In today’s world of at-home entertainment, digital gaming reigns supreme. But for many online gamblers, the human element is missing from the experience. Enter live dealer games – which are extremely popular in virtual gambling. These games offer great taste, with a live dealer guiding players through their hands and spins. It’s like having a VIP table at your favourite casino, except you don’t have to don your fanciest outfit or shell out lots of cash for a night out. While some may scoff at the idea of a virtual dealer, others see it as the perfect way to spice up their online gambling routine. After all, who doesn’t love a little bit of human interaction?
Designed to mimic the thrill of land-based casinos, live casino games offer a truly interactive experience with a real-life dealer. As technology has improved, we have seen many changes within live dealer casino games, which have become much more popular. The most played games include Baccarat, Roulette, and Blackjack.
Find below a comprehensive list of all casino sites we feature at Compare Casino Sites that offer live dealer casino games.
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Understanding Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games use real-time streaming technology to connect players with professional croupiers who manage the games just as they would in a physical casino. This includes dealing cards, spinning roulette wheels, or throwing dice, all while players place their bets online. The popular games in this category include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker, along with gameshow-style games like Dream Catcher and Monopoly Live.
If you haven’t yet tried these fantastic live casino games, there are a few things you will want to know before you dive straight in.
Live dealer casino sites offer a range of Roulette, card, and dice games. Some feature many more games than others, but you’ll find that the majority aren’t managed or controlled by the actual site. The bet interface and video stream are often managed by a third party. These third-party providers sell their services to online casinos, and live dealers tend to be hired by the software company.
The interface you are presented with will depend upon which provider the casino is using. Some games allow you to chat with the dealers and other players while you play. However, not all games have this option. It is also possible to enlarge the dealer video stream in some interfaces. Then there are Smart Live Casinos, which allow you to see all other bets placed by other players before you make your own.
Types of live casinos
The live games can typically be broken down into three different types. These include:
- Actual casino video streams
- Purpose-built studio video streams
- TV broadcast video streams
There are some online casinos that offer games that are streamed live from actual land-based casinos. You can see other players in the casino making bets. It is the closest thing to being there yourself and boasts a fantastic, exciting atmosphere.
The majority of games, however, tend to be broadcast from purpose-built studios. The benefits of these games include that everything from the lighting to the streaming technology can be fully optimised for the online world.
The least common live dealer games you will encounter are those broadcast on TV and the internet. Presenters broadcast these games from television studios, and you can participate via your TV or your PC/laptop/mobile device.
While live dealer casino sites can provide an enhanced online experience, there are a few things you need to consider. Firstly you need to be aware of the connection requirements. You must ensure a fast, reliable internet connection as the live games are video streamed. If you have a slow connection, you will likely experience some problems.
What are the most common live casino games available?
While some online casinos will offer a more extensive range of live games than others, some games tend to feature more prominently. Live dealer games often provide a wide range of betting options, catering to high rollers and those with more modest bankrolls. This inclusivity ensures that all players can enjoy the thrill of live casino gaming.
1. Live Roulette
Live roulette is one of the UK’s most popular live dealer games. The game is played with a live dealer spinning a real roulette wheel in real-time. Players can bet on different outcomes, such as a specific number, colour, or range of numbers. Some popular variations include European Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette.
2. Live Blackjack
Blackjack is a casino staple, and the live version of the game brings all the excitement of the traditional game into players’ homes. The game aims to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Variants of the game might include Infinite Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, and Power Blackjack.
3. Live Baccarat
Baccarat is a high-stakes card game that is immensely popular among casino players. Live Baccarat games allow players to bet on the player, banker, or a tie. Different versions of live Baccarat available at online UK casinos include Speed Baccarat and Baccarat Squeeze.
4. Live Poker
Live poker is another popular live dealer game in the UK. Variants of the game include Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. In these games, players play against the house rather than against other players.
5. Game Shows
Game shows are a relatively new addition to live casinos, but they’ve quickly gained popularity. These games, inspired by popular TV shows, offer a unique, entertaining experience. Examples include Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal, and Crazy Time.
6. Live Sic Bo
Though less common than the games mentioned above, Live Sic Bo has recently gained popularity in the UK. It’s a dice game largely based on chance originating from ancient China.
7. Live Dragon Tiger
Live Dragon Tiger is a game that’s simple to understand and fast to play. It’s often described as a two-card version of Baccarat – players simply bet on which card will be higher, the Dragon or the Tiger.
Each game comes with its rules, betting options, and strategies, adding to the variety and enjoyment that live dealer casino games offer. These live games have truly brought the authentic, interactive casino experience into players’ homes, transforming the online gambling landscape in the UK.
There are a lot of different variations of the games mentioned above. So it definitely pays to compare casinos to see which offers the best choice.
Benefits of live dealers
Live games aren’t just more exciting and give you additional peace of mind. For example, when you play standard casino games, you rely on a random number generator to determine whether you win. Many players have doubts about how trustworthy these random number generators are. With a live dealer game, you aren’t relying upon a random program. Instead, you’re trusting an actual person.
