How Live Casino Games Work
Those of you who haven’t tried live casino games (also known as live dealer games) might be a bit frightened at first. The truth is, a typical version of them will look similar to the standard casino table games you play.
All the game functions are handled through an interface that includes your chips, the table layout, the buttons for placing bets and any other actions you’ll need to take during the game. The only big difference will be the live dealer standing by the table and the fact that the game is streamed live from a studio.
It’s more realistic gaming that makes you feel like you are in an actual land-based casino. You will be able to interact with the dealer using the live chat box or microphone.
Are they rigged? No! Besides the fact that they are streamed live (so all action and outcomes are happening right in front of your eyes), they are completely regulated. As such, they must cover a number of conditions and standards to ensure gameplay is enjoyable and results are fair. Any casino caught cheating will immediately lose its license, so it's not worth it to them.
Each and every aspect of the game is real, from the table to the dealer. The only virtual part is that you are playing through a computer instead of sitting at an actual casino.
What Makes Them Different
Like any other gaming type, live casino games can offer hours of entertainment. But they do have a few differences.
The first is the pace of the gameplay, which might be a bit slower than you're used to. The reason for this is that the dealer is a real human being and not a computerised mechanic.
With the social element and human factor in the game, it takes longer as the dealer needs time to spin the wheel or deal the cards. Plus, unlike computerised online games, you won’t have the option of speeding up. If you’re in a rush, then a live casino game will definitely not work for you.
Betting limits tend to be more limited here, as these games cost more to operate. However, this comes with benefits, as the wagers still tend to be lower than what they’d be when playing at a land-based casino.
If you’re looking to play like a high roller, you’ll need to join the special high roller tables, which can be found at selected online casino sites.
These games are also heavier on your data usage, as the video is streamed live. You’ll need to make sure you have a solid internet connection, so you don’t get stuck with lag or an extra slow game. Best not to play a live casino game if the connection is extra slow on a particular day.
Here's a quick comparison between live casino games and their traditional counterparts:
| Live casino games |
Virtual table games |
| Real person as a dealer |
No dealer |
| More authentic gameplay, but it's slower due to human factor |
Automated gameplay, but quicker (and can be sped up if desired) |
| Heavy data usage because of the real casino experience |
Can be played on devices with a slow internet connection |
| Lower betting limits (except in high roller tables) |
Wider betting range |
| Best of both worlds, as it combines online gambling with a real casino feel |
Only traditional gameplay and feeling |
Best Live Casino Games
Basically, all table games can be improved with a live variant that lets you get the real casino feel and fix. Still, some are more popular than others.
Roulette
You'll find the most live versions of Roulette (and Blackjack) online. As one of the most popular games of chance online, this comes as no surprise. Roulette has been around for centuries, and now has a new, more exciting version that combines all you love about gambling - classic gameplay and a real casino feel.
There are many titles to choose from, and some even come with the option to switch between a live and virtual variant.
Blackjack
Next is Blackjack, or one of the biggest and most popular table games, both online and offline. It's a bit different from others, as it requires a lot more skills and strategy than most. Blackjack feels easy to learn at first, so it's also rather easy to start, but then, you need to master it to keep winning.
With its live variants, you get to improve the gameplay by playing and interacting with a live host and sometimes other players.
CasinoWow Tip: If you're looking for the live game with the best stakes, try Blackjack, as it's commonly considered to bring the highest chances of winning.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a close third in volume of games. It might not be as popular as the other two, but it keeps a loyal following, especially online. It doesn't rely on strategy as much, but still manages to bring a lot of excitement to the table. Plus, it hosts some of the games with the highest limits and high roller gameplay.
Next come Poker. One would think that Poker would be high on the list, but it's only now gaining traction as a live game. That's probably due to the fact that a bigger focus is placed on poker tournaments.
You can also find live versions of Craps games as well as more specific titles like Sic Bo, Teen Patti, and even familiar games and game shows like Deal or No Deal and Monopoly.
Top 5 Most Popular Live Casino Games
These are the live games our players love playing the most:
Feel the heat with real dealers and wins of up to 20,000x your stake.
A lightning-fast and fun game by Evolution that gives you a chance to win up to 500x from the very first bet!
Baccarat Live comes with traditional gameplay, live action, and chances of wins going up to 8:1 bet.
Exciting live Bingo action for a chance to trigger multiplier wins of 20,000x.
Move across the monopoly board in real-time and win up to 500x your bet with Evolution’s Monopoly Live variant.
Live casino games remain some of the most exciting game forms available online. Take a chance and face the dealer with your favourite live casino games today and take advantage of the latest live casino bonuses.
