Best Online Pai Gow Poker Casinos in Canada
Finding the best Pai Gow poker online platform can be challenging, given that there are a handful of brands in the market. We have made the process easier for you. Our team of experts have searched and analyzed different operators. Below, you can have a look at the top casinos in Canada that offer Pai Gow Poker.
- TonyBet;
- National Casino;
- HellSpin;
- Woo Casino;
- Lucky Dreams.
Types of Free Online Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow free online game also features some variants that you can try out in Canadian online gambling sites. Here are the three most popular types for you to consider:
- Pai Gow Mania;
- Fortune Pai Gow;
- Poker Emperor’s Challenge.
We will cover them separately below.
Pai Gow Mania
Pai Gow Mania is the first variant. It is played with 53 cards, which includes a standard deck and a Joker. In this game, the Joker can be used as an Ace or to complete specific hands such as a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Flush, or Straight.
In addition, you are offered a chance to place one or both optional side bets. The first side bet, known as the Three Card Bonus, is determined by the player’s first three dealt cards. The second, called the Pai Gow Bonus, is based on the player’s full seven-card hand.
Fortune Pai Gow
The second variant of Pai Gow online free poker is Fortune Pai Gow. It is commonly played in California cardrooms and attracts Canadians, too. The game introduces an additional bet and each player competes against the player-dealer to form the strongest possible hand.
Fortune Pai Gow Poker is played with a 53-card deck, similar to Pai Gow Mania. The Joker can function as an Ace, help complete a Straight or Flush, or act as a fully wild card, substituting for any other card in the deck.
Cards are ranked from highest to lowest as follows: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2.
Poker Emperor’s Challenge
Emperor’s Challenge is another dynamic variation of traditional Pai Gow Poker. The following title introduces optional bonus wagers. For the most part, the core gameplay remains consistent, but there are additional betting opportunities such as:
- Emperor’s Treasure: This wager allows you to bet on achieving a high-ranking poker hand, such as a straight or better. Qualifying hands and their corresponding payouts are detailed on the game’s paytable. Notably, wagers of 5 CAD or more may qualify for an Envy Bonus, rewarding players when another participant at the table achieves a top-ranking hand.
- Pai Gow Insurance: You can place a bet predicting that either your own hand or the dealer’s hand will result in a “pai gow”. It is a seven-card hand without a pair or better. Successful predictions give away payouts based on the paytable.
Interestingly, some variants of the Emperor’s Challenge offer progressive jackpots. Sometimes, they can reach thousands of Canadian dollars, so don’t forget to use that opportunity.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online?
Playing Pai Gow poker free might be difficult, as you have to go through some steps before moving to the actual game. Nevertheless, we are glad to inform you that it is not as hard as it might look at first glance. In the subsequent paragraphs, we’ll cover the following aspects:
- Bonus payouts;
- Placing bets;
- The deal;
- Creating hands;
- Showdown.
Rules and Card Combinations in Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a casino card game that blends elements of traditional poker with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. Played with a standard 52-card deck plus a joker, the objective is to create two hands from seven dealt cards.
The high hand must outrank the low hand. To win, both hands must beat the dealer’s respective hands; if one wins and the other loses, the round is a push. Here are the card combinations that you need to know:
- Five Aces: Four Aces plus the joker.
- Royal Flush: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two sets of pairs.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: When no other hand is made, the highest card plays.
Bonus Payouts
Within the game, bonus payouts offer additional rewards for achieving specific hand combinations. They are independent of the main outcome. A popular option is the Fortune Bonus, which pays based on the player’s best five-card hand. Common payouts include:
- Seven-Card Straight Flush (no joker): 8,000 to 1.
- Royal Flush plus Royal Match: 2,000 to 1.
- Seven-Card Straight Flush (with joker): 2,000 to 1.
- Five Aces: 400 to 1.
- Royal Flush: 150 to 1.
- Straight Flush: 50 to 1.
- Four of a Kind: 25 to 1.
- Full House: 5 to 1.
