The Nevada Gaming Commission is anticipated to approve five-card Pai Gow for Las Vegas casinos, following a recommendation by the Gaming Control Board. Created by Casino Gaming Development, Angel Espino designed this as a streamlined take on traditional seven-card Pai Gow.
In this version, players split five cards into a three-card high hand and a two-card low hand, with the goal of beating the dealer’s hands. Espino noted the simplified format offers quicker gameplay, reduces errors, and allows more hands to be played per hour.
A successful field trial took place at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Lucas Botsis, the casino’s manager, reported smooth operations, with both dealers and players adapting swiftly and minimal disputes occurring. During the trial, the house edge was about 33 percent.
Dustin Brown, vice president of gaming operations for Caesars Entertainment, which manages Harrah’s, The Linq, and Flamingo, supports keeping five-card Pai Gow available. He mentioned possibly adding a progressive side bet and noted the game might be expanded to other Caesars properties, having replaced another table game.
The approval of five-card Pai Gow represents a broader trend in the gaming industry, with casinos seeking new variations of traditional games to appeal to a broader audience. With innovations like updated craps bets and revamped money wheel games already being tried by Las Vegas operators, the addition of this new Pai Gow variant signifies ongoing innovation aimed at both seasoned players and newcomers.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
