A fresh twist on a classic casino game is poised for a wider debut across casino floors in Nevada. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has given its stamp of approval to 5-Card Pai Gow Poker, a table game developed by Colorado-based Casino Gaming Development and spearheaded by its owner, Angel Espino, a former craps dealer. This endorsement clears the way for the Nevada Gaming Commission to officially authorize the game statewide.
Unlike traditional seven-card pai gow poker, which requires players to form two hands—five cards for the high hand and two for the low—this updated variant uses just five cards total. In the new version, players must create a high hand using three cards and a low hand using two. Espino emphasized that this simplification aims to make the game quicker and easier to play.
“It speeds up and simplifies the game a little more,” Espino said. “You have more hands per hour. You minimize dealer and player error. It makes it simpler for the next generation of casino table-game players.”
Streamlined Gameplay Attracts Interest
The revised format appears to be resonating well with both players and dealers during its trial period at Harrah’s Las Vegas. Lucas Botsis, the casino manager overseeing the field trial, acknowledged the early learning curve but said the game sparked curiosity due to its familiarity with traditional pai gow mechanics.
Botsis highlighted how the simplified hand-splitting process makes the game easier for dealers to manage.
“Whatever hand you get, there’s no if, ands or buts for (5-Card Pai Gow),” Botsis said.
He noted that while players asked many questions early on, there were no significant disputes throughout the trial run. One element contributing to player engagement is that participants are shown the dealer’s hand before making decisions about their own—an advantage not typically found in standard poker games.
Additionally, the gameplay moves left to right, echoing the flow of poker, and no random number generators are used. Those curious about the format can try a free version online through the Linq Hotel.
Progressive Jackpot Likely to Boost Appeal
Following its promising trial, the next step for 5-Card Pai Gow is the addition of a progressive jackpot, which could enhance its competitive edge among other poker-based games.
Dustin Brown, Caesars Entertainment’s vice president of gaming operations for Harrah’s Las Vegas in Nevada, explained the importance of matching the success of other progressive poker variants.
“They all have lofty progressives that attract some of our best players,” Brown said. “I believe at Harrah’s, the next step is to get that progressive on there and see if we can get another lift in our hold percentage, drop, and win.”
Brown suggested the game might also be introduced at Caesars-owned Flamingo, citing the company’s history of success with another Espino-designed game, 3 Shot Poker.
“He’s been a great partner to the operations here in Las Vegas, so I’m interested in any product he creates or puts out. 3 Shot Poker has done well for us,” Brown said.
Espino expressed his enthusiasm about the potential to extend the game to other Caesars locations.
“I think that’s the future of most pai gow poker and poker-derivative games,” Espino said. “We’re excited for the future of what the game can bring to Las Vegas clientele.”
High House Edge Attributed to Player Learning Curve
During the trial run, the house reported a 33% hold percentage, which Espino attributed to players still familiarizing themselves with the gameplay. While this figure is notably high, it underscores the novelty of the game and the adjustment phase new players go through.
If the game continues its upward trajectory with a progressive feature added, operators may see not only more interest but also stronger performance metrics across casino floors in Nevada. With regulatory approval from the Gaming Control Board and further endorsement from Caesars’ leadership, 5-Card Pai Gow Poker could become a staple offering in Las Vegas and beyond.
Source:
‘’Five-card pai gow poker recommended for approval by Nevada regulator’’, cdcgaming.com, July 14, 2025.
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