Casino + game type

Pai Gow

In case you're a Pai Gow fan, it's important to find the best online casino to play in it. We're here to ensure you find the most suitable.

Top picks right now: 888Starz (NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins), Fat Fruit (NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins) and SpinPlatinum (NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins).

Facts checked
Affiliate disclosure
Pai Gow guideNZ casinos18+ only

Our top 3 casinos

The three highest-ranked casinos, each compared on the same three checks.

Fat Fruit5.0/5
10.0Exceptional
Bonus

NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins

Game providers
6+
Min deposit
No deposit
Withdrawal
—
Apple PayBitcoin CashecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+8
  • +Good selection of slot games
  • −Fewer table game options
Claim bonusReview
SpinPlatinum5.0/5
10.0Exceptional
Bonus

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

Game providers
18+
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
1–3 business days
BitcoinLitecoinPOLiUSDTVisa+4
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
Claim bonusReview

Which are The Best Casinos for Online Pai Gow?

The best casinos for online Pai Gow are

  1. Genesis
  2. 21.com
  3. Twin
  4. Mr Play
  5. 22Bet
  6. Melbet
  7. Sloty
  8. Spinit
  9. River Belle

1. How Are The Dominoes Used?

The dominoes are one-sided, and they have a combination of numbers that the player must use to play into the game. These tiles are used throughout the game to create strands that will help the players win money. Also, players will find that they can easily set up tile grids that will make their winnings much higher. They must understand how to win each hand, and they must be prepared to make very fast decisions. Someone who cannot make decisions quickly will lose money because they must move to the next domino in the grid.

2. Creating Numbers

Creating numbers in the game requires players to pull from their pile. So, they will use these piles to create what they can out of the numbers on the dominoes. Also, the players are trying to make nine. That is actually what the name of the game means! Therefore, the player who is able to make nine is much more likely to win because they have bested the other players.

Furthermore, people who get between four and seven will have a decent chance of winning. However, people who make the lowest numbers will lose. So, the players are betting on their chances of making nine, and it happens quickly.

Next, as players just have two pairs of two tiles at the start, it might get difficult to create nines. Therefore, players can arrange the tiles in their desired method, and all numbers above 10 counts without the first digit.

If, however, a player gets a pair of tiles during the first draw, that hand beats the dealer even if he gets nine.

Pai Gow truly turns the odds in the player’s favor as the house edge on this game is very low. Skilled players will have a fair chance of beating the casino if the numbers are created in the right way.

Creating numbers take practice to perfection as it might seem complicated at first. However, once a player gets into the game, beating the dealer becomes much easier.

3. Playing Quickly

The players will play very fast because it does not take long for them to make their strings of tiles. Also, players that are trying to win must make decisions based on the other players. In that light, players who are in the game are trying to get as close to nine as possible, and they are all playing off each other hoping to get close. The player that gets the closest will win, and they will be in a place to take in all the money that was in the pot. Someone who is trying to get through the hand might need to save their tiles to get closer to nine, or they might make a play for nine early.

4. Is This Game Easy?

Pai Gow is an easy game to play, but it has a lot of strategies involved. The game is so simple that people can get started at any time. In that light, they can play in the places that they find are the most beneficial. They will start to feel much better about how they have changed their gambling style. Meaning, they can use this practice to make more money. The people who are trying to get into the casino and have the best time will play this game specifically because it is so basic. The person who wants to invest in these games needs to pick the place that will let them play with people. Or, they need to sit down at a casino table that was made for them.

5. How Do People Bet?

There are several ways to place a bet in Pai Gow, including betting on the winner, win amount, or on chances of getting nine. The idea is to allow people to parlay as many bets as they can, and this makes it simple for them to make money because they can easily get into the places where the tiles come out as high as possible. The players that are best at this game can win something on most hands, and they have to shuffle their tiles before starting over.

A unique feature of this game is the bank that is offered among players each time a hand is finished. A banking player must cover all bets placed by players.

The banking player must have played in the previous round where the dealer acted as the bank. All players can choose whether to accept or decline bank assistance after each turn.

Afterward, players can return to placing bets and get 4 tiles each.

6. Pairs

Pairs of tiles are very helpful because they could help them bridge the gap between numbers that are most useful to them. They could actually win twice if they can make nine twice, or they could use pairs to stop someone else from making the nine they need to beat another player. This is a game of strategy that requires the gambler to think very hard about what the next move is. They cannot simply use their tiles to make nine without thinking of the other players.

Pai Gow differentiates from other similar tile games like Sic Bo and Mahjong by far.

This game is all about pairs, so there are many tactics involved to help players create nine, or better yet, pairs.

Not all tactics should be pointed to accumulating nine, as there can be players holding pairs. Therefore, this game requires strategic thinking and using several known strategies.

