A Complete Guide of Live Casinos for Online Players

New to live casinos? We’re here to help. Live online casinos offer an authentic, atmospheric gaming experience from the comfort of your home.  What are so-called real dealer casinos, though, and why might you consider playing at them today? This guide introduces real dealer casinos, explaining their appeal and how they work. Whether you’re curious about live dealer games or looking for the best online live casinos that offer them, read on to learn more.

What Are Live Casinos?

Let’s start with a basic explanation – what are live casinos? Live online casinos are internet betting sites that support a real-time gambling platform, allowing you to play your favourite table games via a video stream with a real-life human dealer. They may also offer traditional casino games, so-called RNG games, but the icing on the cake here will be their selection of live options and, possibly, even special live casino bonuses to boot.

A Brief History of Live Casinos

While traditional online casinos first appeared in the mid-1990s, the technology wasn’t there to produce live casino experiences until around 2010. It is true that they did exist in some form as far back as the late 90s, mainly in the form of multiplayer poker games. However, those games featured digital interfaces, and the lack of technology means they didn’t have many of the hallmarks we commonly associate with live casinos today. These benefits, including a live video stream and a real human dealer, would only come with the introduction of Evolution Gaming’s live dealer range over a decade later.

Since then, the industry has exploded to such a point that most traditional casinos now offer live dealer games, and many of the world’s leading software providers have a hand in producing games for this industry.

Live Casinos Versus Traditional Online Casinos

Don’t be confused by the terms “live casino” and “traditional online casino”. In fact, they can often be the same sites. The biggest difference is that while traditional online casinos will solely feature games utilising RNGs (random number generators), live casinos will carry those titles plus interactive casino games. The latter are played over a live video stream with a human dealer, and they are far more immersive than their older, more dated counterparts. 

Five key differences between them can be found in the table below:

Key Criteria	Live Casinos	Traditional Online Casinos
Supports live dealer games	Yes	Possibly, but not always
Features live casino bonuses	Yes	Usually no
Contains live tournaments	Normally, yes	No
Supports RNG table games	Not always	Usually, yes, but some are slots-only sites
Offers a diverse range of different table games	Yes	It varies from site to site

How Do Live Casinos Work?

If you’ve not played live dealer casino games before, you’re in for a treat. Playing at a casino with live streaming is a more atmospheric, exhilarating, and immersive experience than anything you may have tried at traditional casino sites.

• The Role of the Human Dealer: Basically, live dealer games use streams and are played in real-time. They offer a form of real-time game interaction through a live stream, whereby a real-to-life human dealer takes control of the action. This may involve spinning a roulette wheel, dealing cards, calling bingo balls, or anything else that would otherwise be handled by RNGs in conventional online casino games.

• Live Streaming Locations: The video stream itself is also live, but the location it comes from can differ. Some software providers stream from their own custom-built studios. While this can add authenticity, nothing beats playing in a real land-based venue. For that reason, some live game developers have tables set up in some of the best brick-and-mortar casinos around. This significantly adds to the realism and atmosphere, as you are competing in the same venue as real-world players. You can’t always interact with them or see them, but you’ll feel that they are there. Amongst the streaming locations are Malta, Riga, the UK, the US, Spain, even Macao, and many other locales. You can learn more in our guide on software providers and discover where each developer streams their live casino games from.

• The Interface: The live dealer interface won’t be that uncommon to you if you’ve played an online casino game before. Obviously, the video stream itself is front and centre. Besides that, you’ll likely have options, including histories, stats centres, camera options and more. Underneath the main feed, you’ll find all your betting options in much the same way you’d expect to see them in a traditional gambling game. From there, you can control all your real-time betting actions on the fly.

• Live Casino Game Structure: Each live casino game takes place in two or three stages. Firstly, there is a betting phase, during which you’ll have a window to wager. The main game will commence shortly after. Any live casino games with bonus rounds commence in a third phase, which takes place after the main game has concluded. For the most part, you’ll often be betting solely against the dealer and not competing against rival players.

For instance, in live blackjack, all players will share the first cards, drawn in real-time by the dealer over the video stream. Any replacement cards they take are drawn digitally, using RNGs, therefore, they are different for every player. Games such as live roulette don’t involve the RNG element at all, being played solely with the human croupier.

• Basic Live Casino Features: As for the live casinos themselves, they operate in largely the same way as conventional online casinos. The best options will be licensed live casinos that are heavily regulated to ensure that they are legal and offer tools to help you engage in responsible gambling. They will also likely feature dedicated live casino bonuses and the same array of banking options you’d expect to see and use at traditional online casinos.

