Casino Canberra offers Pai Gow game to Aussie punters. This casino located in the Central Business District of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It was the first legal casino to open in the Australian Capital Territory, built on land excised from Glebe Park under a 99-year lease agreement between the casino licensee and the territory government. It is small in comparison with other casinos in Australia and does not incorporate any hotel accommodation, theatres, auditoriums or retail stores. It is the only casino in Australia not licensed to operate poker machines. There are 39 gaming tables where blackjack, roulette, baccarat and casino war games are played.
Blackjack, roulette, pai gow, mini-baccarat, money wheel, and rapid roulette can all be played with table minimums starting as low as $1-$5.
How to play Pai Gow at Casino Canberra?
Pai Gow game offered here is played with a set of 32 tiles resembling dominoes. The tiles are ranked in value based on Chinese mythology, and the order will likely seem arbitrary to many newcomers. However, once you’ve familiarised yourself with the value of different tiles the rest of the rules will quickly fall into place.
The goal of Pai Gow is to set your four tiles into two hands of two, and have each pair be worth more than the Dealer’s.
To play the game visit one of the Pai Gow tables at the casino. As said above the minimum wager is $1.
After placing your bets, each player, including the Dealer, receives four tiles.
Players arrange their tiles into two hands of two. This is your High Hand and Low Hand.
The strongest hands are Pairs. These are ranked from Gee Jun down to 5’s. After the Pairs are Wongs, Gongs and High 9’s. These are made by a 12 or a 2 paired with any
9, 8 or 7 respectively. If you can’t make the above, it is simply a matter of adding together the dots for the highest total. The closer to 9 the better and you drop the 10 from your total (eg. 7 and 5 is 2, not 12).
If both of your hands are higher than the Dealer’s you win. If both your hands are lower you lose.
If you have one higher and one lower you standoff and neither player wins. All winning bets are paid at even odds, minus 5%.
Perfect Pairs is an optional side bet for players. To win, your first two cards just have to be a pair!
Always play any Pairs then play the High 9, Gong or Wong then play your 2 hands as close together as possible (eg play 5-5 rather than 1-9)
Pai Gow is a complex game and takes some time to learn. If you have any problems setting a hand just ask for the “House Way”. Your Dealer will help you arrange your hand as if it were his own. This assistance will help you to learn the correct arrangements more quickly or even just confirm that you’re making the best choice.
Before each round of play and prior to the dealing of any tiles, players have the opportunity to participate in the Gee Jun Jackpot. The jackpot prize pool is displayed at the Pai Gow table. A Gee Jun Jackpot wager is a side bet and must be accompanied by a normal wager.
Bets at the Casino are made with Casino chips. You can purchase these at any of the gaming tables. Simply place the amount you wish to play (notes only) on the table and the Dealer will pass you the equivalent in chips. Their value is clearly printed on each face. You can redeem your chips for cash at the Cashier’s window at any time.
Once you get started, feel free to ask your Dealer if you need to know more. The Dealer’s role is to manage the game and assist you with any queries you might have, however they cannot advise you on what to do.
Other Entertainment and Fun at Casino Canberra
Canberra also offers poker with wagers starting at similar price points as the table games. A unique variety of the game offered is called Canberra Poker. Similar to five card stud, players play individually against the house and receive five cards face down while the dealer receives four face down and one up. From there, the game follows traditional poker hand hierarchy with the added bonus of large jackpots as the game goes along. Finally, sports bettors will enjoy Casino Canberra’s TAB facility.
If you want to lodge then Casino Canberra doesn’t is affiliated with two nearby casinos and offers a number of different packages at discounted rates. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Canberra is located immediately next to the casino and is a first-rate lodging experience. Inside you will find modernized rooms, fast Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, two restaurants, an outdoor pool, and much more. If you are planning an event, the Crowne has six large meeting rooms to accommodate your guests as well.
Another short walk away is the Waldorf Apartment hotel. Geared towards business travelers, every room at the Waldorf comes with a fully equipped kitchen, stainless steel appliances, a dining table, an in-room safe, room service, and much more. Staying at the Waldorf also grants you access to the heated indoor lap pool, a full gym, a rooftop half-size tennis court, a spa, and even table tennis equipment.
The casino’s main Bar is notable for its cocktail menu and comfortable lounge seating, perfect after a long day at the casino. When you are ready to start ramping up or winding down your night, the Sports Bar is a great option for either with its great drink specials.
The 180° East restaurant features chefs from all over the world blending their cooking backgrounds and influences for a unique dining experience.
A rewards program, “Advantage”, allows members to earn points which can be redeemed for prizes, at the casino’s restaurant, Natural nine or selected hotels and businesses in the city. Advantage members are entitled to secure parking and entry into gaming tournaments hosted by the casino.
Visit Casino at 21 Binara Street Canberra ACT 2601 or call +61 2 6243 3700 to know more.