Pai Gow Poker Commission Rules and How to Play as the Banker

Pai Gow Poker Commission and Banking Rules Explained

Pai Gow Poker uses a 5% commission on winning bets, and some casinos allow players to take on the role of the banker. Understanding how commission works and how banking changes the game can help you make better decisions at the table.

Pai Gow Poker Commission (Quick Answer)

Pai Gow Poker charges a 5% commission on winning bets. This fee is how the casino makes money on the game. Players can also choose to act as the banker, which slightly shifts the advantage because ties go to the banker.

Commission

Winning bets are charged a 5% commission, which is collected by the dealer.

This means:

• Every $5 won = $0.25 commission
• Every $20 won = $1.00 commission
• Every $100 won = $5 commission

One way dealers calculate commission is by taking 10% of the win and dividing it by 2.

You can also use a commission chart to make this easier:
View Commission Chart

What Is Breakage?

Commissions are rounded to the nearest quarter, a practice known as breakage.

For example:

• A $18 win does not result in a $0.90 commission
• Instead, it is rounded and charged as if it were $20 → $1.00 commission

Breakage benefits the casino and is part of how the house maintains its edge.

Players are responsible for their own commission. Typically, the dealer removes it from winnings, but players can choose to pay it separately if they have the correct chip amounts.

Playing as Banker

In Pai Gow Poker, the “banker” can be either the dealer or a player.

When a player becomes the banker, they are called the Player-Banker. In this role, the player competes against all other players at the table, while the dealer manages the game.

The advantage of banking is that the rules slightly favor the banker, meaning the house edge can be reduced.

How the Banker Rotates

• The dealer starts as the banker
• The banker position rotates clockwise around the table
• Each player can choose to bank or pass
• If no player banks, the dealer continues as banker

Requirements to Be the Banker

To act as the banker, a player must:

• Have played in the previous hand
• Match the wager from their last bet
• Have enough funds to cover all bets at the table

If there is any question about funds, the floor will be called.

Banker Position and Betting

The Player-Banker must bank from the same spot as their previous wager.

If the player previously bet multiple spots:

• The most recent wager determines the banking position

How Banking Works During Play

After all bets are placed:

• The dealer places the house wager last
• Cards are dealt according to table rules (dice or random number generator)
• The Player-Banker receives the first hand

All other players set their hands first.

Then:

• Player-Banker sets their hand
• Dealer sets their hand last

Important Rule

The Player-Banker and dealer cannot foul a hand.

If a hand is set incorrectly:

• The dealer resets it using the house way
• The Player-Banker is still responsible for the outcome

Comparing Hands

The dealer:

1. Compares the Player-Banker’s hand with the dealer’s
2. Resolves the house wager
3. Then compares Player-Banker against each player

Outcomes:

• Win → chips go to Player-Banker bankroll
• Loss → Player-Banker pays the player
• Tie → push

All payments include a 5% commission.

Banker Bankroll and Payouts

The Player-Banker must maintain a bankroll at the center of the table.

• Wins are added to the bankroll
• Losses are paid from it
• If funds run out, the Player-Banker must cover the difference

At the end of the round:

• Remaining bankroll is returned
• 5% commission is applied to winnings

Co-Banking and Variations

Rules vary by casino, but may include:

Co-Banking

• The house shares 50% of the banker’s risk
• The dealer sets the hand using the house way

Dealer Sitting Out

• The dealer does not place a wager
• Still manages the game and collects commission

Reduced Dealer Bet

• The dealer may bet less than the Player-Banker

In all cases:

• Table limits still apply

Pai Gow Poker FAQ

What is commission in Pai Gow Poker?

Commission is a 5% fee charged on winning bets, which is how the casino makes money on the game.

Why would a player act as the banker?

Banking allows a player to gain a slight advantage because ties go to the banker, reducing the house edge.

Do you always have to pay commission?

Yes, commission is applied to winning bets, whether you are a regular player or the banker.

Is banking risky?

Yes, because the Player-Banker must cover all bets at the table, which can require a large bankroll.