | 200 | 1260 | 0.000008 | 0.001635 |
Straight Flush + pair | 50 | 11748 | 0.000076 | 0.003811 |
Four of a Kind + pair | 40 | 57648 | 0.000374 | 0.01496 |
Full House + pair | 12 | 150480 | 0.000976 | 0.011715 |
Flush + pair | 8 | 489260 | 0.003174 | 0.025393 |
Straight + pair | 4 | 1117388 | 0.007249 | 0.028996 |
Natural Royal Flush or Five Aces | 2053.6 | 5304 | 0.000034 | 0.070664 |
Wild Royal Flush | 100 | 20360 | 0.000132 | 0.013209 |
Straight Flush | 25 | 173084 | 0.001123 | 0.028072 |
Four of a Kind | 20 | 249824 | 0.001621 | 0.032415 |
Full House | 6 | 4030416 | 0.026147 | 0.156883 |
Flush | 4 | 5663712 | 0.036743 | 0.146973 |
Straight | 2 | 10071516 | 0.065339 | 0.130677 |
Three of a kind | 2 | 7544548 | 0.048945 | 0.09789 |
Nothing | -1 | 124556196 | 0.808056 | -0.808056 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | 0 |
Pai Gow Insurance
Pai gow 'Insurance' is a side bet that I noticed at the Red Rock casino in August, 2008. It appeared along with the Emperor's Challenge side bet. A 'pai gow' in pai gow poker is a hand with seven singletons, where no straight or flush is possible. This side bet wins if the player had a pai gow, the lower the highest card, the more it pays. The following return table shows the details. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 7.35%.
Pai Gow Insurance
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 high pai gow | 100 | 31080 | 0.000202 | 0.020163 |
10 high pai gow | 25 | 248640 | 0.001613 | 0.040326 |
J high pai gow | 15 | 963480 | 0.006251 | 0.093758 |
Q high pai gow | 7 | 2719500 | 0.017643 | 0.123499 |
K high pai gow | 5 | 6386940 | 0.041435 | 0.207176 |
A high pai gow | 3 | 14430780 | 0.093619 | 0.280858 |
Loser | -1 | 129362660 | 0.839238 | -0.839238 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.073457 |
Lucky 8's
Please see my page on the Lucky 8's for information on that side bet.
Pai Gow'd
Pai Gow'd is a side bet I noticed at the Four Queens on December 26, 2011. It is exactly like Pai Gow Insurance, explained above, but with a modified pay table. The lower right corner of the odds table below shows a house edge of 6.44%.
Pai Gow'd
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 high pai gow | 100 | 31080 | 0.000202 | 0.020163 |
10 high pai gow | 50 | 248640 | 0.001613 | 0.080652 |
J high pai gow | 10 | 963480 | 0.006251 | 0.062506 |
Q high pai gow | 7 | 2719500 | 0.017643 | 0.123499 |
K high pai gow | 5 | 6386940 | 0.041435 | 0.207176 |
A high pai gow | 3 | 14430780 | 0.093619 | 0.280858 |
Loser | -1 | 129362660 | 0.839238 | -0.839238 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.064384 |
The Jokolor is a side bet mentioned on page 85 in the a document titled Rules of casino games in Great Britain (1124K). The side bet wins if the player has a joker and/or all cards of the same color. The following table shows the house edge is 3.90%.
Jokolor
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Six cards same color plus joker | 30 | 460460 | 0.002987 | 0.089617 |
Seven cards same color, without joker | 10 | 1315600 | 0.008535 | 0.085349 |
Any hand with joker | 5 | 19898060 | 0.129088 | 0.645441 |
Loser | -1 | 132468960 | 0.85939 | -0.85939 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.038982 |
The following table shows the return table based on a breakeven meter of 20536.05 bet units, which for a $5 bet is $102,680.24. The house edge at all other times is 11.5428% less 1.1242% for every $10,000 in the meter.