The best strategy for Pai Gow is to look for pairs first and, if there are no pairs, use 1-2 and 2-4 or mixed pairs.

Wongs and Gongs also make a great asset by matching 12 and 2 tiles with 9 and 8 tiles.

If, however, there are no pairs to make, a player should build average pairs by combining the highest and lowest values into pairs.

7. How Long Does The Game Last?

The game only lasts so long because people do not have to worry about betting over and over like in long games of poker. The person who is trying to make the most money should get through each hand quickly so that they can make more money in the next hand. They will be impressed with the way that they are making money because it happens so fast, and they could get into a battle with someone who is trying to stop them from making nine. So, every online casino is different, but they usually have a table going at all times.

8. Tournaments

There are tournaments in casinos in Asia for this game because the tournaments require people to be experts in playing these games, and they will find that it is much easier for them to make money if they have practiced with great players. Also, the best players will force people to get better faster. More ever, they will ask the players if they have a way of extending the handle.

9. Conclusion

The players that love Pai Gow how can learn how to play it right now by going into any new online casino. Therefore, it is a very simple game to play, and the players who are trying to get the best results will find that they can play this game for hours with just a couple of people. They are only trying to make the nine of these simple dominoes, but the strategy makes it much more intriguing.

What makes a Pai Gow bonus the best for Kiwis?

The best Pai Gow bonus isn’t just about the biggest dollar amount. You need to check the wagering requirements – that’s how much you need to bet before you can withdraw any winnings. See how much Pai Gow bets contribute to meeting those requirements and how long the bonus is valid. A huge bonus is about as useful as a sausage sizzle with no sausages if you can’t actually use it playing Pai Gow. Always read the terms and conditions.

What are the signs of a dodgy online casino in NZ?

Spotting a dodgy casino is important. Watch out for casinos that don’t have a proper license from a respected authority like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Check online player reviews – if there are lots of complaints about slow payouts or unfair practices, steer clear. Also, make sure they offer secure NZD payment options like POLi and have clear terms and conditions. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What is the best strategy for Pai Gow Poker?

The key to Pai Gow Poker is balancing your two hands – high and low – to maximise your chances of winning both. A good start is usually putting your second-best pair in the low hand unless you already have a strong high hand. You can find strategy charts online to help you understand the game better. But remember, even the best strategy doesn’t guarantee a win every time, so gamble responsibly.

Does Pai Gow have good odds?

Pai Gow can have reasonable odds if you play strategically. The house edge is typically around 2.5%, which is comparable to other casino games like baccarat. Understanding the best way to set your hands is key to improving your odds.

What is the envy bonus in Pai Gow Poker?

The envy bonus in Pai Gow Poker is a side bet that pays out when another player at the table has a particularly strong hand, like a seven-card straight flush. You win the envy bonus if you’ve placed the envy bet and someone else gets a qualifying hand. It’s a bit of extra excitement on top of the main game.

Are Pai Gow side bets worth it?

Pai Gow side bets, like the envy bonus, can be tempting, but they often come with a higher house edge than the main game. While they offer the chance for a bigger payout, the odds of winning are lower. It’s up to you whether the potential reward is worth the increased risk. Always gamble responsibly.

How do I know if a Pai Gow casino is licensed in NZ?

Since online casinos must be based offshore to legally operate in New Zealand, look for licenses from reputable international gaming authorities. These include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and the Curaçao eGaming license. A casino’s licensing information is usually displayed at the bottom of their website.

What are the best NZD payment options for Pai Gow casinos?

For Kiwi players, the best NZD payment options include POLi (very popular!), credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), direct bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. POLi is great because it’s a direct bank transfer system, so it’s secure and easy to use. Always make sure the casino uses encryption to protect your financial details.

Top-rated NZ casinos to play at

Filter the full ranking. Every filter restates the result as a sentence.

Showing all 10 casinos ranked by our team, best first.

CasinoBonus offerGame providersMin depPayoutRatingAction
1
888Starz
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins25+NZ$100–24 hours10.0/10ClaimReview
2
Fat Fruit
NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins6+No deposit—10.0/10ClaimReview
3
SpinPlatinum
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins18+NZ$201–3 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
4
Lazybar
100% up to €150+ 150 free spins7+No deposit—10.0/10ClaimReview
5
Betbeast
$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!33+NZ$202-4 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
6
Ibet
100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$40014+NZ$20Up to 7 business days10.0/10ClaimReview
7
StoneVegas.com
100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab+ 200 free spins8+NZ$20Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h9.8/10ClaimReview
8
22BET Casino
NZ$50047+NZ$13-5 days9.8/10ClaimReview
9
Energy Casino
NZ$30030+NZ$1024-48hrs9.8/10ClaimReview
10
Ricky Casino
UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS27+NZ$303-5 days9.8/10ClaimReview

Expert picks by condition

Each pick is named by the condition it wins under, not by its rank.

