A Las Vegas local is now a living legend in Sin City.
The man, identified only by his first name, Richard, decided to play Face Up Pai Gow Poker on a visit to the Suncoast Hotel and Casino.
He placed a $1 bet for the progressive jackpot and an extra $7 for a bonus side bet. In just a few moments, Richard hit it big, landing a 7-card straight flush and winning a massive payout of $259,850.
The casino posted an image of Richard moments after his progressive jackpot win on its X account.
Richard, a lucky local, unlocked victory on Face Up Pai Gow Poker here on Saturday!
He placed a $1 wager for the progressive jackpot and an additional $7 on the bonus side bet & hit a 7-card straight flush to win $259,850!! Congratulations, Richard! pic.twitter.com/OkdpIQlCo1— Suncoast Casino (@suncoastcasino) October 8, 2024
It’s probably the best $1 investment Richard has ever made.
Following Richard's win, the progressive was reset, but it was already approaching $80,000 (at last check).
What is Face Up Pai Gow Poker?
Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a fast-paced game where the dealer's cards are dealt face up.
Each player and the dealer are dealt seven cards from a 53-card deck, which includes a joker. 
Players bet and arrange their cards into a five-card hand that must be stronger than their two-card hand. Then, the dealer's hand is compared to each player's hand. Players can place standard wagers and optional bets, like the Ace High Bonus and Fortune Bonus.
To win, a player's five-card and two-card hands must both rank higher than the dealer’s. If only one hand is stronger, the round is a tie. If the dealer holds an Ace High in their best five-card hand, the player's bet is a push, resulting in no loss or gain.
You can review the rules and develop your own strategy through practice.
Pai Gow Progressive is Optional
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, if you’re playing for the progressive jackpot, it’s an optional side bet, which considers the best hand possible among all of the player’s cards.
Here’s the pay table the NGCB provides.
| Hand | Pays* |
| 7 Card Straight Flush | 100% |
| 5 Aces | 10% |
| Royal Flush | 500 for 1 |
| Straight Flush | 100 for 1 |
| Four of a Kind | 75 for 1 |
| Full House | 4 for 1 |
| *Reflects $1 wager. All numbers multiply up for higher wagers. | *Original wager is not returned |
The joker is used as an Ace, or to complete a Straight or Flush.The Semi Wild Joker completes a Straight Flush, Straight, and Flush; or substitutes for an Ace.
Big Wins Happen Off The Strip, Too
People love the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, but Richard’s story proves you can strike it rich off the Strip, too.
The Suncoast Hotel and Casino, located in northwest Las Vegas, just 15 minutes west of the Strip. His decision to play some poker there paid off in a big way.
If you’d like to try some online poker before your next trip to Vegas, check out this list of the best casinos for online poker.