Progressive Pai Gow Poker Return Table
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Royal Flush or Five Aces + pair | 20536.05 | 336 | 0.000002 | 0.044764 |
Wild Royal Flush + pair | 200 | 1260 | 0.000008 | 0.001635 |
Straight Flush + pair | 50 | 11748 | 0.000076 | 0.003811 |
Four of a Kind + pair | 40 | 57648 | 0.000374 | 0.01496 |
Full House + pair | 12 | 150480 | 0.000976 | 0.011715 |
Flush + pair | 8 | 489260 | 0.003174 | 0.025393 |
Straight + pair | 4 | 1117388 | 0.007249 | 0.028996 |
Natural Royal Flush or Five Aces | 2053.6 | 5304 | 0.000034 | 0.070664 |
Wild Royal Flush | 100 | 20360 | 0.000132 | 0.013209 |
Straight Flush | 25 | 173084 | 0.001123 | 0.028072 |
Four of a Kind | 20 | 249824 | 0.001621 | 0.032415 |
Full House | 6 | 4030416 | 0.026147 | 0.156883 |
Flush | 4 | 5663712 | 0.036743 | 0.146973 |
Straight | 2 | 10071516 | 0.065339 | 0.130677 |
Three of a kind | 2 | 7544548 | 0.048945 | 0.09789 |
Nothing | -1 | 124556196 | 0.808056 | -0.808056 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | 0 |
Pai Gow Insurance
Pai gow 'Insurance' is a side bet that I noticed at the Red Rock casino in August, 2008. It appeared along with the Emperor's Challenge side bet. A 'pai gow' in pai gow poker is a hand with seven singletons, where no straight or flush is possible. This side bet wins if the player had a pai gow, the lower the highest card, the more it pays. The following return table shows the details. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 7.35%.
Pai Gow Insurance
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 high pai gow | 100 | 31080 | 0.000202 | 0.020163 |
10 high pai gow | 25 | 248640 | 0.001613 | 0.040326 |
J high pai gow | 15 | 963480 | 0.006251 | 0.093758 |
Q high pai gow | 7 | 2719500 | 0.017643 | 0.123499 |
K high pai gow | 5 | 6386940 | 0.041435 | 0.207176 |
A high pai gow | 3 | 14430780 | 0.093619 | 0.280858 |
Loser | -1 | 129362660 | 0.839238 | -0.839238 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.073457 |
Lucky 8's
Please see my page on the Lucky 8's for information on that side bet.
Pai Gow'd
Pai Gow'd is a side bet I noticed at the Four Queens on December 26, 2011. It is exactly like Pai Gow Insurance, explained above, but with a modified pay table. The lower right corner of the odds table below shows a house edge of 6.44%.
Pai Gow'd
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 high pai gow | 100 | 31080 | 0.000202 | 0.020163 |
10 high pai gow | 50 | 248640 | 0.001613 | 0.080652 |
J high pai gow | 10 | 963480 | 0.006251 | 0.062506 |
Q high pai gow | 7 | 2719500 | 0.017643 | 0.123499 |
K high pai gow | 5 | 6386940 | 0.041435 | 0.207176 |
A high pai gow | 3 | 14430780 | 0.093619 | 0.280858 |
Loser | -1 | 129362660 | 0.839238 | -0.839238 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.064384 |
The Jokolor is a side bet mentioned on page 85 in the a document titled Rules of casino games in Great Britain (1124K). The side bet wins if the player has a joker and/or all cards of the same color. The following table shows the house edge is 3.90%.
Jokolor
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
Six cards same color plus joker | 30 | 460460 | 0.002987 | 0.089617 |
Seven cards same color, without joker | 10 | 1315600 | 0.008535 | 0.085349 |
Any hand with joker | 5 | 19898060 | 0.129088 | 0.645441 |
Loser | -1 | 132468960 | 0.85939 | -0.85939 |
Total | 154143080 | 1 | -0.038982 |
This side bet is paired with pai gow poker games, including EZ Pai Gow, offering the G3 electronic side bet wagering. As far as I can tell at the Rampart casino, it is just titled the 'Bonus Bet.'
