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Pai Gow Poker at UK Online Casinos
Pai Gow Poker is becoming increasingly popular at UK online casinos, combining traditional poker elements with unique features that set it apart.
You’ll often find it alongside other card games on many sites, where players enjoy the challenge of arranging two hands from seven cards and appreciate the slower pace of the game.
This blog post explains how Pai Gow Poker is played at UK online casinos and provides an overview of the rules.
If you’re curious about the basics, read on to find out more.
Basics of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. You are dealt seven cards and must arrange them into two separate hands: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand”. For your arrangement to be valid, the high hand must be stronger than the low hand.
The joker acts as a special card, which can be used either as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in the high hand. Knowing how to make the best use of the joker is an important part of the game.
Your two hands are then compared against the dealer’s corresponding hands. To win the round and receive a payout, both your hands need to beat the dealer’s. If one hand wins and the other loses, the result is a “push”, and your original stake is returned. If both hands lose, the dealer wins the round.
Pai Gow Poker originated as a combination of traditional Chinese Pai Gow and poker, first appearing in the 1980s. It has since been adopted and adapted by land-based casinos and now enjoys popularity online.
Since rules can vary slightly between casinos—especially online—if you’re considering playing, you might want to check the specific rules on the site you’re playing before you start.
Playing Pai Gow Poker on the Internet
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker online, you’ll find it available at many sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), often as a digital table game and sometimes with live dealers. Whether you use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you’ll play with real cards through either a video stream or digital graphics.
Once you’ve registered and verified your account, you can deposit funds using a variety of secure payment methods, selecting stakes that suit your budget.
Most online games include an in-game rules guide that explains hand rankings and payout structures. If you’re new to Pai Gow Poker, demo versions might be a beneficial way to practise and get comfortable with the rules.
UK-licensed sites also offer tools to help you manage your playing sessions responsibly. You can set deposit limits, take time-outs, and use spending trackers whenever you wish. These features support safer and more transparent play.
Before you start, make sure the casino holds a current UKGC licence. This means your funds are protected, you have clear access to rules and support, and the game is fair.
Where to Find Pai Gow Poker Online
If you want to play Pai Gow Poker online, you’ll find it at a range of UKGC-licensed casinos. While it’s not as widely available as some other table games, it’s usually listed under the “poker” or “table games” sections.
It’s important to choose licensed sites for reliable service. These platforms will display the UKGC logo, handle deposits and withdrawals securely, and show their full game library—so you can easily check whether Pai Gow Poker is offered before you register.
Since not all casinos offer Pai Gow Poker, it’s a good idea to look for sites with an up-to-date games list or use the search function in the game lobby to find it quickly.
Pai Gow Poker Rules for Beginners
As mentioned earlier, Pai Gow Poker is played with seven cards, including the joker, and revolves around arranging these into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The high hand follows traditional poker rankings and must always be stronger than the low hand.
High Hand: Ranked like standard poker hands—pairs, straights, flushes, and so on.
Low Hand: Made up of two cards, with a pair being the strongest possible result.
The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in the five-card high hand.
Once you’ve set your hands, they’re compared to the dealer’s respective hands. To win the round, both your high and low hands need to beat the dealer’s. If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is a push, and your stake is returned. If both hands lose, the dealer wins.
There can be small variations in the rules between online casinos, so you might want to take a moment to read the specific house rules if you intend to play. If you choose to play, do so within your means and use any available responsible gambling features to help keep your experience enjoyable.
Winning Hands in Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, you create two hands from seven cards, with the high hand following familiar poker rankings and the low hand using a simpler system.
Five-card high hand (from strongest to weakest):
Five aces (four aces plus the joker)
Royal flush
Straight flush
Four of a kind
Full house
Flush
Straight
Three of a kind
Two pair
One pair
High card
Two-card low hand:
Pair
High card
To win a round, both your high and low hands must rank higher than the dealer’s corresponding hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is a push, and your original stake is returned. If both hands lose, you lose the round.
Understanding the rankings of winning hands and how to split your cards effectively is key to success. Using practice modes, free demos, or hand-ranking charts available on many sites might help you build a better understanding before playing with real money.
