The world of online gaming and gambling has never been more exciting… or more technologically advanced – but there are few innovations that have made quite the same impact as Live Casino. Essentially, these are the best way to bridge the gap between real-life casino excitement and the convenience of the online world.
For a lot of players, live casinos are just the right combination of authenticity and accessibility. They mean that players can enjoy their favourite table games with real-life dealers, with the games streamed in real-time to their screens… either from professional studios or land-based casinos. Whether you’re a high-roller who wants to hit the VIP tables or you’re just curious about giving it a go, then you need to know exactly what they are and how they work. Here, we’re going to look at how it works and how you can find a trusted UK live casino platform so you can have the best experience possible.
What Is a Live Casino?
Essentially, a live casino is an online casino site that streams actual live footage of real, human dealers leading table games in real time. The aim is to replicate the experience you’d get at a land-based casino as closely as possible… the shuffling of cards, the spinning of the roulette wheel, and dealing chips – and you can place your bet on your computer or mobile.
Unlike a standard online casino game, where the outcome is decided by an RNG (Random Number Generator), live casinos are a lot more social. You can use the live-chat function to communicate with the dealer and other layers. It’s just like having Vegas in your pocket, but without the airfare and the queues.
How Does It Work?
Unsurprisingly, the technology behind live casinos is incredibly sophisticated. Here’s how it all works…
- Live Studios: The live studios are rooms (or areas in a land-based casino) that are equipped with cameras and broadcasting equipment.
- Human Dealers: These are professional dealers who are trained to host the games, just as they would do in a brick-and-mortar casino.
- Game Control Unit (GCU): This is a small device that’s attached to each table, and it encodes the video – helping to create a seamless interaction between the dealer and the software.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): This translates the dealer’s moves into data, which allows the system to track the outcome and update the game interface.
The Most Popular Live Casino Games
A lot of the live casinos are all about the classics… offering a superb selection of table games that players love – games such as:
- Live Blackjack
- Live Roulette
- Live Baccarat
- Live Poker Variants such as Casino Hold’em and Three Card Poker.
However, lots also offer game show style games – like Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, or Crazy Time, where you get to feel like part of a game show… and have the chance to win game show style cash prizes!
Why Live Casinos Are So Popular
Live casinos are getting more and more popular – and for several reasons…
They Feel Authentic
Because they use live dealers, it creates a much more realistic and authentic casino experience. You can see every move, every shuffle of the cards, and every spin of the wheel as it happens, which makes it feel a lot more transparent and trustworthy than an RNG game.
Convenient
They’re right there, on your computer screen or your mobile in your pocket. You don’t need to catch a flight to Vegas or Monaco to enjoy all the thrills and spills on offer. You just need a decent internet connection, and you’re good to go – anytime, anywhere.
Social
Playing at a traditional online casino can feel a bit lonely. However, live casinos have live chat functions so you can chat with the dealer and other players at the table, replicating the social aspect you’d get at a land-based casino.
Game Variety and Innovation
Live casinos are getting better games all the time – more innovative and more technologically advanced. There are new formats, different themes, and ever-more interactive features, so the experience never gets boring.
Security and Fair Play
One of the biggest concerns players have with online casinos – and that includes live casinos is trust. Are the games fair? Is the dealer trustworthy? Is your data and money safe?
Well, as long as you’re playing at a licensed and regulated platform, you’re good, because they have to comply with the strictest operational guidelines. That being said, make sure you’re playing at a casino licensed by one of the following:
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
These organisations check and test the games on the site for fairness, make sure that the dealers are professionally trained, and that the customer’s information is fully protected with the strongest encryption protocols possible.
Top Tips for Playing at a Live Casino
So, if you are thinking about starting with a live casino, here are our top tips…
- Make Sure the Casino Is Licensed: So you can be assured of safety and fairness.
- Check the Table Limits: Different games come with different betting ranges, so make sure you choose one that suits your budget.
- Make Sure You Have a Good Internet Connection: Live-streamed games need a decent internet connection… so any lag or drop in connection can completely ruin the experience.
- Be Careful with Bonuses: Some casinos will offer bonuses especially for live casino players… but make sure you read the T&Cs before claiming.
The Future of Live Casinos
There’s no doubt that live casinos are going to get even more immersive. We’re talking about things like VR casinos, where you can actually feel like you’re walking around in a virtual lobby, choosing your table, and interacting with everyone around you in 3D. We might not be there yet, but we’re on our way. There’ll also be more localisation, gamification, and customisation – making it feel even more personal.
Live casinos are great now – but they’re going to get even better!