Expert pick · overall quality

Our highest score in this set at 10.0/10: good selection of popular games.

Get this bonus
Expert pick · the smallest deposit

Starts from NZ$1 with NZ$500.

Get this bonus
Expert pick · the fastest withdrawals

Listed withdrawal time of Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h via Visa or Monero.

Get this bonus

Best casinos according to your style

Each tab shows a different set of casinos for a different play style. The questions under each tab link to the answers in the FAQ.

Best for small deposits

Casinos where the qualifying deposit is the smallest, so you can test the offer without committing much.

From NZ$0 · NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins

Claim bonus

From NZ$0 · 100% up to €150

Claim bonus

Casino-by-casino breakdown

Each casino card shows our review, key facts, pros and cons, and the research sub-scores behind the rating.

1. 888Starz

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

35x wagering NZ$10 min Curacao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curacao. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
NZ$10
Withdrawal
0–24 hours
Licence
Curacao
Founded
2020
Payments
Apple Pay, Mastercard, Bitcoin, ecoPayz
Game providers
25+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Mobile Experience
6.8
Transparency
6.0
Customer Support
5.5
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Responsible Gambling
5.0
Apple PayMastercardBitcoinecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+9
5.0/5

2. Fat Fruit

NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins

35x wagering No deposit Tobique Gaming Commission
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Tobique Gaming Commission. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$10,500 + 550 Free Spins
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
No deposit
Licence
Tobique Gaming Commission
Payments
Apple Pay, Bitcoin Cash, ecoPayz, Litecoin
Game providers
6+
  • +Good selection of slot games
  • +Accepts cryptocurrency payments easily
  • +Modern and clean website design
  • −Fewer table game options
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Bonus Value
9.0
Crypto Support
7.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Transparency
6.0
Apple PayBitcoin CashecoPayzLitecoinUSDTMastercard+7
5.0/5

3. SpinPlatinum

NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins

40x wagering NZ$20 min Curaçao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
NZ$1500 + 150 Free Spins
Wagering
40x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
1–3 business days
Licence
Curaçao
Founded
2023
Payments
Bitcoin, Litecoin, POLi, USDT
Game providers
18+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Wagering Terms
9.0
VIP & Loyalty
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.5
Payment Options
6.4
Responsible Gambling
6.0
BitcoinLitecoinPOLiUSDTVisaMonero+3
5.0/5

4. Lazybar

100% up to €150

No deposit Curaçao
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curaçao eGaming. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
100% up to €150
Min deposit
No deposit
Licence
Curaçao eGaming
Founded
2024
Payments
Apple Pay, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Google Pay
Game providers
7+
  • +Generous welcome bonus package offered
  • +Multiple ongoing promotions available
  • +Wide variety of game selection
  • −Wagering requirements not specified
  • −Limited information on licensing

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
8.8
Crypto Support
8.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Wagering Terms
6.5
Payment Options
6.5
Transparency
6.0
Apple PayBitcoinLitecoinGoogle PayUSDTVisa+1
5.0/5

5. Betbeast

$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!

40x wagering NZ$20 min Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros. Emerging-market license with minimal verifiable enforcement.

Bonus
$5,000 CASINO WELCOME OFFER!
Wagering
40x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
2-4 business days
Licence
Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros
Founded
2023
Payments
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Ethereum, ecoPayz
Game providers
33+
  • +Wide variety of casino games
  • +Sportsbook and casino integration
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on licensing
  • −Fewer ongoing promotions

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Wagering Terms
8.0
Crypto Support
8.0
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Bank TransferBitcoinEthereumecoPayzLitecoinUSDT+7
5.0/5

6. Ibet

100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$400

7x wagering NZ$20 min
10.0

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
100% Welcome Bonus up to NZ$400
Wagering
7x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
Up to 7 business days
Founded
2021
Payments
Bank Transfer, EPS, Visa, MuchBetter
Game providers
14+
  • +Wide variety of betting options
  • +Modern and intuitive user interface
  • +Accepts various cryptocurrencies payments
  • −Limited bonus promotions available
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Mobile Experience
6.8
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Responsible Gambling
5.0
VIP & Loyalty
5.0
Bank TransferEPSVisaMuchBetterNetellerPaysafecard+3
5.0/5

7. StoneVegas.com

100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab

35x wagering NZ$20 min
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

No publicly disclosed license. Players have no clear regulatory recourse. Treat with strong caution.