Bonus Bet Return Table
Event | Dynasty Pays | Envy Bonus | Combinations | Probability | Dynasty Return | Envy Bonus |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural 7-card Straight Flush | 8000 | $ 5000 | 32 | 0.000000 | 0.001661 | 0.000208 |
Royal Flush + Natural AQ Suited | 2000 | $ 1000 | 72 | 0.000000 | 0.000934 | 0.000093 |
Wild 7-card Straight Flush | 1000 | $ 500 | 196 | 0.000001 | 0.001272 | 0.000127 |
Five Aces | 400 | $ 250 | 1128 | 0.000007 | 0.002927 | 0.000366 |
Royal Flush | 150 | $ 50 | 26020 | 0.000169 | 0.025321 | 0.001688 |
Straight Flush | 50 | $ 20 | 184644 | 0.001198 | 0.059894 | 0.004791 |
Four of a Kind | 25 | $ 5 | 307472 | 0.001995 | 0.049868 | 0.001995 |
Full House | 5 | $ 0 | 4188528 | 0.027173 | 0.135865 | 0.000000 |
Flush | 4 | $ 0 | 6172088 | 0.040041 | 0.160165 | 0.000000 |
Three of a Kind | 3 | $ 0 | 7672500 | 0.049775 | 0.149326 | 0.000000 |
Straight | 2 | $ 0 | 11034204 | 0.071584 | 0.143168 | 0.000000 |
Losing combinations | -1 | $ 0 | 124556196 | 0.808056 | -0.808056 | 0.000000 |
Total: | 154143080 | 1.000000 | -0.077656 | 0.009268 |
The next table shows the overall house edge according to the number of players, including yourself, and various bet amounts. Note that the high edge is lowest at a bet of $1. This is because the win for the Envy Bonus is the same, regardless how much the player bets.
Bonus Bet House Edge
Players | $1-$4 bet | $5 bet | $10 bet | $15 bet | $25 bet |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | 7.77% | 3.13% | 5.45% | 6.22% | 6.84% |
5 | 7.77% | 4.06% | 5.91% | 6.53% | 7.02% |
4 | 7.77% | 4.99% | 6.38% | 6.84% | 7.21% |
3 | 7.77% | 5.91% | 6.84% | 7.15% | 7.39% |
2 | 7.77% | 6.84% | 7.30% | 7.46% | 7.58% |
1 | 7.77% | 7.77% | 7.77% | 7.77% | 7.77% |
This is a progressive side bet found with G3 electronic betting units. The player may bet $1 to $25. All jackpot wins are the same, regardless of bet size, so I would never bet more than $1. As usual with progressive bets, wins are on a 'for one' basis. That means you don't get your original bet back, even if you win. To be consistent with other pages on this site, the following page is on a 'return basis,' meaning what the player can expect to get back for his bet, based on a $1 bet.
G3 Progressive
Event | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
---|---|---|---|---|
7-card Straight Flush | Jackpot | $ 228 | 0.000001 | 0.000000 |
Five Aces | 0.1×Jackpot | $ 1,128 | 0.000007 | 0.000000 |
Royal Flush | $500 | $ 26,092 | 0.000169 | 0.084636 |
Straight Flush | $100 | $ 184,644 | 0.001198 | 0.119787 |
Four of a Kind | $75 | $ 307,472 | 0.001995 | 0.149604 |
Full House | $4 | $ 4,188,528 | 0.027173 | 0.108692 |
All other | 0 | $ 149,434,988 | 0.969456 | 0.000000 |
Total | 154,143,080 | 1.000000 | 0.462719 |
The bottom right corner shows a return of 46.27% on all fixed wins. The value of the progressive is 22.11% for each $100,000 in the meter. To reach 100% the meter would need to be $243,011.06.When I saw this bet at the Rampart casino on March 17, 2011, the meter was at $207,361, for a return of 92.12%. This was probably unusually high, because the Rampart has had a truck with a big sign in the back drive around Summerlin promoting the large jackpot.
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Written by:Michael Shackleford