Why play at a live casino?
Unlike your standard casino, live casinos are operated by a real dealer who uses real chips and cards. The dealer and the table will be streamed to your screen, and you can watch the game unfold in real-time. The stream of the live casino means that players across the world can join together to experience a real-life game in real-time.
So, rather than using a Random Number Generator to determine the outcomes of games, like on standard online casinos, live casinos will use a human dealer, just like in a physical casino.
As well as witnessing the action, you will be able to communicate with the dealer as well as other players. In most cases this will be through an online live chat and the game’s control panel, but on some live casinos you will be able to talk through your microphone. It is the closest you can get to being in a real casino without leaving your home!
However, although you can see the dealer and the table, you won’t be able to see other players and they won’t be able to see you, so there’s no need to get dressed up to play! Although you can put your fancy clothes on if you really want to feel like you are at an exclusive Vegas casino!
Live casinos offer an authentic and immersive gaming experience where you can hear the spin of the Roulette wheel and the sounds of the cards as they’re dealt onto the table. The game will be filmed from different angles so you can get the best view of the game, offering a realistic and exciting gaming environment.
Live casino providers use the latest technology to give players a good user experience with top graphics and, crucially, good streaming quality! The worst thing that can happen on a live casino is the stream cutting out in the middle of a game, so providers go to great lengths to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Many will film from a purpose-built studio to ensure players get the best quality experience and high definition streaming.
Several live casinos have started to offer different themes, as well as customizable tables. This means players can really tailor the game to their preferences and enjoy the experience even more!
How do live casinos work?
In terms of gameplay and the rules of each game, live casinos work in the same way as land casinos and standard online casinos. The only difference is you will be playing online and watching the game via an online stream.
The human dealers on live casinos means you will have more interaction when you play. You can ask the dealer any questions, just as you can in a land-based casino. Studios make sure the live dealers are experienced, calm, and professional, as well as outgoing, to make players feel secure and relaxed. The dealers will keep the game moving and will be in charge of the table.
When playing on a live casino, you will need to treat the dealer with respect and not be abusive. You could be reported for any inappropriate behaviour.
Just like with any normal table in a casino, live casinos only have limited seats available. So, at busy periods, some tables may be full if you try to join them.
However, there are sure to be other tables you can join, and some tables will even be open 24/7!
There is also likely to be time limits, so you would have to place your bet within a certain time. This is to ensure the game keeps moving and to make sure players aren’t waiting for one person to decide their next move!
When you play on live casinos you will also be able to choose how much you play with. Different tables will have different bet limits, with some allowing higher bets than others.
So, what can I play?
Most live casinos will give you the opportunity to play a wide variety of games. Each site will have slightly different games, but typically as a minimum they will have the standard titles of Roulette and Blackjack. Many will also offer Baccarat and Poker, and some may offer less-common games like Casino Hold’em or Punto Banco.
As well as playing the standard variations of these games, many casinos will offer a number of different live variations on these classic titles. For example, you could enjoy Lightning Roulette, European Roulette, American Roulette, Instant Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Blitz Blackjack, Power Blackjack, and Ultimate Blackjack to name just a few! There are also speed versions of these games if you want a more fast-paced experience, in addition to VIP tables.
There will also be versions of these games in various different languages.
Some of the major providers behind the live casino games are Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and Playtech.
Before playing a live casino game, it will often be useful to familiarize yourself with the rules. Because you have to consider the dealer and other players, you will have to move at the pace that they set rather than moving at your own speed, which could be stressful if you are not fully confident in how to play.
When you play on live casinos, look out for any special bonuses they might have on offer. Some will give players cashbacks or other promotional offers when they join and play a live dealer game.
FAQs
How is a live casino different from a normal online casino?
Live casinos are different from other online casinos because, rather than using a Random Number Generator, they have a human dealer. Players will join a live stream of a table with a real dealer, and play will proceed as if they are at a land-based casino. They will be playing alongside other players, and they will be able to interact with each other and the dealer.
How do I play on live casinos?
When you play for real money on live casinos, you will deposit and withdraw the same way you would for any other game on an online casino. You will select the game you want to play and then follow the instructions of the dealer on the screen. Gameplay will be the same as other standard games, so you will need to place your bet before seeing if you got lucky.
Can I play a live casino on mobile?
Yes. With the rise in mobile gaming, you can enjoy most live casinos on your mobile, which means you can join live games wherever you are. Many providers are specifically designing mobile-friendly live casinos to make sure the user experience is as good whether you play on a desktop or a smartphone.
Can I trust live casinos?
Live casinos operate under the same regulations as any other casinos, so they will be authorized and regulated by a gambling authority.
Some players may even find live casinos more trustworthy, as they are able to watch the game play out with a real, human dealer rather than relying on computer algorithms to determine any wins.
To read more on how to play online slots and the meaning of RTP, check out our handy guides.
