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Pai Gow poker online

Online Pai Gow Poker differs from the traditional version you’d find in Asian casinos. The former is a Chinese domino game, while the latter is a poker variation enjoyed in online gaming settings. You can experience both games at casino platforms Canadians trust Sometimes referred to as Double-handed Poker, both games may share similarities, but they are distinctly different.

This webpage serves as a comprehensive guide to online Pai Gow Poker, especially useful for newcomers. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with the essential rules, gameplay, winning odds, effective strategies, various types of Pai Gow Poker, and much more.

On this page, you will discover the following:

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pai gow rival

Pai Gow Poker (Rival)

pai gow fortune preview

Fortune Pai Gow Poker

pai gow nucleus preview

Pai Gow Poker (Nucleus)

pai gow poker betsoft preview

Pai Gow Poker (Betsoft)

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Highly Rated Online Pai Gow Poker Casinos in Canada

1
RoboCat Casino logo
RoboCat Casino

Rating:9.8/10

  • ● Over 20,000 games in total
  • ● 79 games exclusive to RoboCat
  • ● Crypto friendly
  • ● Weekend reload bonus worth C$1,050
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2
Fairspin Casino Logo
FairSpin Casino

Rating:9.4/10

  • ● Up to 10% Wager-Free Daily Cash Back
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  • ● Crypto Payments
  • ● Support Live-chat 24/7
  • ● Over 5000 games
3
Trips Casino logo
Trips Casino

Rating:9.2/10

  • ● Exclusive cashback up to 15%
  • ● 3,200+ slots and 200+ tables
  • ● CAD and crypto payments
  • ● Well-known Dama N.V. owner
  • ● Up to 7% Cashback in VIP program
4
Pin-Up Casino Logo
Pin-Up Casino

Rating:9.1/10

  • ● 10,600+ games from 80 providers
  • ● C$5 minimum deposit
  • ● 9-level loyalty program
  • ● Exclusive promotions available on Telegram and Instagram
  • ● Crash game C$4,000,000 tournaments
5
Betico casino logo
Betico Casino

Rating:8.6/10

  • ● 3-minute average payout time
  • ● Opportunity to enable 2FA
  • ● No upper withdrawal limits
  • ● Over 7,500+ varied games
  • ● Low 15x wager for FS

Various free online Pai Gow Poker options

If you're considering trying your hand at Pai Gow Poker online, the free versions listed here provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the game and learn the intricacies of each variant.

Pai Gow mania

free online pai gow mania

Launched in 2004, this version introduces two additional side bets that players can place based on the first three or all seven cards dealt to them.

Fortune Pai Gow poker

free online future pai gow poker

This game is a fusion of classic poker and Pai Gow. It utilizes a standard 52-card deck along with a single Joker, which may only be used as an Ace.

Emperor's challenge

free online Emperors Challenge Pai Gow Poker

This variant is a commission-free version where dealers show their cards face-up, allowing players to set their hands openly.

Progressive fortune Pai Gow poker

free online progressive pai gow poker

Similar to progressive slot games, these variants have a progressive jackpot that players can win randomly.

Online Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained

Online pai gow poker main rules

Pai Gow Poker is played with a regular deck of 52 playing cards plus one joker. The game accommodates up to six players along with a dealer. You must create two distinct hands from seven cards, aiming to outplay the banker, who could be another player, the dealer, or a combination involving the dealer.

Here is a guide detailing how to engage in Pai Gow Poker online:

  • The game begins with each player being dealt seven cards.
  • From your seven cards, you need to form two poker hands: a strong five-card hand and a weaker two-card hand.
  • Place your bets based on the hands you have just created.
  • Make sure your high hand is more valuable than your low hand.
  • After you've made your hands, the dealer will then reveal their hand.
  • The game can end with one of three possible results: you win both hands, the dealer wins both, or each of you wins one hand.
  • In the event of a tie, the dealer wins.

Understanding the card values and combinations in Pai Gow Poker

Winning hands in online Pai Gow Poker

The joker can substitute for any card or serve as an Ace. If a player has the opportunity to complete a hand, such as a straight or flush, they can use the joker to replace a needed card. If that situation doesn't apply, the joker will function as an Ace. All conventional poker rules apply except for the Ace-2-3-4-5 sequence, which is ranked as the second-highest straight. This rule may differ by casino.

Hands are classified as high and low. The high hand is a traditional five-card poker hand, while the low hand consists of two cards that must not exceed the rank of the five-card hand or it will be declared a foul. With seven cards in play, the player has the freedom to arrange them and divide them as they wish.

