Pai Gow Poker Dealing with Dice, Procedures & Game Security

How to Deal Pai Gow Poker Without a Shuffle Machine or RNG

There will be times when the shuffle machine or the random number generator is broken, and you’ll need to deal the game manually.

Since you have no shuffle machine, shuffle the cards by hand before offering the deck for a cut, just as you would in blackjack. If the player is banking, they have the first option to cut the deck.

Deal 7 hands of 7 cards each, starting from the dealer’s left and going right. Keep the deck as low to the table as possible while dealing.

To prove all 53 cards were used, spread the last four remaining cards face down for the cameras before placing them into the discard rack.

Straighten the stacks and tilt the first hand on the left slightly and the last hand on the right slightly more. This is meant to represent a dragon, with the lucky head on the left and the unlucky tail on the right.

Normally the RNG would indicate where the first set of cards goes. Without an RNG, you will use dice.

Using Dice (When No RNG Is Available)

Casinos usually do not allow players to shake the dice. The most common exception is when the player is banking.

The dealer shakes a dice cup with three dice using one hand. House rules vary (some require exactly 4 shakes; others allow 3 to 5), so know your procedures.

The dealer always uncovers the dice cup. Players may not touch the dice or the cup. If dice bounce out of the cup or are touched, call the floor immediately. The floor inspects the dice before returning them to play.

All bets must be in the betting circles before the dice are uncovered. Once the dice are exposed, no one may change their wager.

If a die lands on top of another die or is cocked sideways, call “No Dice” and roll again.

Total the three dice and announce the number. The total determines where the dragon head (the first set of cards) goes.

The banker position is always spot #1. Count spots to the dice total starting from the banker and moving counter-clockwise. The banker-dealer position will always be 1, 8, or 15, so dealers often count forward or backward rather than starting from 1 every time.

After the first hand is delivered to the dice-indicated spot, continue distributing hands counter-clockwise. All betting positions receive a hand whether occupied or not. After all hands are dealt and the last four cards are proven, collect unoccupied hands and place them in the discard rack.

The dice remain uncovered and unmoved until all hands are resolved. When finished, cover the dice, shake the cup, and place it to the right of the layout.

Casino Procedures (Pai Gow Poker)

Pai Gow Poker is naturally a slower game, but dealers are responsible for keeping a steady pace without rushing players. New dealers may deal slower while verifying rankings and correct hand setting, which is preferred over speed with mistakes.

When new cards are put into play, follow standard table game procedure:

• Break the seal at the table
• Check both sides for marks and verify all cards are present for the cameras
• Wash the deck before completing the house shuffle

House shuffle methods vary. Some houses require a riffle before the shuffle machine; others require a quick shuffle. Know your house rules. If the shuffle machine is down, the house may require a full manual shuffle procedure.

Playing a Hand from Another Betting Spot

A player may play a hand from another spot only if no one else is playing that hand. Their wager must be on the betting circle associated with the cards. After dealing, the dealer moves the hand to the player. After the player sets their hand, the dealer moves the cards back to the original spot.

Backline Betting

When multiple players wager on the same betting circle, it is known as backline betting. After the primary player places their wager, up to four additional players may place wagers up to the remaining balance of the table limit.

Notify the floor before proceeding. The primary player must be seated and has final authority over whether other players may bet and how the hand is played.

Watch for players who allow backline betting and then intentionally play poorly to upset others. After a winning multi-bet, each player is responsible for their own commission.

When revealing cards, spread each hand clearly so the cameras can see pips. Hands must remain separated and neat, especially if house policy requires winning hands to stay on the table until the end of the round.

If both the player and dealer have identical rankings, the next highest card determines the winner. This card is known as the kicker.

Continuously check cards for marks and cleanliness. If there are any marks, errors, disputes, or anything questionable, call the floor. Any bonus payoff of $100 or more typically requires floor approval.

When closing a game, place the Dragon Hand button in the rack before locking it up. Clap out when touching your body or leaving the table. If the floor assists a player, keep eyes on the remaining players and protect the game.

Pai Gow Poker Game Security

If a machine malfunction causes any hand to receive more or fewer than seven cards, all hands are dead. Call the floor before reshuffling.

Only seated players may handle their cards and set their hands. All cards must remain on the table and within the rails. The dealer and cameras must be able to see all cards at all times.

If a player asks for help setting their hand, do not give opinions. Tell them the house way. This protects the dealer and the house if the player loses and becomes upset.

Some casinos require dealer assistance only after all other players have set their