Popular Live Casino Games Explained

Much like NetEnt or Games Global are associated with producing top-quality slots, live online casino games have their own range of software providers that excel at delivering these games. Any top live dealer casino worth its salt will feature titles from a selected range of developers, the biggest of which include:

• Evolution Gaming: The world’s leading brand for live casino games. Evolution has virtually every type of live casino game in its portfolio and is widespread at most globally accessible sites.
• Pragmatic Play Live: Evolution’s chief rival, Pragmatic Play Live, is an offshoot of the same brand that develops traditional slots. Their Drops & Win live tournaments are particularly popular with live casino players.
• Ezugi: Once Evolution’s main rival, Ezugi is now owned by Evolution Gaming. It produces live dealer games at many sites where Evolution doesn’t appear.
• Playtech: Playtech is a globally renowned brand that mainly offers live casino games to UK, European, and North American state or nationally licensed sites.
• Authentic Gaming: This small-scale provider is predominantly notable for its dedication to live roulette games.
• Asia Gaming: As its name suggests, Asia Gaming tends to focus on markets beyond the reach of the big guns, namely Australia, Japan, China and Southeast Asia.
• Vivo Gaming: While a smaller brand than its competitors, Vivo Gaming has a number of roulette and blackjack live games, and some of these include high-stakes options.

Each of our live dealer game reviews showcases which table games you can expect to play at recommended live casinos. However, to give you a taste of which live blackjack tables, live roulette wheels, and other top games are available, we’ve put together a brief guide to those options below.

Classic Live Table Games

 

• Live Baccarat: Most software providers have at least one or two options for you to consider. Baccarat real dealer games may include No Commission, Speed, Squeeze, Lightning, and Salon Privé (VIP) games.
• Live Blackjack: Every live casino will support live blackjack tables. Single Deck is popular, but European, Free Bet, Power, VIP, Lightning, Infinite, Speed, and Spanish 21 are other options.
• Live Roulette: Arguably the most numerous live game genre, you should expect to see at least European Roulette and Auto Roulette anywhere, while American, French, Double Ball, Lightning, VIP, Immersive, and even Multi-Wheel Roulette games may be an option for you.

It is also worth noting that many of the classic casino tables may appear in “series”. For instance, Evolution Gaming options may include the “Lightning” mechanic, which offers multipliers. Similarly, some of the bigger brands may also offer Salon Privé, VIP or high-roller tables. It is rare, but some software providers may also provide beginner tables that feature low stakes and are designed for rookies.

If you are struggling to get to grips with the live aspect but still want to play these games, you may also wish to explore Evolution’s First-Person live games. These allow you to jump back and forth between live and RNG versions of the same game. It provides a learning curve for new live casino players if nothing else.

Game Shows and Money Wheels

 

• Money Wheels: Wheel of fortune-style games are commonly found in Pragmatic Play Live and Evolution’s portfolios, and these include hits such as Sweet Bonanza Candyland, Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, Crazy Time and more.
• Wall Games: These instant win-style options require a great deal of luck, and they are largely tied to Evolution Gaming, with Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt and Snakes & Ladders two such options.
• Games of Chance: Offering the definitive game show experience, options such as Deal or No Deal: The Big Draw, Crazy Coin Flip, Fan Tan, and Cash or Crash require no skill to play. Either you’ve got luck on your side, and you’ll win, or you don’t (and won’t).

Lottery-Based Live Casino Games

 

• Live Keno: Keno has long been available as a live casino game, although it may go by other names, such as Betting on Numbers from Ezugi.
• Live Bingo and Lottery Games: Bingo games are some of the newer live casino games to emerge. They are yet to make a huge impact on the industry. The same is true of live lottery games. Both are only available from the biggest of live casino software providers.

Other Live Casino Games

 

• Live Andar Bahar and Teen Patti: Some live casino games have been developed either with Asian players in mind or with the intention of popularising Eastern games amongst Western players. Live Andar Bahar and Teen Patti are two Indian hits you can expect to see online.
• Live Poker: While it is possible to play Casino Hold’em live, perhaps even Caribbean Stud in some venues, there aren’t as many live poker games out there as there are RNG options in traditional casinos. They do exist, though.
• Live Craps and Sic Bo: You can play both live craps online and Sic Bo. Evolution’s Super Sic Bo and Live Craps are worth exploring, while Pragmatic Play Live’s Mega Sic Bo may also tickle your fancy.
• Other Live Tables: Lastly, there is a unique array of “other games” found at live casinos. These live table games may include Dragon Tiger, Casino War, Football Studio, Cricket War and others.