Payout Guide for Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, a standard win pays out at even money (1:1). This means if you bet £10 and both your hands win, you’ll receive your original £10 back plus another £10 in winnings.
Most casinos charge a 5% commission on winning bets. So, for a £10 win, you would keep £9.50, with 50p taken as commission by the casino. Some sites may have different commission structures or run promotions, so it’s always a good idea to check the payout table provided in the game or on the casino’s Pai Gow Poker page before placing your bet.
If the round results in a push, you simply get your original stake back without any win or loss. Some casinos also offer optional side bets or bonuses for rare hands—if you’re interested in these, be sure to read the house rules carefully to understand how they work.
Is Pai Gow Poker Popular With Online Players?
Pai Gow Poker appeals to a specific group of UK players who prefer a more thoughtful and strategic table game rather than faster-paced options. While its following is relatively modest, the game is commonly available at sites that offer a wide variety of card games.
Digital versions are designed for solo play, whereas live dealer formats add a social element, allowing you to interact with the dealer and other players in real time. Some players enjoy the relaxed pace of the digital game, while others appreciate the chat and atmosphere of live play.
Because its popularity varies, the experience and features of Pai Gow Poker can differ from one site to another. If you’re interested in playing, you might want to check the details of each casino beforehand to find the version that suits you best.
Why Choose Pai Gow in Online Casinos
Pai Gow Poker stands out thanks to its generally slower pace and the unique challenge of arranging two hands from seven cards. This gives you more time to think through your decisions.
UK online casinos often offer both single-player and live dealer versions, so whether you prefer playing quietly on your own or enjoy a social atmosphere with a real dealer, there’s a range of options available.
The use of the joker and the need to create two hands instead of one give Pai Gow Poker a distinct structure that sets it apart from standard table games. If you’re looking for a game that involves more planning and skill, it might be worth considering.
Most reputable UK sites also provide responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and session activity checks to help you manage your play responsibly.
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker, whether because of its rules or its unique gameplay, understanding your options and practising responsible play will help you get the most out of your online casino experience.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Pai Gow Poker is becoming increasingly popular at UK online casinos, combining traditional poker elements with unique features that set it apart.
You’ll often find it alongside other card games on many sites, where players enjoy the challenge of arranging two hands from seven cards and appreciate the slower pace of the game.
This blog post explains how Pai Gow Poker is played at UK online casinos and provides an overview of the rules.
If you’re curious about the basics, read on to find out more.
Basics of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. You are dealt seven cards and must arrange them into two separate hands: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand”. For your arrangement to be valid, the high hand must be stronger than the low hand.
The joker acts as a special card, which can be used either as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in the high hand. Knowing how to make the best use of the joker is an important part of the game.
Your two hands are then compared against the dealer’s corresponding hands. To win the round and receive a payout, both your hands need to beat the dealer’s. If one hand wins and the other loses, the result is a “push”, and your original stake is returned. If both hands lose, the dealer wins the round.
Pai Gow Poker originated as a combination of traditional Chinese Pai Gow and poker, first appearing in the 1980s. It has since been adopted and adapted by land-based casinos and now enjoys popularity online.
Since rules can vary slightly between casinos—especially online—if you’re considering playing, you might want to check the specific rules on the site you’re playing before you start.
Playing Pai Gow Poker on the Internet
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker online, you’ll find it available at many sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), often as a digital table game and sometimes with live dealers. Whether you use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you’ll play with real cards through either a video stream or digital graphics.
Once you’ve registered and verified your account, you can deposit funds using a variety of secure payment methods, selecting stakes that suit your budget.
Most online games include an in-game rules guide that explains hand rankings and payout structures. If you’re new to Pai Gow Poker, demo versions might be a beneficial way to practise and get comfortable with the rules.
UK-licensed sites also offer tools to help you manage your playing sessions responsibly. You can set deposit limits, take time-outs, and use spending trackers whenever you wish. These features support safer and more transparent play.
Before you start, make sure the casino holds a current UKGC licence. This means your funds are protected, you have clear access to rules and support, and the game is fair.
