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Last Updated on 28 Apr 2026
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Detailed Pai gow Review
Pai Gow is a fascinating poker game in which you must have two winning hands instead of one.
After being dealt 7 cards, you must group your cards into a high hand comprising 5 and a low hand with 2. Ultimately, both your hands must be higher than the banker’s set to win.
Depending on how the game goes, you can either Win, Lose, Push, or Tie. It’s a great game for all poker enthusiasts, including newbies. Plus, the house edge is only 2.5%.
You can play Pai Gow for free right here at Gamesville!
Pai Gow: The Basics
Pai Gow online is a casino card game similar to traditional poker. Where it differs is that you need two winning hands instead of one.
It’s essentially a hybrid between traditional poker and Pai Gow, an ancient Chinese game. You play with a 52-card deck plus a Joker, which can be used as an Ace or to complete a Straight or Flush.
This game is all about arranging your 7 cards to form two hands: one high five-card hand and one low two-card hand. The high hand must always outrank the low hand. For example, the best case is four Aces (plus the Joker) in the high hand, with two Aces in the low hand.
The game is available in multiple variants, including Pai Gow Plus and Fortune Pai Gow.
How to Play Pai Gow
- Each player receives 7 cards. The dealer uses dice to determine who is dealt first, then deals counter-clockwise from the banker.
- Arrange your cards into a high five-card hand and a low two-card hand according to the “house way.”
- Your five-card high hand must always outrank your two-card low hand.
- Once all players’ hands are set, the dealer reveals the banker’s hand for comparison.
- If both your hands beat the banker’s, you win the wager.
Pai Gow Outcomes
- Win: Both your hands beat the dealer’s. You win 1:1 (minus commission).
- Lose: Both hands lose against the dealer’s.
- Push: One hand wins, one loses. Your bet is returned (minus commission).
- Tie: Your hand matches the dealer’s hand exactly.
Free Play Pai Gow at Sweepstakes Casinos
At real-money casinos, Pai Gow often has $5–$500 minimum bets. Fortunately, you can play for free at sweepstakes casinos using Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins.
Gold Coins are for fun play, while Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes (usually 1:1), once wagering requirements are met.
Pai Gow Odds
| Poker Hand | Odds |
| Royal Flush incl. 2 2s | 2,000,000:1 |
| 7-Card Straight Flush | 800,000:1 |
| Five Aces | 140,000:1 |
| Royal Flush | 6,000:1 |
| Straight Flush | 750:1 |
| Four-of-a-Kind | 500:1 |
| Full House | 36:1 |
| Flush | 25:1 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 20:1 |
| Straight | 14:1 |
| Two Pair | 9:1 |
| Pair | 5:2 |
| Nothing | 13:2 |
Pai Gow Strategy
The key to Pai Gow is how you set your hands. Here are some strategic tips:
- High Card Play: If you have no pairs, Straights, or Flushes, put your highest card in the five-card hand and the next two highest in the low hand.
- Splitting Pairs: Split high pairs (Aces/Kings), but keep lower pairs together.
- Three-of-a-Kind: Keep them together, unless they’re Aces. In that case, split them between hands.
- Full House: Split the pair into the low hand, unless you also have another pair.
- Straights & Flushes: Usually keep them intact, but split if you also have two strong pairs.
Quickfire Tips for Pai Gow Beginners
- Learn poker hand rankings before playing.
- Always prioritize keeping a Pair in your high hand.
- Split pairs strategically — unless supported by an Ace/Joker.
- Always ensure the high hand outranks the low hand.
- Use the Joker smartly to complete Straights/Flushes or as an Ace.
Where to Play Pai Gow for Real Money
You can play Pai Gow for real money at online casinos, or enjoy it for free at sweepstakes casinos with Sweeps Coins — offering real cash redemptions while you play risk-free.
Pai Gow Glossary
- Banker: The player/dealer managing bets.
- Copy: When player and dealer hands tie.
- House Way: Standard hand-setting rules by the casino.
- Joker: Wild card used as an Ace or to complete a Straight/Flush.
- Push: Tie where no money is lost or won.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of Pai Gow?
You get 7 cards, set them into a 5-card high hand and a 2-card low hand. Both must beat the dealer’s hands to win.
Why is Pai Gow illegal in some states?
Because some US states restrict online gambling. Sweepstakes casinos are legal in most states, making them a safe alternative.
Is Pai Gow a game of skill?
Yes. While luck plays a role, strategic hand setting makes Pai Gow a skill-based game.
Is Pai Gow hard to learn?
Not at all. If you understand Poker hand rankings, you’ll find Pai Gow easy to pick up.
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