Live dealer games have become some of the most popular offerings at online casinos—and for good reason. They allow players to experience the thrill of playing at a land-based casino without having to leave their homes.
Live dealer games allow players to experience the thrill of playing at a land-based casino without having to leave their homes.
Live casinos use sophisticated streaming technology to connect players with land-based casino studios, allowing them to interact with dealers and other players without the hassle of getting dressed and going out. The studios are equipped with several HD cameras so players can get different views and feel like they are actually there.
Live dealer games can be played on desktop and mobile devices, creating an incredibly convenient and entertaining experience for players all over the world.
Types of Live Casino Games
Classic table games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette are the cornerstone of any online live casino, but today many casinos offer variations of poker and TV game shows, which put them a notch above those that don't. Here we’ll take a look at the popular classics.
Live Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in the world, both at land-based and online casinos. The goal of the game is to use 2 or 3 cards and get as close to the value of 21 as possible. Players play and bet against the dealer, not against other players. Aces can be valued at 1 or 11, and after the second card is dealt, players can stay or hit.
In live dealer blackjack, players get to see the dealer shuffle and deal the cards, which adds to the thrill of the game. At the same time, they don’t have to get dressed and go out to a casino—they can play from any location, any time of day or night.
Live Baccarat
Similar to blackjack, the goal of baccarat is to bet correctly on the hand of the banker or the player. The hand that’s closest to the number 9 wins. Cards 2-9 are worth their face value, 10-King are worth 0, and aces are worth 1. Baccarat has one of the lowest house edges of casino table games, making it popular among players who like good odds.
Live baccarat is very similar to both the land-based and online versions. When you play the live version, however, you can pick from different variations of the game and switch tables easily if you prefer one over another.
Live Roulette
Roulette is another popular table game, both online and at land-based casinos. The roulette wheel has black and red sections with numbers 0-36 (though American roulette has an extra 00). The croupier spins the wheel and drops a ball on it as it spins. Players bet on where the ball will land, and there are many types of bets.
In live roulette, the betting surface is digital, so you can easily choose a chip value and place it on a spot that you want. Then, you see the dealer spin the wheel and wait for the ball to stop moving. There is definitely a greater thrill seeing a real roulette wheel spin than watching a virtual one. Some live roulette games offer slow-motion replays and special effects, so you get the best of both the live and virtual worlds.
Live Poker
Poker is arguably the casino game that is the most equal combination of luck and skill. There are many variations of poker, but Texas Hold’em is the most popular live version.
Live dealer poker offers the benefits of social playing, though, on a screen, it may be harder to tell if your fellow players are bluffing. The upside is that you get the suspense of a traditional poker game without having to leave your home.
Live Game Shows
While most live casinos offer table games, the ones that offer live game shows are a step above the rest. Live games like Deal or No Deal, Monopoly Live, Dream Catcher, and Mega Ball have become very popular among players, and they are unique since they aren't offered at traditional land-based casinos.
Top Live Dealer Game Providers
While there are hundreds of online casino software developers, there are only a few really top-quality live game developers. Evolution, Microgaming, and NetEnt are among the top 3.
Evolution
Evolution is the recognized leader of live casino games. Founded in 2006, it opened its first studio for live streaming in Riga, Latvia. By 2013, it opened its 100th live table, becoming the largest single-site casino operation in Europe. Evolution Gaming continued to expand over the next decade, opening studios in various locations around the world and adding games to its library.
In 2017, Evolution made history in the industry by launching Dream Catcher as a live game. It continued to spice up its collection with games like Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal.
Along the way, Evolution acquired Ezugi, NetEnt, Red Tiger, and other gaming companies. In 2021, it was named Live Casino Supplier of the Year for the 12th consecutive year at the EGR B2B Awards.
Microgaming
Microgaming is arguably the most well-known name in the online gaming software industry, so it’s no surprise that it has also become a world leader in live dealer games. Microgaming was founded in 1994 and launched live dealer games in 2006. Microgaming offers classic live games like live roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, along with Texas Hold’em and Sic Bo. Microgaming also launched the first branded live casino: the Playboy Live Casino.
Microgaming recently teamed up with On Air Entertainment to launch a new live dealer suite, which will feature both classic and bespoke live dealer games at Microgaming online casinos.
NetEnt
NetEnt was acquired by Evolution in 2020, but the company still develops live casino games under its own name. NetEnt is another leader in the gaming software sphere, known for its diverse and high-quality games. Its live casino launched relatively late in the game in 2013, but players flocked to these games since NetEnt has a stellar reputation.
The company’s live casino started out only with roulette and blackjack. In 2020 it began offering baccarat, and today it offers live game shows like Monopoly Live, Dream Catcher, etc.
Everything You Need to Know About Live Dealer Games
The idea of live dealer casino games came around as early as 1998, but the technology wasn’t in place to make it a reality. By the 2010s, technology had caught up and live dealer casinos took off in popularity. There is still an increasing demand for these games because they offer so many conveniences.
Pros of playing live dealer casinos games include:
Cons of playing live dealer casino games include:
Tips for Choosing the Right Live Casino
If live dealer games sound like just what you’ve been looking for, you might be wondering where to find the best live casinos. Since most casinos have a live casino section, you may want to stick with your favourite standard online casino and play the live dealer games there.
If you’re open to shopping around, here are some things to consider:
If you find a live casino that suits your preferences, take it for a whirl. Sometimes, a live casino looks perfect, but then you start playing and discover that the streaming technology isn’t the best and there is a lag or other technical issues. Other times, it may be exactly what you’re looking for. The only way to find out is to try.
And finally, whether you’re playing standard casino games or live dealer games, we recommend only playing at licensed casinos. This is the best way to stay safe and enjoy your online gaming experience.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
