From Mahjong to Baccarrat: A Deep Dive into Asia’s Iconic Gambling Games

Asia is home to a staggering 60% of the world’s population and, unsurprisingly, has cultivated one of the largest and most vibrant gambling communities. While the iGaming industry in Asia continues to evolve rapidly, introducing new online platforms and casino games at a lightning pace, the region also holds onto its rich history by preserving traditional gambling games. These time-honored classics, played for centuries across the Asian continent, continue to thrive today, often with modern twists that appeal to the contemporary gambler.

The influence of Asia on the global gambling scene is undeniable. Many of today’s most popular casino games trace their origins back to this region, or have been significantly shaped by Asian culture. It’s no surprise that the Asian gaming community continues to celebrate its traditions, ensuring that games passed down through generations are not only preserved but reimagined for the modern era. Below is a closer look at some of the most popular Chinese and Asian casino games enjoyed by players today.

1. Mahjong: The Classic Tile Game

What is Mahjong and How to Play it? Mahjong, one of the oldest and most iconic games in Asia, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Traditionally played with four players and 136 tiles, this strategy-based game emphasizes sharp thinking and focus. A dice roll determines who becomes the dealer, and from there, players attempt to create winning hands by pairing tiles into sets of three or four.

How to Play Mahjong: Each player is dealt 13 tiles and attempts to build a complete hand by drawing and discarding tiles. The objective is to form four sets of three or four tiles and one pair. When a player completes a hand, they announce “Mahjong,” signaling their victory. This game remains a cornerstone of Asian culture and continues to be a popular attraction in brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online gaming platforms.

2. Sic Bo: The Dice Game of Luck

What is Sic Bo and How to Play it? Sic Bo, meaning “precious dice” in Chinese, is a fast-paced game that has stood the test of time. Played with three dice, Sic Bo relies purely on chance, making it an exciting, unpredictable experience. The game is widely played in both land-based and online casinos, with many international players embracing its simplicity and thrill.

How to Play Sic Bo: The Sic Bo table is similar to a roulette table, and players can place up to 50 different types of bets, predicting outcomes based on the dice rolls. Bets can include specific combinations of dice or the total sum of the three dice. There’s no strategy involved—it’s purely about luck. Sic Bo has found a loyal following in both Asian and Western casinos and is available in live dealer versions online.

3. Keno: The Ancient Lottery Game

What is Keno and How to Play it? Keno, which dates back to ancient China, is said to have helped fund the construction of the Great Wall of China. The game bears a striking resemblance to bingo and lottery games, making it a favorite among casual gamblers. Played with a ticket containing numbers from 1 to 80, players choose a series of numbers and hope that they match the drawn numbers.

How to Play Keno: Players can select between one and 20 numbers on their Keno card, placing their bet accordingly. The results are drawn, and players win based on how many of their chosen numbers match those drawn. Keno is available in multiple formats, with online versions offering live draws and instant payouts. This game’s simplicity and potential for large payouts have contributed to its enduring popularity.

4. Pai Gow (and Pai Gow Poker): Ancient Tiles Meet Modern Cards

What is Pai Gow and How to Play it? Pai Gow, originally played with a set of 32 Chinese dominoes, is a game that has evolved significantly over time. It’s a favorite in both Asian and Western casinos, where the game has been adapted into Pai Gow Poker, a version using a standard deck of cards.

How to Play Pai Gow: In the traditional version of Pai Gow, players receive four tiles, which they divide into two hands—one high and one low. The goal is to create a high-ranking hand and a low-ranking hand, both of which must beat the dealer’s hands to win. Pai Gow Poker follows a similar structure but uses poker hands and a deck of cards, adding an extra layer of complexity. Both games are social and offer multiple betting options, making them a staple in casinos.

5. Fan-Tan: The Classic Bet

What is Fan-Tan and How to Play it? Fan-Tan is a simple yet thrilling game traditionally played with coins or beads. It is often compared to roulette because of its straightforward betting structure and the random nature of the game’s outcome. This game has deep roots in Chinese culture and continues to be enjoyed by gamblers across East Asia.

How to Play Fan-Tan: Players place their bets on one of the numbered sections on the table. The banker then empties a bowl of coins or beads onto the table and uses a bamboo stick to divide them into smaller groups. The last group, when fewer than four remain, determines the winning bet. With its simplicity and fast pace, Fan-Tan remains a beloved game in Chinese casinos.

6. Chinese Poker: A New Spin on Poker

What is Chinese Poker and How to Play it? Chinese Poker is a fascinating variation of traditional poker, where each player is dealt 13 cards and must arrange them into three hands. This game is quite different from other poker games like Hold’em or Omaha, as it’s played with more cards and has unique scoring rules.

How to Play Chinese Poker: Players must create three hands using their 13 cards: one three-card hand and two five-card hands. The hands are then compared with those of the other players to determine the winner. Chinese Poker is fast-paced, social, and popular in Asian casinos, with many online casinos now offering a digital version of this unique game.

7. Niu Niu: A Southeast Asian Favorite

What is Niu Niu and How to Play it? Niu Niu is a card game popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in casinos across China and Taiwan. It is similar to Baccarat in terms of card values but introduces a different style of play and hand ranking system, making it an exciting alternative.

How to Play Niu Niu: Players receive cards, and the goal is to form the best possible hand using two or three cards. The hand with the highest points wins, and the scoring system is unique to Niu Niu. This game’s simplicity, combined with fast-paced action, has made it a popular choice among casual and experienced gamblers alike.

8. Yee Hah Hi: The Sic Bo Variant

What is Yee Hah Hi and How to Play it? Yee Hah Hi is a dice game that is very similar to Sic Bo, except it incorporates colored symbols and different betting options. The game uses three dice, each with six sides, each side bearing a symbol such as a coin, fish, or rooster.

How to Play Yee Hah Hi: Players bet on various combinations of symbols or colors and predict what will appear on the rolled dice. The simplicity and speed of Yee Hah Hi make it an exciting game, and it is gaining popularity in Asian casinos and online platforms worldwide.

9. Tien Gow: The Ancient Dominoes Game

What is Tien Gow and How to Play it? Tien Gow is a traditional Chinese domino game played with a set of 32 dominoes. This game is one of the oldest and most complex, with players competing to form higher-ranked combinations using their dominoes.

How to Play Tien Gow: Players take turns placing their dominoes on the table and attempting to beat the dealer’s hand. The dealer throws dice to determine the “suit,” and players try to outdo each other with better-ranked combinations. Tien Gow remains a favorite in many Chinese casinos due to its deep strategic elements.

10. Dou Dizhu: Fight the Landlord

What is Dou Dizhu and How to Play it? Dou Dizhu, also known as “Fight the Landlord,” is a card game played by three players, where one player (the “landlord”) faces off against the other two (the “peasants”). The goal is for the landlord to play all of their cards before the peasants.

How to Play Dou Dizhu: The game starts with players bidding for the landlord position, after which teams are formed. The landlord tries to be the first to play out all their cards, while the peasants work together to beat the landlord. The game combines strategy and luck, making it both challenging and fun.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Asian Gambling Games

Asian gambling games have a long and storied history, with many of today’s popular games originating from or being heavily influenced by ancient Asian traditions. The fact that many of these games have stood the test of time and continue to thrive, both in physical casinos and online platforms, is a testament to their enduring appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer, there’s something truly special about playing a game that has been enjoyed for centuries, blending tradition and innovation in exciting ways. So, the next time you play one of these iconic games, remember: you’re not just having fun, you’re also part of a rich, centuries-old gambling legacy.