A common misconception among Vegas visitors is that poker is just one game. Nothing could be further from the truth. Poker comes in countless variations — from Texas Hold’em and Omaha to Three Card Poker — and Las Vegas is where you’ll find them all. One of the most intriguing versions on the floor is Pai Gow Poker, a hybrid card game that blends elements of traditional poker with ancient Chinese dominoes.
Originally inspired by the centuries-old Chinese game Pai Gow (“make nine”), Pai Gow Poker was created in the mid-1980s by casino owner Sam Torosian at the Bell Card Club in California. His goal was to bring an Eastern favorite to Western players in a format they already understood — playing cards. The result was a slower-paced, strategy-driven game that quickly gained popularity in U.S. casinos, especially among players who enjoy longer sessions and smaller swings.
In 2025, Pai Gow Poker remains a Vegas staple. You can find it in nearly every major casino on or off the Strip, attracting both casual tourists and seasoned poker enthusiasts looking for something a little more relaxed than high-stakes Hold’em.
So what exactly is Pai Gow Poker, and how do you play it? Those are key questions we’ll explore below — from its basic rules and house edge to where you can find the best Pai Gow tables in Las Vegas and the finest online casinos.
The rules of Pai Gow Poker are relatively straightforward. The game uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker — an unusual twist for most poker variants. The joker acts as a semi-wild card and can be used only as an ace or to complete a straight or a flush.
Each player receives seven cards, which must be divided into two hands:
To make a valid split, your five-card hand must rank higher than your two-card hand. For example, if your five-card hand is a pair of jacks, your two-card hand cannot also contain a pair of queens.
A key part of Pai Gow Poker strategy lies in mastering this balance — how to divide your cards to give yourself the best chance of beating the Banker (who can be either the dealer or another player, depending on the casino). To win the round, both of your hands must rank higher than the Banker’s. If only one hand wins, the result is a push and your bet is returned. In the case of an exact tie, the Banker automatically wins — a small edge that helps maintain the casino’s advantage.
When it comes to playing Pai Gow Poker in Las Vegas, it couldn’t be easier. The game’s steady popularity means you’ll find tables across nearly every major casino, particularly along the Las Vegas Strip. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a seasoned poker enthusiast, Pai Gow offers a slower-paced, strategic alternative to the faster action of Hold’em or blackjack.
Some of the most popular casinos for Pai Gow Poker include The Venetian, known for its elegant poker room and wide variety of table games, and several properties that once operated under CG technology, the sportsbook operator acquired by Caesars Entertainment in 2020. Since the takeover, Caesars has expanded its table game offerings and upgraded several gaming floors, making Pai Gow Poker even more accessible to visitors in 2025.
Our advice to players is simple: choose a reputable casino that provides fair table limits, transparent commissions, and an inviting atmosphere. With so many options available, from high-end Strip resorts to local favorites, it pays to do a bit of research before you sit down.
As expected, table minimums on the Strip are generally higher—often around $25 to $50 per hand at top-tier casinos like The Venetian, Bellagio, or Caesars Palace. Off-Strip venues such as The Orleans, Gold Coast, or Palace Station usually offer lower minimums of about $10–$15, making them great spots for beginners or casual players.
Las Vegas continues to evolve its casino scene as well. New or refreshed properties in 2024 and 2025, including Durango Casino & Resort, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and the upcoming Dream Las Vegas, have introduced modernized gaming floors with expanded table-game areas—many featuring Pai Gow Poker among their lineup.
No matter where you play, Pai Gow Poker in Las Vegas remains a staple for those seeking a mix of strategy, social interaction, and slower-paced fun.
If you can’t make it to Las Vegas but still want to get your Pai Gow fix, we recommend checking out our list of top online and offshore casinos. These include the likes of Cafe Casino and Slots LV Casino.
Pai Gow Poker has become increasingly popular online, with many operators now offering digital versions that capture the same strategic appeal found in Vegas casinos. For players looking to explore their options, our Vegas betting guide includes detailed insights on where to find the best Pai Gow Poker tables online, along with recommendations for other popular casino games that pair well with this slower, more thoughtful style of play.
In Pai Gow Poker, each player sets two hands from the seven cards they’re dealt: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. To win the round, both of your hands must beat the dealer’s. If you win one hand but lose the other, the result is a push—no money changes hands. Winning hands are paid at even money, with the house typically taking a small commission of around 5 percent.
At the start of each deal, the banker shakes a dice cup containing three dice to determine which player receives the first hand. The dealer then counts around the table from the banker’s position, dealing the cards in an anti-clockwise rotation.
Once all players have arranged their two hands, the dealer reveals their own. Winning hands remain face up next to the betting circle. One important rule to remember: if a player touches their cards before the dealer’s hand is exposed, the hand is considered forfeit and automatically loses.
This combination of structure, patience, and discipline is part of what makes Pai Gow Poker such a distinct and enduring favorite in Las Vegas casinos.
Of course! The dealer is often beaten, just as you would see in a game like Blackjack. Dealers are beaten all the time.
We cannot define where the very best place is for betting. However, we have a recommended list of online casino providers, so it’s worth looking through the various casinos offering Pai Gow.
Yeah, some of the entry fees for Pai Gow are really low, which means bettors can get access to the tables for very little and make small bets throughout.
Pai Gow is totally available in Las Vegas, as bettors can make the most of this great version of poker at a variety of top casinos.
There are a whole host of casinos available for poker betting. We have a number of recommendations in this article as well as on our homepage, take a look!