Live Casino Bonuses
There are different types of bonuses you can use when playing live casino games. Every online gaming platform has a different offering, but they all have offers that can boost your gameplay as you take on the live dealer.
Here are the most common live casino bonuses available online:
This is a promotion available to new players who register an account for the first time. These offers can be used on different live games, such as live roulette or live blackjack.
This is a common offer in which you make a deposit, and the casino matches it with a percentage bonus, which can be anything from 25% to 200%.
The cashback is a great offer for when Lady Luck is not looking your way. This bonus gives you back a percentage of your losses, which enables you to recover some of the funds you’ve lost.
With some online gaming platforms, there are free bets for live casino games. With these offers, you can place a wager without having to risk your own funds.
You also get live casino tournaments where you can enjoy competition against other players. These are often focused on a specific game or a number of games. You get to play and try to make your way into the top ranks to take home a prize or bonus, depending on the promotion.
It’s important to remember that all promotional offers for live dealer games will have strict terms and conditions, including time limits, minimum deposits, and wagering requirements, so take the time to go through them.
Tips & Tricks for Playing
Before you start playing, it's worth knowing a few tips to help you get the best out of your gameplay. It's always nice to have some tricks up your sleeve when trying a new game, so remember these tried and tested ones:
- Get familiar with the best strategies for the different games, as this will help you play in the best way. You can go through our game guides for useful pointers and information to get you started.
- Play responsibly and manage your bankroll. Nothing else is as important as this, as it makes the difference between getting something out of your games and failing.
- Make use of bonus offers. They are there to help you boost your funds and have more time to play.
- Follow the casino etiquette. It's important to know what (not) to do when playing, i.e., be respectful towards the dealer at all times.
- Try different games and don't get stuck on only one type of play, as this is a way to up your chances of getting more wins (but it also means that you must master different kinds of games).
Best Live Casinos to Play At
By now, you're probably looking at a casino to test your skills and join the live fun. We can help! Take a look at our list of recommended live casinos and take your pick to start:
National is classy, sleek and offers more than 4,000 casino games (including live titles) and a full range of great promotions!
One of the most popular gambling sites at the moment comes with wide game selection that includes the best live titles and a bunch of others perks for players.
A healthy game portfolio, exclusive bonuses and great gameplay will make you come back for more and more at LV Bet.
Choose any of these or other recommendations to get access to the best games and features on offer. Plus, like all casinos on our lists, they come with a guarantee for safe and responsible play.
How to Play Live Casino Games Online
It once again starts with finding the right casino that is trustworthy and supports live games. After that, you need to log in or register if you don't have an account yet. If it's the latter, you can claim a welcome bonus as you do.
Then, pick a game and follow the instructions to join and play. The process is simple and generally involves you picking a bet and waiting to see the outcome. If you win, the funds will be credited to your account and you can cash out at any time you wish after that.
Best Live Casino Game Providers
As a live casino player, you have the benefit of experiencing different games from the leading software providers. Here’s a quick look at some of the top companies responsible for the live casino games you get to enjoy online today.
Evolution is considered the King of live gaming, a leader in the industry with a wide range of high-quality games. Those include classic and modern renditions of live roulette, blackjack, and other table games. They are behind for popular titles like Lightning Roulette and exciting innovations like Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt Live.
Playtech is one of the oldest software providers, having been around since 1999. Their games have that real Vegas feel, with high-quality graphics and live games playable via streams. The latter makes the experience feel even more personal. They have a great selection of live games, which also includes modern variants like Age of the Gods Roulette.
Another big name is Games Global (ex. Microgaming), a provider that is a pioneer in the industry and has been making hits since 1994. They have several live casino games, including classic live table variants, along with more modern titles.
One of the most popular providers is particularly known for its innovation and high-quality games. While its live casino game collection is much smaller than that of slots and other titles, it’s created some of the most popular live games, including the Perfect Blackjack title.
Benefits of Live Casino Gaming
Live dealer games are increasing in popularity as they are the closest thing to getting that real casino feel without having to drive to a nearby establishment. With these games, you get to see and interact with real dealers. There’s also the potential to connect with other players, which gives it that social connection.
Another reason these games are so popular is that there are so many options to choose from. And now, with live casino gaming incorporating VR, AR, and other technologies, the game experience is getting better and better.
On top of all that, there’s the simple fact that live casino games are convenient. They cut out the elements of travelling and additional expenses, as you can play right from your home or on the go.
The possibilities are now endless, especially with new technology (like AI) getting into live gaming. They could improve player interactions and increase that personalised aspect. It feels very exciting and we can't wait!