- Flush: 4 to 1.
- Three of a Kind: 3 to 1.
- Straight: 2 to 1.
Payouts and qualifying hands can vary between Canadian casinos, so it’s essential to check the specific payout table on your chosen platform.
Placing a Bet
To begin playing Pai Gow online game free, each player places a bet within the table’s minimum and maximum limits. This wager is made before any cards are dealt. Some casinos also offer optional side bets, which pay out based on the strength of the player’s hand, regardless of whether they win the main game.
Once all bets are placed, the dealer proceeds with the deal. The minimum bet can start at any amount but can be as low as 1 CAD. The maximum is different. In high-roller tables it could even hit 200 CAD or more.
The Deal
In Pai Gow Poker, the dealer uses a standard 52-card deck plus a single joker. After shuffling, the dealer distributes seven cards to each player and themselves, typically in a counter-clockwise direction.
The remaining four cards are set aside as unused. The joker serves as a semi-wild card, usable only to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or as an ace. Usually, the process continues for several minutes.
Creating Your Hands
After receiving seven cards, you must arrange them into two separate hands that are:
- Five-card “high” hand.
- Two-card “low” hand.
The high hand must rank higher than the low hand. To illustrate, if your seven cards include a pair of kings and a pair of fives, you might place the kings in the high hand and the fives in the low hand. This is crucial, as both hands will be compared separately to the dealer’s hands to determine the results.
Showdown
And we have reached the final part. Once all players have set their hands, the dealer reveals and arranges their hand according to predetermined house rules, often referred to as the “house way.”
Each player’s two hands are then compared to the dealer’s corresponding hands. To win, both the player’s high and low hands must outrank the dealer’s respective hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, the result is a push, and the player’s original bet is returned.
If both hands lose, the player forfeits the bet. In the event of exact ties, known as “copies,” the dealer wins those hands.
Understanding Your Odds in Pai Gow Poker
In the free online Pai Gow poker game, you should always understand the odds. With it, we also take into account house edge, its influence, as well as the top payout that you can possibly encounter within the game. Let’s delve deeper and explore each of them comprehensively.
How Odds Affect Your Winning Chances?
Knowing the odds in Pai Gow Poker is pivotal to long-term success. Since the game often results in a push, your actual chances of winning are relatively balanced. You win when both your hands beat the dealer’s.
If only one wins, it’s a tie, and your bet is returned. Losing both means you lose your bet. Strategic play, like properly splitting pairs or using the Joker wisely can tip the odds in your favour. Playing the banker when possible also improves your chances.
House Edge in Pai Gow Poker
Having an idea of how house edge rules work in Pai Gow is necessary. Generally, the game offers one of the lowest house edges in casino games, which is around 2.5% in standard play.
This makes it ideal for Canadian players who enjoy longer gameplay with less risk. The edge mainly comes from the dealer winning all ties. However, if you act as the banker, you can cut the house edge to under 1%.
In online casinos, you may also find commission-free versions. They might adjust rules to maintain balance. Keep in mind that bonus side bets usually carry a much higher house edge.
Best Payouts in Pai Gow Games
Optional side bets can lead to big wins, especially with strong hands. Here are some common bonus payouts, when you play Pai Gow poker online free:
- Seven-Card Straight Flush (no Joker): Pays up to 8,000 to 1.
- Royal Flush with Joker: Around 500 to 1.
- Five Aces (with Joker): Pays 400 to 1.
- Straight Flush: Usually 50 to 1.
- Full House: Around 5 to 1.
However, don’t forget that these payouts can vary depending on the casino and game version. Before you start playing, make sure to check the paytable. Side bets are tempting and have higher house edges, but always approach them with caution.
Best Bonuses for Pai Gow Poker Players
It is a great idea to take advantage of the promotions to boost your bankroll. While it is difficult to find Pai Gow customized bonuses in Canadian online casinos, there are plenty of rewards to choose from. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will be exploring:
- Welcome package.
- Reload bonuses.
- Loyalty program.