Bonus
100% up to NZ$ 1,000 + 200 FS + Bonus Crab
Wagering
35x
Min deposit
NZ$20
Withdrawal
Instant for crypto; e‑wallets within ~24 h; cards/bank transfers up to ~72 h
Founded
2025
Payments
Visa, Monero, Neteller, Paysafecard
Game providers
8+
  • +Good selection of popular games
  • +Mobile app deposit bonus available
  • +Modern and sleek website design
  • −Limited information on wagering requirements
  • −Customer support response times vary

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Crypto Support
9.2
Mobile Experience
6.8
Payment Options
6.5
Wagering Terms
5.0
Game Variety
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
VisaMoneroNetellerPaysafecardSkrill
4.9/5

8. 22BET Casino

NZ$500

50x wagering NZ$1 min Curaçao
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Curaçao eGaming. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
NZ$500
Wagering
50x
Min deposit
NZ$1
Withdrawal
3-5 days
Licence
Curaçao eGaming
Founded
2018
Payments
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Bank Transfer
Game providers
47+
  • +Extensive sportsbook and casino options
  • +Wide variety of payment methods
  • +Generous welcome bonus available
  • −Reports of slow withdrawals
  • −Bonus wagering requirements are high

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
8.0
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.0
Transparency
6.0
Payment Options
5.6
Game Variety
5.0
VisaMastercardMaestroBank TransferBitcoinEthereum+21
4.9/5

9. Energy Casino

NZ$300

30x wagering NZ$10 min Malta
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Top-tier MGA-class regulation with robust player protection mechanisms.

Bonus
NZ$300
Wagering
30x
Min deposit
NZ$10
Withdrawal
24-48hrs
Licence
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
Founded
2013
Game providers
30+
  • +Wide variety of popular slots
  • +Reputable Malta Gaming Authority license
  • +Good selection of live games
  • −Withdrawal times can be slow
  • −Bonus wagering requirements are high

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

Licensing & Trust
8.8
Wagering Terms
8.0
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Customer Support
6.5
Responsible Gambling
6.0
4.9/5

10. Ricky Casino

UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS

50x wagering NZ$30 min Tobique Gaming Commission
9.8

Sarah Kowalski · Licensing & Trust Analyst

Tobique Gaming Commission. Light-touch Curaçao-style oversight. Limited regulatory teeth in disputes.

Bonus
UP TO NZ$7500 BONUS! + 550 FREE SPINS
Wagering
50x
Min deposit
NZ$30
Withdrawal
3-5 days
Licence
Tobique Gaming Commission
Founded
2021
Payments
Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, Interac, Mastercard
Game providers
27+
  • +Generous welcome bonus package offered
  • +Multiple reload bonuses available weekly
  • +Wide variety of game selection
  • −Wagering requirements not specified
  • −Bonus terms can be restrictive

Research sub-scores (out of 10)

NZD Friendly
9.5
Payment Options
9.0
Crypto Support
8.0
Bonus Value
7.6
Transparency
7.5
Mobile Experience
6.8
Bank TransferBitcoinInteracMastercardVisaMonero+4
4.9/5

What players say about these casinos

888Starz
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“Good application, and Can earn More, lot of benefits and good vip account manager”

SpinPlatinum
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I mainly used SpinPlatinum for sports betting at first but ended up trying some of the casino games. The platform is easy to navigate. I like that everything is in one place instead of jumping between sections. However withdrawals weren't instant for me, it took longer than…”

Betbeast
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I had a really good experience using this platform. From the start the process felt simple and customer friendly, nothing confusing at all. Placing bets was quick and smooth and what impressed me even more was how fast the cash out worked almost instantly compared to others I…”

Betbeast
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I have only positive things to say about this casino. They first shocked with incredibly fast verification. They helped me in chat and I was verified within minutes. I came across one problem that left me very unhappy. After conversations over email, with incredibly fast…”

Ibet
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“I think the site is good, usually you get to play for a while with the money you deposit. And it's fun. But I think they could be a little faster with withdrawals, it takes way too long for them to go through it, and that's what takes time, it can take hours. If I compare to…”

StoneVegas.com
Player feedback via Trustpilot

“Had a decent run on the roulette tables yesterday. Everything works exactly the way it should and the interface isn't too cluttered.”

How we test and rank

BestBonus.co.nz lists a casino when the research data shows Pai Gow in its lobby. Game types the research data does not classify use the top-rated NZ casinos instead. BestBonus.co.nz then rates each casino on licence, bonus terms, withdrawals, and support.

  • Real NZD deposits tested at every casino
  • Casinos cannot pay to rank higher
  • Rankings refreshed weekly against live offer terms
  • Only licensed casinos (MGA, UKGC, Curaçao) are listed
Leo Vasquez Leo VasquezGame Auditor & Fairness Expert · checked 20 Apr 2026

Gambling should be entertainment, not income. Set a deposit limit before you claim any bonus and only play with money you can afford to lose. Free, confidential help is available from safergambling.org.nz or the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655. Bonus terms change often. Read the casino's full terms before you deposit.