Casino games have always been popular among Asian players. Therefore, we are not surprised to see different Asian countries becoming well-known gambling hubs. If you are a fan of casino games, you don’t need to go to Las Vegas to feel the real gaming experience. 

For Asian players, Macau is the top destination, while the Philippines also established itself as an attractive gambling location. As a consequence, the popularity of Asian games also got increased among players worldwide. Let’s take a  deeper dive into this topic and learn more about the favorite casino games of Asian gamblers.

Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the most famous casino games worldwide, and Asian players really got into it. The game itself originated from Europe and got spread globally. Nowadays, you can find it in every reputable casino. It is quite straightforward to learn baccarat rules, which is one of the major reasons it’s so popular. 

Before cards are dealt, bettors decide whether to back a player, a dealer, or the game will end in a tie. Then, both the player and the dealer get two cards, and the goal of the game is to get as closest as possible to the number 9. The numbers 8 and 9 ensure an instant win, and they are called “natural.” Face cards, along with a ten, are scored zero, Ace counts as 1, while all other cards correspond to their value. 

The low house edge is what makes baccarat even more attractive. It can be as low as 1.1%, and the game can potentially bring high rewards. Another good thing about it is that players can implement specific strategies to increase their chances of winning. Therefore, baccarat is not a pure game of chance, like roulette, for example. Players can also enjoy different varieties of this game, and all of them provide a unique thrill and fun. Baccarat is also available for playing on the go since online casinos got it optimized for smartphones.

Pai Gow 

Pai Gow is a typical Asian casino game. It is very similar to dominoes, which Asian people have been playing for centuries. Asian brick-and-mortar and online casinos offer all sorts of games, and Pai Gow is included as a native one. Players can also enjoy several Pai Gow varieties, and many international casinos call this game Chinese Dominoes. 

A playing set includes 32 dominoes, and both players and the dealer get four tiles. After that, a player separates his tiles in a lower and a higher hand. Then, the player’s high hand is compared to the dealer’s corresponding one. The same rule stands for the lower hands. If a player wins the game, he gets even money minus the 5% commission. Of course, more detailed rules follow the game, which may not be crystal clear for the newbies. Nevertheless, Pai Gow is one of the oldest casino games and has a long tradition in Asia, and it is not a wonder why it is so famous.   

Sic Bo

Asian players like fast-paced games and Sic Bo is one of them. It is a dice game originally coming from Asia. Some records indicate that Sic Bo pulls origins from ancient China, where it was played with stones. 

Sic Bo is a pure game of chance. Three dice with six edges each - as you know them from most other dice games - are used here, and the rules are very simple. The player always bets against the bank and bets on the result of the next roll. The main difference to craps game is that there is no shooter in Sic Bo. Instead of it, the croupier puts the dice in a container and turns it. Players have different kinds of bets at their disposal, and they can place any of them up to the table limit.

Pachinko

Pachinko is mostly popular in Japan, and it is a pretty hypnotic game. People of all ages enjoy playing pachinko, and the game is a mix of vertical pinball and slots. Japan is packed with pachinko shops, and this game brings the highest revenue of all casino games in this country.

There are no particular rules for playing this interesting game. A player inserts money to get metal balls, which are launched into the machine. The goal of pachinko is to get as many balls as possible. At the end of the game, a player can exchange them for a prize or exchange them for other goods. Nowadays, pachinko players can enjoy both analog and digital gaming machines. It is another game where luck is a crucial factor in winning. 

Keno

Keno originates from China, and you can find this game in all reputable Asian casinos. In ancient times, Keno was used for fundraising to build the Great Wall of China. This game is pretty similar to a lottery, as players pick up to 20 numbers in a range of 1 to 80. They can bet on different combinations, and this type of game provides numerous wagering options. The simplest one is a straight bet, while you can spice your wagers with more complexity.

You don’t need to pick all 20 numbers correctly, as it is quite impossible. Jackpots are usually awarded for nine or ten correct picks. On the other hand, Keno enthusiasts generally pick from three to nine numbers. Although the odds are not favorable, Keno enjoys great popularity among Asian players. 

Mahjong

Mahjong is another game with Chinese origins and dating back to ancient history. It features a custom tileset of 144 pieces, and each tile falls under one of the seven categories. Each player gets dealt with 13 tiles, and the goal of the game is to form a “meld” or ahead.

Nowadays, players can enjoy Mahjong in online casinos as well. Playtech, one of the leading gaming software developers, made it available in two versions. Although newbies need to spend some time learning the rules, the game is very exciting. Therefore, the best approach would be to play it for free until you master your Mahjong skills.

If you find yourself in Asian casinos, you can try out some of these games. They can provide you a great level of entertainment and a unique gaming experience.