Sign-up Offer
As the name suggests, this offer is granted when you sign up on the website. Usually, during the registration, you will get a prompt to claim the reward. For instance, it could be 100% up to 200 CAD on the initial deposit.
However, there are occasions when the sign-up bonus is awarded on several deposits. In such cases, both the percentage and the overall amount will be increased. Once you have made a minimum deposit and redeemed the prize, you can use the extra funds in Pai Gow poker.
No Deposit Bonus
These offers are generally rare in Canadian online casinos. As the name itself suggests, they don’t require players to make an initial deposit. For instance, once you sign up on the website, the brand will grant you a small amount of cash. Typically, it could range between 10-20 CAD.
However, keep in mind that no deposit promos come with rollover conditions. Aside from slots, you can play them through in table games, including Pai Gow poker.
Reload Bonus
Reload promos are typically awarded weekly or when you have been absent from playing for some time. When given these promotions, you will receive a matched deposit on your top-up. It could range between 50-100%, depending on the casino’s policy.
When the money has been credited to your account, it is necessary to wager it. Slots and table games normally qualify towards wagering conditions, and you can roll the money over in Pai Gow poker online real money.
VIP Program
The VIP program, also known as the loyalty system in certain platforms, is a way to collect points and later exchange them for various rewards. It could be anything from free spins to cash.
As we are talking about Pai Gow, you will be interested in cash money. Let’s say you have collected 10,000 points and converted them to 500 CAD. The received funds can be used in poker, and if you manage to hit winnings in Pai Gow, you will significantly increase your balance.
Top Pai Gow Poker Strategies for Bigger Wins
Having a decent strategy is the key to success, especially in games such as Pai Gow. You will find a lot of recommendations from experienced players. Below, we have picked some tangible ones that can help you in the long run. Here’s what to consider:
- Focusing on the 2-card hand.
- Placing high cards.
- Splitting two pairs.
Focus on the 2-Card Hand
This is a crucial strategy. While the five-card hand often gets the most attention, the two-card hand plays a key role in Pai Gow Poker. If your low hand is too weak, you risk losing the entire round even if your high hand is strong.
We recommend to balance both hands so they have a fair chance of beating the dealer’s. A solid two-card hand often includes a pair or high-value cards like an Ace and King. A well-placed two-card hand can be the difference between a push and a win.
Place High Cards in the Low Hand
In free online Pai Gow poker, balancing your two-card low hand with high cards is essential. When you don’t have a pair or better, placing your highest remaining cards in the low hand can strengthen it. For instance, if dealt Ace, King, 10, 9, 7, 5, 3, you might place the Ace and King in the low hand, leaving the 10-high combination for the high hand.
When to Split Two Pairs?
Deciding whether to split two pairs in Pai Gow Poker depends on the strength of your remaining cards. Here is a general guide for you:
- Low pairs (6s or lower): Keep together unless you can place a Queen or higher in the low hand.
- Medium pairs (7s to 10s): Split unless you can place an Ace in the low hand.
- High pairs (Jacks to Aces): Generally split.
For example, with pairs of 8s and 5s, totaling 13 points (8+5), you should split unless you can place an Ace-high in the low hand.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker for Real Money?
Playing Pai Gow poker is a straightforward process. Before you start betting, we advise you to follow the step-by-step guide below, where we explain everything carefully. Make sure to follow the instructions in more detail:
Select a Trusted Online Casino
The first step is to find a trustworthy platform for playing. In Canada, there are a lot of operators, but choosing the proper one could be tricky. We advise you to take any from our online casino list at the beginning of the review, as they are all tested and reliable.
In general, when you analyze a brand, here are the characteristics to take into account:
- License – Ideally, it must be regulated and licensed following the laws of Canada.
- Bonuses – The casino must be rich in promotions.
- Games – Pai Gow has several variations. The more you discover in the library, the better.
- Customer support – It is great, if the live chat is available in several languages and works around the clock.