The Benefits and Advantages of Live Casino Gaming

You may be wondering why you should play at live casinos at all. As it happens, there are numerous advantages to getting involved with live casino gaming options. Allow us to bend your ear by discussing the following perks:

• Realism: Live casino games offer an atmosphere similar to those in land-based, brick-and-mortar venues. This authenticity, vibrancy and immersion just isn’t replicated in traditional casino games.
• Interaction: You can typically interact with the dealer (usually through live chat) in most games. They may even respond to you. The key thing is, though, you don’t have to. If you want to play in silence, you can.
• Fairness: Because RNGs only form a small part of the live casino experience, one could argue that these games are considerably more transparent, dare we say, fairer than conventional casino options. You can prove that they aren’t rigged, so if you’ve got concerns with random number generators, live dealer games are the way to go.
• Strategies: Unlike traditional casino table games (which use RNGs to shuffle after every turn), some live casino hosts may not shuffle the deck. This could give you a lifeline if you want to use casino game strategies or count cards, especially when playing single-deck blackjack live dealer online games or other similar options.

The Future of Live Online Casinos and Games

Live casino games have proven increasingly popular over the last decade, so they have already proven that they are not a fad. Mobile-first gaming and blockchain casinos have increased the popularity of live games, too. Are they the future of live casino games, though? That depends on who you ask.

Slot players will obviously say no because there are no “live slots” for them to play – at least, not yet. However, industry insiders opt for a different take on the subject. They believe that the advances made using Optical Character Recognition to increase card tracking can provide fairer gambling opportunities for players. The use of blockchains and innovative smart contracts could also be key in creating more transparent experiences. Our own experts concur.

Few can argue that live casino games are rapidly expanding into new markets. More inventive and immersive table games debut each year at existing and new live casino sites, and not just conventional classic table games, either. We’re seeing more wall-based and game-show releases. Some providers have even taken socially and culturally significant games such as Snakes and Ladders, Fan Tan and even the age-old coin flip and turned those into live casino games. The possibilities are seemingly limitless.

As virtual reality develops further, there is a great deal of optimism that VR casinos could be the next jump in the evolutionary ladder for live casinos. New markets are already opening with this gambling form in mind. All it takes is for one or two live casino studios to commit to making the jump to VR casino gaming so that this can become more grounded in reality, so to speak. Additional leaps are behind made in 5G technology and the impact of AI in game development, which could lead to more reliable, smoother game streams and fairer gameplay.

5 Top Tips for Playing Live Casino Games

New players dipping their feet into the world of live casinos for the first time will benefit from a few handy hints and tips. Naturally, we picked our experts’ brains and asked them to come up with five key pieces of advice for new live casino players. This is advice you can take to the bank:

• Unlike traditional casino table games, you can’t play live casino games for free. However, that doesn’t mean that you can gain experience before you wager with real cash. Many RNG table games feature mechanics similar to live casino games and may be ideal for learning to play beforehand. We also recommend watching online videos detailing how live casino games are played.
• Be sure that you do your homework and read up on the variants out there. Reading our reviews is one way to brush up on what each game offers. You need to ensure that each game is suited to your playing style. Consider rules, payouts, stakes, house edges and more. For instance, if you fancy playing live roulette, you may wish to compare and contrast your options before deciding what to play like in the table below.

Live Roulette Game	Developer	Stakes	RTP Rate
Live European Roulette	Evolution Gaming	$0.50 – $10,000	97.30%
Mega Roulette	Pragmatic Play	$0.20 – $5,000	97.30%
Live Roulette	Vivo Gaming	Varies	96% Approx.
Lightning Roulette	Evolution Gaming	$0.20 – $5,000	97.30%
Live Prestige Roulette	Playtech	$2.00 – $1,000	97.30%
Immersive Roulette	Evolution Gaming	$1.00 – $10,000	97.30%
French Roulette	Evolution Gaming	$2.00 – $10,000	98.65%
Ultimate Roulette	Ezugi	$0.20 – $100,000	97.30%

 

• As you can see from above, the wagering ranges can vary widely in each live casino game. Therefore, we cannot recommend that you manage your bankroll enough. In fact, that is arguably the key thing to remember from our top tips for playing live casino games. Make a budget and stick to it. Use responsible gambling tools at live casinos, such as deposit caps, to limit your betting.
• Always take advantage of fair bonuses and promos. The best live casino bonuses won’t just boost your balance, they will also enhance and prolong your experience. Key things to look for include wagering requirements and game eligibility here.
• If a live table game that you regularly enjoy from Pragmatic Play currently appears in its Drops & Wins competition, take full advantage of that and play it. You could end up winning a share of $2,000,000 a month via this tournament simply for playing your favourite live dealer game.

