Part I: Games & Gaming · Card Games — Poker & Variants

Fortune Bonus (Pai Gow)

Poker (Pai Gow Poker)

The most popular side bet in Pai Gow Poker, paying when a player’s seven cards contain three of a kind or better, regardless of whether the player wins the main bet. The Fortune Bonus pays up to 8,000:1 for a seven-card straight flush (with Joker). Players who wager at least $5 on the Fortune Bonus qualify for the Envy Bonus if another player hits four of a kind or better.

In practice

The Fortune Bonus has a house edge of approximately 5-12% depending on the paytable. It is an extremely popular side bet that drives significant incremental revenue at Pai Gow Poker tables.

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