Here’s a chart illustrating card values and combinations in online Pai Gow Poker:

Combinations of hands in online Pai Gow Poker
Hand Description Payout
Royal Flush Ace, Queen, King, Joker, and Ten of the same suit 2000:1
Straight Flush Five consecutive cards of the same suit 50:1
4 of a Kind Four cards having the same value 25:1
Full House Three of a kind plus another pair 5:1
Flush Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence 4:1
Straight Five sequential cards from different suits 2:1

Bonus payouts

To maximize your chances of winning, consider placing a bonus bet. Bonus hand payouts are structured as follows:

Online pai gow poker - bonus payouts
Hand Description Payout
7-card Straight Flush e.g. 5-6-7-8-9-10-J all hearts 8000:1
Royal Flush and 2-2 e.g. 10-J-Q-K-A hearts plus a pair of twos 2000:1
7-Card Straight Flush including Joker e.g. 5-6-7-8-9-10-J plus Joker 1000:1
Five aces four aces plus the Joker 400:1

Key Features of Pai Gow Poker Explained

If you find casino games like Casino Hold'em unexciting, then Pai Gow Poker is the perfect game for you, available at nearly every top online casino.

Engaging in Pai Gow Poker at online casinos typically involves these steps:

  • Bet Chips

    Place a Bet

    First, place your bet before receiving your set of seven cards. Some variations allow for bonus wagers on specific hands.

  • Deal Poker Cards

    The Deal

    After all bets are finalized, each player is dealt seven face-down cards from a standard 52-card deck with a joker included. The remaining cards are placed face down by the dealer.

  • Poker cards in hand

    Create Your Hands

    Arrange your five-card hand in the back and your two-card hand at the front.

  • Showdown Poker Cards

    Showdown

    Your hands will be evaluated against those of the banker.

  • Money

    Payouts

    If both of your hands outperform the banker's, you win your wager. Conversely, if both hands are inferior, you lose your wager.

Know Your Odds to Win

Online pai gow poker oddsAre you new to Pai Gow Poker? You don’t have to place real money bets right away. Instead, you can get started playing for free. Later, you can wager real money on the game. Before playing Pai Gow Poker for real money, you have to understand your odds of winning.

With some luck, you could win up to 8000 times your original bet when playing Pai Gow Poker. The house edge stands at 2.84%, mainly due to the ties and the 5% commission deducted from winnings, which decreases to 1.42% if you opt to act as the banker.

All players have equal chances of receiving favorable cards. Although there is no guaranteed strategy for drawing better cards, understanding how to construct strong poker hands from your dealt cards will significantly enhance your chances.

Here are the probabilities for achieving various hand types in Pai Gow Poker:

Online pai gow poker odds
HAND ODDS PROBABILITY
7 card Straight Flush 5,000,000:1 0.00000021
Royal Flush plus 2 2\"s 2,000,000:1 0.00000047
7 card Straight Flush 800,000:1 0.00000127
Five Aces 140,000:1 0.00000732
Royal flush 6,000:1 0.00016927
Straight flush 750:1 0.00119788
Four of a kind 500:1 0.00199472
Full House 36:1 0.02717299
Flush 25:1 0.04004129
Three of a kind 20:1 0.04977518
Straight 14:1 0.07158417
Two Pair 9:2 0.23065464
Pair 5:2 0.41663862
Nothing 13:2 0.15269722

Best bonus opportunities for Pai Gow Poker gameplay

Pai Gow Poker is recognized as the American adaptation of the traditional Chinese Pai Gow domino game. This variant is less intense than other poker games, but it still demands a certain level of skill and knowledge, so familiarize yourself with the rules if you plan to play Pai Gow Poker online. It uses a 52-card deck plus a joker and accommodates up to six players at a time. With a relatively low house edge, a solid strategy can greatly improve your outcomes. Playing online Pai Gow Poker with bonuses can significantly enhance your experience.

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    RoboCat Casino logo
    Introductory Bonus: 100% up to C$1,500 + 200 Free Spins + 1 Bonus Crab
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    Fairspin Casino Logo
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    Trips Casino logo
    Welcome Bonus: max. 110% up to C$19,500 + 360 Free Spins
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    Pin-Up Casino Logo
    Welcome Bonus: 120% up to C$7,500 + 250 Free Spins
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    Betico casino logo
    Welcome Bonus: 150% up to 3,000 USDT + 90 Free Spins
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    BetAlice casino logo
    Welcome Bonus: 100% up to C$750 + 200 Free Spins + 1 Bonus Crab

Best Pai Gow Poker Strategies

In online Pai Gow casinos, you won't lose your bet as long as at least one of your hands is stronger than the banker’s. Therefore, split your seven cards strategically to achieve the strongest low hand without surpassing the high hand. However, if you end up with a very strong high hand, your bet will win.

