If you love the thrill of online casino games but miss the buzz of the high street, live casino is a game changer. It bridges the gap between traditional and online gaming, bringing you closer to real-world gambling than ever before. The game features a video stream of an actual casino table and a human dealer, with graphical overlays to display betting options and controls. It’s like a virtual trip to Las Vegas without the long flight and expensive hotel bill.
Using high-definition cameras, the live casino video streams to players’ computers or smart phones in real time. Players can interact with the croupiers via chat and even make real-time bets – with a variety of different limits to suit all bankroll sizes. The experience is immersive and feels genuinely authentic, putting players in the center of a casino environment that’s not just real but also highly interactive and fun.
Most online casinos feature a range of classic table games, including blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Many of these offer first-person play, but there’s a growing number of operators that are going one step further and offering an entire casino lobby that’s filled with live dealers and games. It’s a fusion of the RNG nature of online games and the sociable aspect of a brick-and-mortar casino, giving players the chance to play solo if they want but to switch into a crowded table whenever they feel like it.
The underlying technology behind live casino is sophisticated, but the basics are simple enough for any player to get started. The software records all the relevant data – card values, roulette numbers, etc. – and feeds it back into the player’s account. From there, it’s up to the player to formulate a strategy that will maximize their winning chances.
A live casino game’s rules and bet limits can vary depending on the game, so it pays to read the information available at your chosen online casino site before you play. There are often info pop-ups that will provide a summary of the rules, house edge and more so you can make an informed decision about your game selection. Once you’re ready to start playing, be sure to follow any time constraints set out by the live dealer and place your bets within the designated window of opportunity.
The most popular live casino game is probably blackjack, with its 7-seater tables and a goal of reaching 21 or being closer to it than the dealer. Some operators use specialized cameras to show more than the standard view, allowing players to see more of their opponents on the screen, and even give them nicknames in the chat room. Other players prefer to stick with the classics, choosing single-player tables that only show their own cards.