How to Find the Best Live Online Casinos

The best live online casinos are just a click or two away. If you feel ready to play, then how do you get started? We’ve put together a few short steps for you to follow as you get ready for instant live casino action.

Step #1: Decide What Live Games You Want to Play

First, decide what types of games you want to play. After doing so, you can check out which software providers offer those games. You may also wish to consider which casino payment methods you plan on using to deposit (and withdraw). This makes it easier to decide which live casino is best suited to your needs.

Step #2: Find Your Ideal Live Online Casino Site

Either do your homework or check our live casino reviews to get a better understanding of your options. Consider factors such as welcome bonuses, live casino bonuses and loyalty programs. You’ll also want to pick a site that is licensed and regulated, offers ideal support options, and provides responsible gambling tools.

Step #3: Deposit, Claim a Live Casino Bonus and Play Online

After registering at your new live online casino, make your first deposit. This will likely see you qualify for a welcome bonus. You may need to enter bonus codes to trigger the bonus (or it could be triggered automatically). If codes are required, you can typically find them on the promotions page. Nip over to the casino’s live dealer section, which will usually be a dedicated part of the online casino. You can now find the games you want to play and start betting immediately.

The Technical Requirements of Playing at Live Casinos

Lastly, you might think that you are required to have all manner of high-tech equipment to live stream online casino table games. This isn’t true, but there are a few things you need to be aware of.

 

• Modern(ish) Phone or Computer: There’s quite a bit of leeway here. It doesn’t need to be top-of-the-line or anything, but whatever device you use, you’ll still need a decent browser. Basically, if it streams Netflix or Amazon Prime, your device is probably good to go for live gaming.
• Reliable Internet: This is a must-have commodity, we’re afraid. If you’re going to use Wi-Fi, it needs to be super reliable. We recommend using your mobile data (if you have a package or subscription) because that is much more stable in many countries. The reason why is simple – if you get disconnected, the game doesn’t pause, as it does with RNG table games. In some cases, your bet is even lost.
• Security: Live casinos are safe, and the games are fair. However, you’ll need to deposit and top-up at your casino, and that means making a financial transaction. Be sure to have decent security, and 2FA (two-factor authentication) setup when processing payments.

Should I Play Live Casino Games Online?

We can’t tell you whether you should gamble your own money on live casino games. Either you will or you won’t. What we can tell you is that if you’re the kind of player who prefers table game action to slots, then if you haven’t tried live dealer casino games, you’re missing out.

By and large, they work in largely the same way, and not all live casino games require in-depth knowledge of the game or a wealth of experience. There are options that you can just pick up and play immediately, especially game show releases. 

If you do want to try your hand at the best real dealer casino games at trusted live casino sites, then you need only scroll to the top of this page to find safe, recommended and legit live dealer casinos today.

FAQs

Do live casinos offer online casino bonuses?

Many of the best and most popular live casinos do, yes. If you come across a live casino bonus with fair T&Cs, it can boost your experience.

Can I play live dealer internet casino games for free?

No. However, you can often play many RNG table games at the same sites, and these feature rules that are similar to those of live casino options.

Can I play with cryptocurrencies at live casino sites?

That depends. Some live dealer sites permit cryptocurrency deposits but not gameplay. However, live cryptocurrency casinos will likely offer this service.

Are live casinos fair and legal?

Most are, yes. Any of the casinos featured on this site have been checked and approved by our team for fair and legal gameplay.

Are live casinos the future of online gambling?

If you love table games, we’d say yes. Slot players will disagree, but that’s because there are no “live slots” right now.

Can I talk to live dealers at live casino sites?

In a manner of speaking, yes. You can talk to live dealers in many games using a live chat box. The host may respond to you over the stream, though.

Can live dealers see me through my webcam?

No. Live dealer casino game hosts do not have access to your webcam, so you don’t need to worry about that.

Can I use strategies to beat live casino games?

Possibly. That ultimately depends on the game you’re playing and how often the dealer shuffles the deck, so to speak. Is it theoretically possible? Yes.

Are live casino games rigged?

No. Live casino games may use RNGs, or they may have human dealers controlling all the action. However, those appearing at top sites are verified as fair.

Do online casinos support high-roller live dealer table games?

Some do, yes. The availability of these dedicated games varies, but most live dealer games have fairly flexible wagering ranges to accommodate low and high rollers alike anyway.