  • Two cards strategy

    Focus on the 2-card Hand

    Many players often concentrate solely on their five-card hand, neglecting the importance of the two-card hand, despite the rules stating that both hands must outmatch those of the banker. It's crucial to give equal attention to the two-card hand.

  • High cards strategy

    Put High Cards in the Low Hand

    In your five-card hand, place the highest-ranking card and the next two highest cards in the two-card hand.

  • Split Two Pairs strategy

    Split Two Pairs

    If you receive a pair of aces, high pairs, or a combination of a high and a medium pair, be sure to split them accordingly.

  • Split Pairs with Aces strategy

    Split Pairs with Aces

    For three aces, allocate two aces to your five-card hand and keep one in your two-card hand.

  • Three of a Kind strategy

    Three of a Kind

    Unless you have three aces, place any three-of-a-kind in your five-card hand. If you have a pair along with a three-of-a-kind, place the pair in your two-card hand and the three-of-a-kind in your five-card hand.

5

How to Begin Playing Pai Gow Poker for Real Cash?

  1. Choose a Casino from our List

    We've compiled, reviewed, and ranked a selection of leading online casinos offering real money Pai Gow Poker. Pick one that aligns with your preferences and sign up.

  2. Choose Good Welcome Bonus

    Ensure that you select an online casino featuring a generous and easy-to-fulfill welcome bonus.

  3. Make a Deposit

    Depositing funds is necessary for two main reasons: to qualify for your welcome bonus and to enable you to start playing real money Pai Gow Poker online.

  4. Choose Your Game

    Navigate to the game lobby and select the variant of Pai Gow you wish to play. Typically, you can load and enjoy the game within your web browser.

  5. Take a Win

    Make use of the best strategies to craft powerful poker hands, win cash prizes, and withdraw winnings to your account.

Tips to Help You to Save Money

  • 1 know the rules

    Know the Rules

    Prior to playing Pai Gow Poker, review the rules. While all variants generally adhere to standard rules, it’s important to note any slight distinctions.

  • 2 deploy your joker wisely

    Deploy Your Joker Wisely

    The Joker acts as a wild card and can be utilized to form a Flush or a Straight. If neither of these scenarios apply, it will default to an Ace.

  • 3 don't avoid banking

    Don't Avoid Banking

    Be open to the possibility of being the banker, as this can help lower the overall house edge in the game.

  • 4 balance out the hands

    Balance out the Hands

    Master the technique of balancing your hands to ensure that your five-card hand remains more robust than your two-card hand.

  • 5 look for good welcome bonus

    Look for Good Welcome Bonus

    Register at online casinos that present generous welcome bonuses, which will give you extra funds to engage in Pai Gow Poker without any initial financial risks.

  • 6 practice with free pai gow poker

    Practice with Free Pai Gow Poker

    Familiarize yourself with the game by trying out free online Pai Gow Poker, allowing you to grasp the rules before investing any real money into it.

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Lucas Goldberg
Lucas, who is an experienced site editor at CasinoCanada, has spent ten years immersed in the gambling sector, dedicating his career to delivering thorough reviews and valuable insights about online gaming and casinos.
Site Editor
University of Toronto
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, specializing in Digital Media and Journalism, and a career at PlayTech Analytics, he excels at engaging users through high-quality content related to gambling.
Expert in:
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Fact checked by Chief Editor:
Gerda Grinova

FAQ

πŸƒ What are the chances of achieving a Seven-card Straight Flush while engaging in Pai Gow Poker?

The chances of obtaining a Seven-card Straight Flush in Pai Gow Poker are roughly one in 676,066 endeavors.

πŸƒ Which online casino is considered the best for playing Pai Gow Poker?

There are numerous highly-rated online casinos where you can enjoy Pai Gow Poker. Take a look at our curated list and select from our recommended options.

πŸƒ What is the minimum legal age to engage in real money Pai Gow Poker online?

The legal age required to play Pai Gow Poker for real money varies according to the gambling regulations in your country. Generally, this age is set at 18 in most places.

πŸƒ What is live Pai Gow Poker?

Live Pai Gow Poker refers to an authentic game that takes place in a physical casino, with the action being streamed directly to your computer, allowing you to enjoy it from home.

πŸƒ Can I earn money while playing Pai Gow Poker?

Playing Pai Gow Poker involves a blend of talent and tactical skills. By applying effective strategies, you can reduce the house edge and potentially achieve profits.

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