Nevada authority suggests approval of five-card pai gow poker variation as a new gambling game
A New Twist on Pai Gow Poker Hits Las Vegas Casinos
The gaming scene in Las Vegas is about to get a fresh boost with the introduction of the new 5-Card Pai Gow Poker game[1][2][4]. This variant, which has been officially approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission, offers a faster-paced, simplified version of the traditional seven-card Pai Gow poker, designed to appeal to a new generation of players[2].
The game, brought to the market by Casino Gaming Development, a Colorado company owned by crap dealer Angel Espino, has already been field-tested at Harrah's Las Vegas and reported to have gone well[1]. Dustin Brown, the vice president of gaming for Caesars Entertainment, which owns Harrah’s, has expressed interest in adding a progressive jackpot to the game to further attract players[1].
The rules of the 5-Card Pai Gow poker game are not too confusing, according to its creator, Angel Espino. In this game, three cards create the high hand, and two for the low, as opposed to five and two in traditional pai gow poker[1]. Unlike traditional poker, players see the dealer's cards before their own. The objective remains the same: for the guest to win both hands against the dealer to win the wager[1].
The game has been regulated under the normal Nevada gaming oversight frameworks, ensuring compliance with gaming rules and standards[1][2]. Harrah’s is keeping the 5-card Pai Gow game on its gaming floors, and there are indications of plans for additional features like a progressive side bet to enhance player engagement and revenue potential[1].
During the trials, the game demonstrated a hold percentage of approximately 33%, which is attractive from the casino operator's perspective[1]. This high hold indicates good financial viability for casinos. The game is currently available for free online at the Linq Hotel for learning purposes[1].
Angel Espino has been a great partner to the operations in Las Vegas, according to Dustin Brown[1]. "The new game speeds up and simplifies the traditional game, allowing for more hands per hour," Brown said[2]. The game's being a variant of an established game helped to pique interest, according to Lucas Botsis, casino manager at Harrah's Las Vegas[1].
In summary, the 5-card Pai Gow Poker game has been approved and is progressing well in Las Vegas casinos managed by Caesars (Harrah’s), with strong regulatory endorsement and promising financial characteristics indicated by the hold percentage reported[1][2][4]. The addition of a progressive jackpot could attract more players and increase play for the game.
- The casino culture in Las Vegas is evolving with the arrival of the new 5-Card Pai Gow Poker game, which presents a modified version of the traditional Pai Gow poker game and has been approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
- Casino-goers in Las Vegas can experience a faster-paced and simplified variant of Pai Gow poker, as the 5-Card Pai Gow Poker game, developed by Casino Gaming Development, offers a more engaging gaming experience thanks to its unique rules and the potential for a progressive jackpot.
- The gambling trends in Las Vegas, particularly at casinos operated by Caesars Entertainment (including Harrah’s), are undergoing transformation with the introduction of innovative casino-games like the 5-Card Pai Gow Poker, showcasing how casino-and-gambling industries are adapting to attract new generations of players while maintaining financial viability.