Create an Account and Choose a Welcome Bonus
The second step is signing up on the website. The process is simple and will take you up to five minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
- Click the Sign Up button, normally located at the top right side of the website.
- A form will appear. Enter your email, full name, province, mobile number and zip code.
- Indicate your age.
- Finalize the process.
- Verify your account via email.
That’s it! Once ready, you can go for offers and promotions. Choose the welcome bonus, as it will increase your initial deposit significantly. The sign-up offer can be redeemed during and after the registration process.
Try Out a Demo Mode
We advise you to first try Pai Gow poker free before moving to real funds. This way, you will get more knowledge on how the game functions, what are the best hands and how payouts work.
To proceed, go to the casino’s library. In the search bar, type the Pai Gow version you would like to play. You can enter a demo mode even without registration. In free play, the chips will be given to your virtual balance.
You can continue playing as long as you want. However, be aware that the demo does not replicate real money experience and the RTPs could vary notably.
Make Your First Deposit
The third step is topping up your balance. Canadian online casinos support a wide array of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard and even cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
The minimum deposit typically starts at 20 CAD. The request is processed within seconds and once the funds have been credited to your account, you can start wagering with real money.
Move to Playing With Real Money
Finally, we have reached the most important part. After testing Pai Gow poker online free for some time, you can boldly move to real money experience. That said, compete against other players at different tables.
If you want to experience the feelings of a brick-and-mortar establishment, then don’t hesitate to check out live dealer games. Pai Gow has some live versions in the library. You will be sitting alongside other players and face a banker.
Essential Tips to Improve Your Pai Gow Poker Game
In the Pai Gow online game free as in other games of chance, the most part relies on luck. However, it does not mean that you cannot use your skills and play smartly to increase your chances of winning. Thus, we have decided to prepare a collection of tips that can assist you in the long run. Without further ado, proceed with these recommendations:
Use the Joker Wisely
Generally, Joker is considered the strongest card in other games, but not in Pai Gow. The latter comes with limitations. You can only use it to complete a straight, a flush, or a straight flush. If none of those apply, it automatically becomes an Ace.
To improve your chances, always check if using the Joker in the five-card hand creates a strong combo. Avoid wasting it in the two-card hand unless it boosts your chances of winning that hand. Understanding how and when to use the Joker gives you a big edge in tight hands.
Take Advantage of the Banker Position
One of the smartest moves in Pai Gow Poker is to bank when possible. In this situation, you act as the dealer and compare hands against other players, including the house. This gives you a mathematical edge, especially when both hands tie, as ties go to the banker.
In some games, you can bank every other hand or take turns with the dealer. Be sure to understand the house rules and bankroll requirements before choosing this option. Using the banker position wisely can lower the house edge and improve your chances of walking away with a win.
Set a Bankroll
Another piece of advice that can help you in Pai Gow poker free online is setting a bankroll. It seems an easy one, but here’s where the majority of players fail. When you decide to launch a Pai Gow poker, allocate a certain budget. For instance, start with 200 CAD and never exceed it – even if losses occur.
This is a great tip because you will slowly learn where to stop. The amount of money depends on your capabilities, but if you are a beginner, it is acceptable to start with 50-100 CAD.
Don’t Chase Losses
This is the most common mistake that people make when playing any casino game. Chasing losses and the desire to recoup past failures could lead to even more trouble.
The best thing to do is to embrace the principles of responsible gambling. If you feel like the behaviour has become too addictive, make sure to contact the casino’s customer support. Remember that taking debt is not a solution to your problem. Instead, take a break and resume playing later with a more composed mind.
The Bottom Line
Pai Gow poker free online game is an innovative version of one of the world’s most popular card games. It has a lot of followers and is featured on numerous online casinos in Canada.
The game has an average house edge, but even with strategies, it is impossible to anticipate winnings all the time. Though, it is advisable to use the joker wisely and take advantage of the banker positions.
We recommend that Canadian players try Pai Gow poker at our listed casinos. The rules are not hard to learn, so gear up and start playing the game now!