Where to Find Pai Gow Poker Online
If you want to play Pai Gow Poker online, you’ll find it at a range of UKGC-licensed casinos. While it’s not as widely available as some other table games, it’s usually listed under the “poker” or “table games” sections.
It’s important to choose licensed sites for reliable service. These platforms will display the UKGC logo, handle deposits and withdrawals securely, and show their full game library—so you can easily check whether Pai Gow Poker is offered before you register.
Since not all casinos offer Pai Gow Poker, it’s a good idea to look for sites with an up-to-date games list or use the search function in the game lobby to find it quickly.
Pai Gow Poker Rules for Beginners
As mentioned earlier, Pai Gow Poker is played with seven cards, including the joker, and revolves around arranging these into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The high hand follows traditional poker rankings and must always be stronger than the low hand.
High Hand: Ranked like standard poker hands—pairs, straights, flushes, and so on.
Low Hand: Made up of two cards, with a pair being the strongest possible result.
The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in the five-card high hand.
Once you’ve set your hands, they’re compared to the dealer’s respective hands. To win the round, both your high and low hands need to beat the dealer’s. If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is a push, and your stake is returned. If both hands lose, the dealer wins.
There can be small variations in the rules between online casinos, so you might want to take a moment to read the specific house rules if you intend to play. If you choose to play, do so within your means and use any available responsible gambling features to help keep your experience enjoyable.
Winning Hands in Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, you create two hands from seven cards, with the high hand following familiar poker rankings and the low hand using a simpler system.
Five-card high hand (from strongest to weakest):
Five aces (four aces plus the joker)
Royal flush
Straight flush
Four of a kind
Full house
Flush
Straight
Three of a kind
Two pair
One pair
High card
Two-card low hand:
Pair
High card
To win a round, both your high and low hands must rank higher than the dealer’s corresponding hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is a push, and your original stake is returned. If both hands lose, you lose the round.
Understanding the rankings of winning hands and how to split your cards effectively is key to success. Using practice modes, free demos, or hand-ranking charts available on many sites might help you build a better understanding before playing with real money.
Payout Guide for Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, a standard win pays out at even money (1:1). This means if you bet £10 and both your hands win, you’ll receive your original £10 back plus another £10 in winnings.
Most casinos charge a 5% commission on winning bets. So, for a £10 win, you would keep £9.50, with 50p taken as commission by the casino. Some sites may have different commission structures or run promotions, so it’s always a good idea to check the payout table provided in the game or on the casino’s Pai Gow Poker page before placing your bet.
If the round results in a push, you simply get your original stake back without any win or loss. Some casinos also offer optional side bets or bonuses for rare hands—if you’re interested in these, be sure to read the house rules carefully to understand how they work.
Is Pai Gow Poker Popular With Online Players?
Pai Gow Poker appeals to a specific group of UK players who prefer a more thoughtful and strategic table game rather than faster-paced options. While its following is relatively modest, the game is commonly available at sites that offer a wide variety of card games.
Digital versions are designed for solo play, whereas live dealer formats add a social element, allowing you to interact with the dealer and other players in real time. Some players enjoy the relaxed pace of the digital game, while others appreciate the chat and atmosphere of live play.
Because its popularity varies, the experience and features of Pai Gow Poker can differ from one site to another. If you’re interested in playing, you might want to check the details of each casino beforehand to find the version that suits you best.
Why Choose Pai Gow in Online Casinos
Pai Gow Poker stands out thanks to its generally slower pace and the unique challenge of arranging two hands from seven cards. This gives you more time to think through your decisions.
UK online casinos often offer both single-player and live dealer versions, so whether you prefer playing quietly on your own or enjoy a social atmosphere with a real dealer, there’s a range of options available.
The use of the joker and the need to create two hands instead of one give Pai Gow Poker a distinct structure that sets it apart from standard table games. If you’re looking for a game that involves more planning and skill, it might be worth considering.
Most reputable UK sites also provide responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and session activity checks to help you manage your play responsibly.
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker, whether because of its rules or its unique gameplay, understanding your options and practising responsible play will help you get the most out of your online casino experience.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
