Is PaiGow growing in popularity in the West?
Despite having slightly complicated rules and same-sounding names of pairs and divisions, the game of Pai Gow is becoming more and more popular in western societies, not just in predominantly Chinese communities. This is evidenced by the growing number of casinos that include Pai Gow in their accepted events, and the increasing number of Pai Gow information or gaming sites on the internet.
Apart from being a favorite past-time among the Chinese (young and old alike), Pai Gow is attracting followers of other nationalities as well. The reason for the increased interest in Pai Gow could be the intricacy of the game itself.
Many find the game of Pai Gow very challenging. Figuring out the mathematical possibilities and chances of creating pairs are innumerable; and this may probably be one of its drawing powers. For others, trying to find a way to “beat the system” and discovering new techniques is the reason why they are inexplicably drawn to this game. Still others play the game of Pai Gow because of its novelty. It’s a new game using a different kind of playing tiles and rules. For those familiar with the betting process and playing procedures of black jack, Pai Gow serves as an exciting alternative. In most casinos, the game of Pai Gaw is played on Black Jack tables.
Pai Gow enthusiasts may play the game at major casinos and, if they can purchase a Pai Gow set, from the comforts of their own home. If a Pai Gow tile set is difficult to secure, there are websites that permit on line gaming. These on line games may or may not accept actual bets.
Although there is a growing number of Pai Gow players and enthusiasts in western societies, it may take some time before Pai Gow rises in rank and can be likened to more traditional games such as cards, dominoes and the highly popular Oriental betting game that also involves tiles, mah jong. However, as more people take an interest in Pai Gow, and with more information on how to play the game, the rules, strategies and betting procedures being made easily available to interested parties, the popularity of Pai Gow will most definitely increase.
No matter how you look at it, Pai Gow is definitely not just a passing fancy. It is slowly getting itself recognized as one of many mainstream gambling activities, and from the looks of things, Pai Gow will be here to stay.