When visiting land-based casinos, you will find maybe one or two tables are designated for Pai Gow Poker.
The reasoning is it is not a big money maker for the casinos, because a large percentage of the hands end in a push. Hence the reason for the five percent vigorish. Tables will most likely be crowded due to the fact of limited seating availability and it is a game with minimal risk, which is appealing to the novice gambler. Another positive point in regards to Pai Gow Poker, is the pattern of play of the other players will have no influence on your hand. Differing from Blackjack, where the actions or even the inactions of the anchor can strongly alter the outcome for you and the entire table.
The dealer has a predetermined playing pattern, so depending on the cards you have you could decide to deviate from your gaming pattern and make a play on a hunch. The normal take for the casino in Pai Gow Poker is five percent of you winnings. However, I have seen some land-based casinos offer zero percent vigorish. It is sometimes used as a short-term promotion or even a long term or permanent policy to attract more customers.
As a player, zero percent increases your odds of making a profit over a longer duration. The difference in playing online Pai Gow Poker as compared to the land-based variety is the social factor. I find Pai Gow Poker to be a relaxing, entertaining and a social endeavor. If online Pai Gow Poker can offer multiple players joining a game like regular online poker, then I would be more than willing to give it a try.
Kitty LaRue
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