Over the last few years live casinos have been increasing in popularity faster than pretty much any casino game. A live casino is meant to mimic the experience you would have if you were physically at a casino, except from the comfort of your home. It’s designed to defeat the self-containing experience that you would normally have at an online casino, and has been put in place to increase interaction, for those players who feel that online casinos lack.
The set up of the game is so you can actually see a live dealer physically dealing the cards, spinning the wheel or doing whatever you’d expect them do from your normal casino. It’s set up to be a much more social environment and you will even be able to chat to the dealer, just as if you were sat next to them. With some of the software you will also be able to chat to and see (via webcam) other players at the table, again, adding to the overall interaction of the games.
The games themselves will play out just as you would play online. You make your selections on the screen and then wait for the dealer to do their thing. The software then is able to see what you have wagered on and entered the outcome of the live game to payout on bets accordingly. What a lot of people don’t understand is that the games are solely based on the action you see before you and unlike online casino games, don’t adhere to any online RNG. Whilst the RNG for online casino games is always 100% fair, it will always have it’s sceptics and live casino games are often a way for them to get over this, whilst still essentially playing online.
The downside to these sorts of games is that it takes a lot longer to play than a normal online casino game. For example, if you are playing live blackjack then you’re going to have to wait for the dealer to shuffle the deck and even deal the cards, just as you would in the casino. You will also need to wait for other players at your table to play their hands, which can become a little frustrating on a full table with players using their whole allotted time for each decision.
Just like you would in a standard casino, the game in the live game will get busy at peak times and you may actually have to wait until a spot at a table appears before you can be seated. Obviously in a standard casino game, you just jump in and out as and when you like due to the massive number of games that can be played at any one time. You will also likely have to adhere to a higher minimum bet for each game than you normally if you were online. For example, some online blackjack games will allow you to play hands starting from as little as 10p, but live games need to be higher due to the lack of hands that can be played, with minimum bets starting from around £10.
Live Dealer Games
As with anything in the casino industry, once something starts to take off, developers find ways in which to get the maximum potential possible from each game. As a result, there are now a plentiful of live casino games which can be played, as we have listed below.
Live Blackjack
The live blackjack tables are some of the most popular at any live casino. The game itself is always going to be popular anyway, but the live games take that to another level. The main gripe with these types of games, as mentioned above, will be the time it takes to play each hand. If you find yourself at a table with several players, be prepared to be in for a wait, but then, you knew that already.
Live Roulette
Similarly to blackjack, roulette is going to be another popular spot for the live casino players. The games however tend to work just as quickly as they would in any live game or even a multiplayer online game. All players will have a dedicated amount of time to make their decision, before the ball gets rolling.
Live Casino Hold’em
Live casino hold’em is really exciting game to be played on a live casino at means you really get to interact with the dealer. Similarly to that of blackjack, you actually play your game against the dealer, so its important to take note of what they re doing, although they do follow very strict rules in terms of what they can and cant do for the game.
Live Craps
Craps is a game synonymous with high rollers, but in all fairness it can literally be played by anyone with any bankroll. The live casino version of the game will likely see more than one dealer on any one game, due to the nature of rolling the dice and placing the bets. It will also likely limit the number of players at any one table, just to make things a little less confusing for all involved.
Live Casino Software
As with online casinos, there are now many software providers in the industry all trying to get business from the established online casino. Each software provider will offer something slightly different from the other, which might be anything from the range of games on offer to the types of dealers that are provider (usually females wearing very little). Listed below are some of the more popular live casino software providers and what they have to offer.
Playtech
Playtech are an interesting proposition for live casino operators as they can support their platform on mobile devices as well as their desktop variant. What you’re getting from Playtech is live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and Texas hold’em.
Whilst the list of games aren’t as big as some of their competitors, its without doubt the mobile interaction that really sets them apart from the field.
Netent
Netent have gone down the customisation route for their live casino in that you can essentially choose the playing environment that you want to sit in. They have a number of different themed rooms and different dealers to play with, along with a number of communal game as well.
One of the companies unique selling points is that of their common draw blackjack game, which essentially allows them to host an unlimited number of players in just one game, rather than players having to wait for a table.
Microgaming
At Microgaming you’re going to be able to play baccarat, blackjack and roulette offerings. They provide their users with an HD stream with a virtual interface to allow for a seamless stream and in turn, interaction with their dealer and other players.
They have even roped on board some Playboy bunnies to help with the dealing, which is going to please a lot of male followers for sure!
Evolution
Evolution gaming is one of the biggest providers in the live casino industry and offers more games than any other. The list of games includes live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat, live casino hold’em, live three-card poker and live Caribbean stud poker.
Evolution has basically built a massive live casino in Latvia where they host all of their live casino games, running around the clock. In fact, they claim to have over 1,500 employees working the casino floor alone, giving you an idea of just how big an operation this is for them.
VueTec
VueTec is probably the most unique operator in the market at the minute and that’s because of their all-new Distance Gaming. The technology allows them to stream in from a number of real life casinos for you to play online. You’re going to be able to feel the buzz of an actual casino and actually see people in and about the table, without it obstructing your vision or game.
They currently offer live casino in roulette, blackjack, Texas hold’em variations, Punto Banco, baccarat, RNG, Slots, Keno and other table games; so quite the portfolio!