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Pai Gow Poker is a captivating and strategic casino game that blends elements of traditional Chinese dominoes with the popular game of poker
Throughout May alone, five players have reeled in 5+ figure paydays totaling more than $3.3 million in winnings at the MGM National Harbor Casino
A Prince George’s County resident was delt the hand of a lifetime on May 18 at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, winning $2,669,714 on Face Up Pai Gow.
Pai Gow Poker is a captivating and strategic casino game that blends elements of traditional Chinese dominoes with the popular game of poker. In addition to being found at various land-based casinos worldwide, including the USA, the game is also quite popular online.
Face Up Pai Gow is a faster, more action-oriented variation of Pai Gow Poker where the dealer’s cards are dealt face up instead of face down.
The game was popularized in California casinos and some Las Vegas properties as a way to speed up game play and reduce dealer errors. The game has since made its east to this popular Maryland casino.
The jackpot at the MGM National Harbor adds to a series of monumental wins at the entertainment destination. Throughout May alone, five players have reeled in 5+ figure paydays totaling more than $3.3 million in winnings, including:
- Michael, from Prince George’s County, won $2,669,714 on Face Up Pai Gow Poker.
- Player won $500,010 on Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em.
- Player won $63,169 on Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em.
- Player won $57,004 on Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em.
- Player won $32,315 on Super 4 Progressive Blackjack.
Lucky guests have been hitting big this year at MGM National Harbor with 28,847 jackpots totaling $124,711,660.50 won so far in 2026.
Located in an unrivaled setting, MGM National Harbor offers stunning panoramic views of the Eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic two-level casino with over 160,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games, and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national, and international chefs. MGM National Harbor is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).
Pictured above: MGM National Harbor gaming floor
Rules and Gameplay of Pai Gow Poker Online Game
Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The objective of the game is to create two poker hands, one consisting of five cards (known as the “back” or “high” hand) and the other of two cards (known as the “front” or “low” hand), that are both stronger than the dealer’s hands.
To begin, players place their bets within the specified table limits. Once bets are placed, both the player and the dealer are dealt seven cards each. The player must then arrange their cards into two hands, following specific rules. The five-card hand must be of higher value than the two-card hand. The traditional poker hand rankings are used, with one exception: the A-2-3-4-5 straight is considered the second-highest straight. The joker can be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or flush.
After the player has arranged their cards, their hands are compared to the dealer’s hands. If both the player’s hands are stronger than the dealer’s, the player wins. If one hand is stronger and the other is weaker, it’s a push, resulting in the player getting their bet back. If both hands are weaker than the dealer’s, the player loses.
Minimum and Maximum Bets
Pai Gow Poker online by TLM offers a range of betting options to accommodate different players’ preferences. The minimum and maximum bet limits vary depending on the specific online casino or platform you choose to play on. Typically, the minimum bet can be as low as $1, allowing players with different bankrolls to participate. On the other hand, the maximum bet can range from $500 to $5,000 or even higher, providing high rollers with the opportunity to enjoy the game at their preferred stakes.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