The primary appeal of live dealer games lies in their immersive nature. They create a social atmosphere that traditional online games can’t replicate, allowing for player-dealer interaction and sometimes even player-to-player communication. This dynamic can make the gaming experience feel more personal and engaging.
The presence of a live dealer adds a human element often missing in standard online casino games. This enhances the gaming experience’s authenticity and increases players’ trust, as they can see the dealer’s actions in real time.
Live games have benefited immensely from advancements in video streaming and internet technologies. High-quality video and audio streams create a seamless gaming experience, ensuring the action unfolds without interruption. Multiple camera angles can also provide comprehensive views of the gaming tables, bolstering the sense of immersion and transparency.
Mobile Compatibility
With the rise in mobile gaming, live dealer games have been optimised for mobile devices, allowing players to engage in live casino action from their smartphones or tablets. This has made these games more accessible, increasing their popularity among online gamblers. Accessing live dealer games on a mobile device is relatively simple. Most online casinos offer mobile-responsive websites, meaning you can access their platform directly through your device’s web browser. Alternatively, some online casinos offer dedicated mobile apps that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Live dealer games are designed to be responsive and adapt to different screen sizes. Whether using a smartphone or a tablet, the game should fit your screen perfectly. The user interface is typically simplified for mobile play, with neatly arranged buttons and easy navigation to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Most live dealer games are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Whether using an iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone or tablet, you should be able to play live dealer games without issues.
While the selection of live dealer games on mobile might be slightly less than what you’d find on a desktop, the variety is still impressive. The most popular live games are available for mobile play, from live blackjack and roulette to baccarat and poker. Additionally, mobile users can enjoy unique games like live game shows.
Playing live dealer games on mobile requires a stable internet connection due to the high-quality streaming of live video feeds. 4G, 5G or a strong Wi-Fi connection would usually suffice for a seamless gaming experience. With advancements in technology, the video and audio quality of these live streams is typically excellent, adding to the immersive nature of the games.
Safety and fairness
Author authoritative bodies like the UK Gambling Commission typically regulate online casinos with live dealer games, ensuring fair and transparent gameplay. Many platforms use sophisticated SSL encryption to protect players’ data and transactions, enhancing their reliability.
Live dealer sites are still relatively new, first launched in 2003. They do come with limited games, though this is likely something that will improve over the next few years. It is always advisable to check that your computer can handle the requirements to video stream live games before you sign up. It is also worth noting that not all casinos currently offer these live games. By offering an interactive, engaging, and realistic gaming experience, live dealer games are becoming an increasingly popular choice among online gamblers.
FAQs
What is a live dealer casino?
A live dealer casino is an online gambling platform that features games hosted by real human dealers in real-time, often streamed from a physical casino or a dedicated studio. They aim to recreate the atmosphere and social interaction of physical casinos, offering games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
How do live dealer casinos work?
Live dealer casinos work by using a combination of real-time video streaming technology and betting software. The dealer conducts the game from a studio or casino, and the action is streamed to players' devices. Players place their bets via the online interface, and the dealer responds in real-time.
Are live dealer casinos rigged?
Reputable live dealer casinos are not rigged. They are regulated and monitored by gambling authorities to ensure fairness. The dealers and games are also audited by third-party companies. However, as with all online activities, it's crucial to choose a trustworthy site.
Can I interact with the dealer and other players at live dealer casinos?
Yes, many live dealer casinos offer a chat function that allows you to interact with the dealer and sometimes other players. This feature enhances the social aspect of the games and replicates the experience of playing in a physical casino.
What games are available in live dealer casinos?
The availability of games can vary between different live dealer casinos, but most of them offer popular table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and various forms of poker. Some also offer unique games like Dream Catcher, Deal or No Deal, and Monopoly Live.
Do I need special software to play at live dealer casinos?
No, most live dealer casinos operate on an instant-play platform, meaning you can play directly in your web browser without needing to download any software. However, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a smooth experience due to the streaming nature of these games.
Can I play live dealer games on my mobile device?
Yes, most live dealer casinos are fully optimised for mobile gameplay. You can access the games via the casino's mobile website or, in some cases, a dedicated app. The games are adapted to work on smaller screens without compromising the live streaming quality.
Are there bonuses for live dealer games?
Yes, many online casinos offer bonuses that can be used on live dealer games. These can include deposit match bonuses, cashback offers, or specific live game promotions. However, it's always important to read the terms and conditions as wagering requirements can be different for live games.
Can I play live dealer games for free?
Generally, live dealer games are not available for free play due to the costs associated with running these games. Most live dealer casinos require real money bets. However, some sites may offer special promotions or bonuses that let you try live dealer games for free.
What happens if my connection drops out while playing a live dealer game?
If your connection drops out while playing a live dealer game, the game usually continues in your absence, similar to a physical casino. If you placed bets before losing your connection, they will stand, and the outcome will be determined as if you were still present.