A live casino is a real-time game where a human dealer deals cards or spins the roulette wheel for players. Live casinos use streaming technology, the kind used to broadcast sporting events, to bring this realistic experience to your desktop or mobile device. This means that the person you’re seeing on screen is actually in the studio, at that very moment.
Live casino games aren’t available in all online casinos, with only a small number offering this immersive experience. However, those that do offer them will be regulated by gambling authorities and will adhere to strict standards and daily audits to ensure that the games are fair and that players can cash out their winnings if they choose to.
Getting started with live casino online can be as simple as signing up to an account with the site and then choosing which game you want to play. Most sites will display a list of the live games on their homepage, with each title providing a link to more details about the rules and betting limits. The most popular live casino games tend to be roulette, baccarat and blackjack, with each being dealt by a croupier rather than a computer.
When it comes to the actual mechanics of live dealer games, they’re very similar to those offered by standard online tables. Each table is equipped with a camera and a small box called a Game Control Unit (GCU) which is responsible for encoding the video feed to be sent out over the internet. A computer is also connected to the GCU, allowing it to keep track of all the bets and actions that are taking place.
The games are hosted in special studios that have been designed specifically with the gaming experience in mind, ensuring they’re able to be broadcast over the internet in great quality. Most home internet connections, and even modern data networks, will be able to receive these streams with no issues at all.
Alongside the most popular live casino games, many sites will also host a variety of other interesting options for players to choose from. This includes a variety of different versions of blackjack, such as Speed and Infinite Blackjack, and the card game baccarat. There are also a variety of side bets to choose from, including those for pairs, runs and suited cards.
Many sites will also have a selection of interactive games that allow players to interact with each other, bringing that buzzing energy and social aspect that brick-and-mortar casinos are famous for. These include Monopoly Live, Football Studio and Side Bet City, with the latter being a fun twist on the classic Money Wheel game.