Live casino has taken the world of online entertainment by storm. Connecting you to a dealer in a studio, it bridges the gap between physical and digital casinos.
The global online gambling market has been valued at $78.66 billion USD. As more countries and jurisdictions begin to get connected and smartphone adoption increases, this is set to grow further.
Yet one of the main reasons for this burgeoning popularity is the sector’s dedication to innovation.
Live casino games have been one area that has flourished, utilizing streaming technology to build new ways of playing casino titles.
The Concept of a Live Casino Game
A live casino game aims to replicate the social aspect found when you visit a physical casino. Here, you interact with real people and hold conversations.
This is often lost when you play online and see only digital screens or avatars.
Most of the best-known operators will have live casino sections on their platforms. The Betway app, for example, has a huge live casino section featuring everything from roulette to poker variations.
In a live casino, you, as the player, are connected to a host in a studio.
Through streaming technology, you can watch them manage the game, doing everything a croupier would do in a casino. If you are playing blackjack, they will deal cards.
If you are playing roulette, they will spin the wheel and drop the ball on it. You can then choose to make bets and play the game based on these outcomes through the integrated software.
You can even chat to others as you play.
This is where the second major difference with a live dealer game comes in. Most of the games you play online have a random number generator that determines the outcome.
With live dealer games, it is determined by actual probability, such as the dealing of cards or the spin of a ball on a roulette wheel.
Going Beyond Table Games
Finding an exact figure for the number of people who play live casino games is tough. However, their popularity is obvious.
Developer Evolution saw profits of €459.4 million from its live casino sector in the last quarter of 2024 alone. Added to this is the sheer volume of them now on the best betting and casino apps.
Part of this stems from the genre’s propensity to move beyond standard table games. As well as variations of blackjack and roulette, there are now also games developed specifically for the live casino sector.
This has created a hybrid casino and gameshow field, unique to online casinos.
These games involve an element of chance betting to start, often conducted through a spinning wheel or slot-type mechanism. If a player is able to access the bonus round, they are then entered into a unique game overseen by a host. Often with themes, this is where the big money can be won as players become the stars of the show, all from behind their devices.
Themes for these games are also varied. Titles like Adventures Beyond Wonderland use classic literature as a basis for their games. Others, like Jumanji: The Bonus Level Live, have licenses from existing Hollywood franchises to attract new customers. Even real-world shows like Deal or No Deal have versions.
What to Expect When Changing to Live Dealer Games
When you shift to live dealer games from online casino titles, the changes will at first seem subtle. However, they can have a huge bearing on the type of game and how they are played.
The first thing you will notice is that these games are played at a much slower pace. A real person has to shuffle cards, pick up balls, and perform human tasks. This is different from code, which will reset games quickly each time.
The atmosphere is also totally different, despite the fact that you are still playing from a device. As players and hosts can interact, there is a more social feel.
This can create camaraderie and fun not prevalent in other casino games. You can laugh about wins and losses, and make jokes, though remember to remain respectful and courteous at all times.
If it is the first time you have used a casino, you also don’t need to worry about its transparency.
As you can see the dealer in play, you can check if anything is amiss. Remember that the house edge and your chances of winning remain the same.
For avid casino players, live games can provide a totally different journey. Many of them will also have variations and exciting additional rules, enhancing this.
For new players, the slower pace can suit, and the social interaction is a boost for both. Find a casino with welcome bonuses to try them out, so you don’t have to sacrifice all your bankroll when getting to grips with them.
