When you play live casino online, it’s as if you are right there at the table – with a real dealer dealing you cards, spinning the wheel or rolling the dice! The games are broadcast from specialised studios and utilise cutting-edge multi-camera, audio and IT technology. The best sites will feature an extensive range of game tables and bet limits to cater for players of all levels.
You can choose a game to play from a list of available options displayed in a live lobby, just as you would scope out a table on a real casino floor. After you have selected a table, you will be taken to it via video feed, where you will see the dealer and all the real casino equipment that they are using. Then, you will use buttons on your screen to place bets and let the dealer know your decisions.
The best sites will host a wide variety of games, including classic blackjack, roulette and poker, as well as more niche options like baccarat. They will also offer multiple side bets to add even more excitement to the games. Most of the games are played against the house and not fellow customers, but there are some that feature other players too.
Some sites have dedicated croupiers for each game, while others hire a single croupier to handle all the live action. The croupiers are trained to understand the rules of each game and are expected to be able to capture the attention of the player with their charm, good looks and professionalism.
While there are a few large software developers who dominate the live casino market, newer providers are trying to carve out a niche for themselves with quirky variants of popular games. For example, a Latvian company offers an exclusively female dealer service, based on the belief that “sex appeal sells”.
The most popular games at live casinos are blackjack and roulette, and most sites will have a huge selection of each. However, they will also have a variety of rule variations and betting options to keep things interesting for veteran players.
Another popular option for many players is a live casino version of the famous TV game show, Deal or No Deal. These games feature a ‘personality’ host and try to replicate the fun, excitement and chemistry of the original broadcast.
Live casinos use a combination of technologies to ensure that the games are fair and that their outcomes cannot be manipulated. They will usually run on servers located in different jurisdictions and will have a team of security specialists working on the back end to prevent any potential issues. They may also be subject to regular tests and audits by third parties. This is to protect players and ensure that the site meets its legal obligations. This is especially important in the United States where there are strict laws governing how casinos operate. This includes how they collect and process data.