The Most Popular Chinese Games

Chinese Casino Games

Gambling has been a part of many cultures in some way or another for hundreds of years. The French, the Italians, and the Chinese have some of the oldest games, gambling and otherwise, of any culture in the world. While many European casino games are now top-rated in China, the Chinese have some games of their own that are beloved by locals and foreigners alike. Whether you’re looking at a Fu Dao Le review or learning how to play Mahjong, you’re in for a treat! Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Chinese games.

Mahjong

This is undoubtedly one of the most famous, if not the most famous Chinese game. It is available to play in a lot of casinos these days and features in a lot of Asian movies. There are Western companies who have tried, unscrupulously, to co-opt this dearly loved game, but nothing comes close to the original Chinese version!

In the traditional game, players play with tiles instead of cards. It’s a game of strategy, not just luck. Players are required to place their bets before the tiles are dealt, so they have no idea which of the 136 tiles will be coming their way. You are able to bet each round depending on the tiles that you receive. Players must arrange the tiles into a wall and pair them into sets of three or four. Not only among the Chinese but among many Asian gamblers, Mahjong is considered to be one of the best casino games around. It’s not only a game, but an exercise for your mind because intense concentration, focus, and decision-making are required.

Pachinko

This is a game beloved in both China and Japan. It’s an arcade game that is something like a mix between pinball and a slot machine. This is no strategy game but a game of luck and nimble fingers. Pachinko has seen a surge in popularity in recent years that has led to the machine being refined somewhat- it is now usually presented in an entirely digital format. It isn’t very popular amongst Western or European gamblers, but it is certainly a staple in any Chinese or Japanese casino. It’s fun, bright, and colorful, and something that can occupy a few hours of your time.

Sic Bo

This is a game that is truly ingrained in Chinese culture and is very special to the Chinese people. The game of Sic Bo has been around for thousands of years, and it is played today almost precisely the same way that it was when it was first created. There are many ways to place a bet in Sic Bo, as many as 50 different options to choose from. The game is a favourite not only because of its cultural significance but also because when you win, you win big. Sic Bo has a payout ratio of 180 to 1! It can be a little confusing for newbies or beginners, so it may take a little while to get into the swing of things when you first start playing. The objective of the game is to predict what the dice will say before they are even rolled. Players may bet on one, two, or even three of the dice. We suggest giving this game a try in an online casino to get a feel for it before playing it in a brick-and-mortar casino.

Keno

Next on our list is Keno. This game also goes back many, many years and was originally a way for Chinese people to raise money for any cause they might be supporting. Interestingly, Keno was used as a way to help fund the building of the Great Wall of China. Keno has many similarities to both bingo and lottery games in that it is mainly based on luck. Players each get a card numbered one to eighty. They must select any amount of number that they like, from one to twenty. You can bet in many ways, but the easiest way is to place a straight-ticket bet, betting on all your marked numbers in one single wager. There are a few different betting options, and not all casinos feature every one of them, so be sure to double-check before getting started.

Pai Gow Poker

This is something entirely new in terms of casino games. Pai Gow Poker was only introduced to the gambling scene in 1985. The game was invented by Sam Torosian and is based on the Chinese game of Pai Gow. This game is played with poker cards and not Chinese dominoes. The game’s objective is to build up two hands with the seven cards that you’re dealt. A player needs to construct a hand of 2 and 5 cards that are good enough to beat the dealer’s hand. This is a hybrid game; not traditionally Chinese, but certainly inspired by a traditional game.

Traditional Pai Gow

Another ancient game on our list, Pai Gow, translates to “make nine” which is exactly what players are asked to do. The traditional Chinese dominoes are stacked face down onto eight stacks with four dominoes in each stack. These are moved around as different bets are placed. Once all bets are down the dealer hands out a stack of four tiles to every player. Each player must then create two hands; both must be higher than the dealers in order to win the game. If only one of the player’s hands is higher than the dealer’s, the player automatically loses. There is an element of luck but also an element of strategy because the player must decide how to stack his hands if he hopes to win.

Wrap Up

There are so many fun and exciting Chinese casino games for you to choose from. There are the traditional ones, which we have listed here, and then many new ones, especially in electronic format. Check out these games, and we know you’ll have a great time!