We have already praised online casinos in various articles on Casinoz, describing their numerous advantages. We have mentioned the diversity of games, favorable conditions, generous bonuses, exciting promotions, the absence of side costs, active development of the industry, etc.
However, even the most dedicated fan of online gambling can't help admitting that, in some aspects, gambling websites are not as good as land-based casinos.
- Opponents of virtual gambling usually emphasize that they lack the atmosphere of brick-and-mortar gambling clubs. It is much more interesting to play roulette or craps in the land-based club where you can chat with the dealer and partners at the table.
- Many people do not like that the outcome of draws depends on random number generators.
- Some do not trust software.
- Others get bored playing against computers.
An excellent solution for such customers is live casinos, which combine the features of brick-and-mortar joints and gambling websites. They appeared in the online industry a few years ago, and now almost all major clubs offer tables with real dealers.
Let's find out all the pros and cons of live casinos.
How Do Live Online Casinos Work?
The general principle of live casinos is that you play directly on the PC screen with real dealers who work in a special hall or a land-based casino.
Then let's briefly discuss the key difference:
- It differs from standard online casinos because there are no random number generators. Croupiers spin the ball in roulette, deal cards, and perform other actions.
- Live casinos differ from traditional land-based ones in terms of the duties of dealers. They are responsible for the gameplay but do not make payouts. Any winnings are calculated and paid automatically.
Thus, you watch the gameplay, which can be broadcast from the following places:
- The most common case involves providers' studios. In these studios, only dealers and technical staff are present. Real players are absent, which creates the most favorable conditions for providing high-quality broadcasts.
- Land-based casinos are less common. Cameras are installed directly in the gambling hall, where other customers and employees are present, creating a realistic atmosphere.
- Some online casinos broadcast on the Internet and TV from specially designed TV studios. This allows them to attract gambling fans who are not active Internet users.
In each option mentioned above, everything at the table is recorded and transmitted to the customer's device screen to enter the casino via a particular interface.
Providers of Live Casinos
Not all (in fact, only a few) gambling websites can afford to have their studio with real croupiers. Most use the services of third-party providers. Such companies can be divided into two categories:
- Those that specialize in software for live casinos are Evolution Gaming, Extreme Live Gaming, Vuetec, Ezugi;
- Those that release RNG and live dealer games are Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Amaya.
Many clubs offer live games developed by several software operators.
Detailed reviews of various software providers are published in other articles on Casinoz.
Studios with Live Dealers
Studios where real dealers work are located in different countries. Their complete list is too long to be published in our review, so we want to enumerate some of them from leading operators.
Europe
- Riga: Playtech, Evolution Gaming;
- Estonia: Amaya;
- Georgia: Authentic Gaming;
- Malta: NetEnt, Evolution Gaming;
- Bulgaria: Ezugi;
- Finland: Playtech;
- London: Evolution Gaming, Extreme Live Gaming;
- Bruxelles: Ezugi, Evolution Gaming;
- Bucharest: Playtech, Evolution Gaming;
- Spain: Playtech, Evolution Gaming;
- Italy: Authentic Gaming, Evolution Gaming.
America
- Canada: Evolution Gaming, Microgaming;
- The United States: Ezugi;
- Costa Rica: Ezugi, Visionary iGaming, Vivo Gaming.
Asia
- Manila: Playtech;
- Cambodia: Ezugi.
We want to emphasize that our list is incomplete.
Features of Live Casino Interface
Each provider of live casinos uses its software interface. Despite numerous differences, many applications share the same elements:
- Window with video broadcast;
- An interactive field where bets are made and the gameplay occurs;
- Countdown timer;
- Table with limits;
- Chat window;
- Buttons to open the rules and settings, etc.
There can also be other buttons, windows, and links on the panel, so it is better to study the interface in each case carefully.
Games of Chance at Live Casinos
The basic set of games at live casinos includes three live games:
- European roulette,
- American blackjack,
- Standard baccarat.
To be sure, nowadays, gambling clubs offer a much more comprehensive range of models, including the following gambling entertainment:
- Several versions of poker: Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Poker, etc.
- Various types of roulette: European, American, French, Double Ball, Immersive, Astro, Dragonara, etc.
- Different variations of blackjack: European, American, and others.
- Standard and rare types of baccarat, like Baccarat Squeeze.
- Asian dice-based games: Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, etc.
- Unique games.
Remember that most gambling websites do not allow live games for free. Moreover, it is only possible to open a table if you gamble betting real money. To be sure, you have to be registered. Live casinos with demo versions are less common.
How to Choose the Best Live Casino?
Several articles on Casinoz are dedicated to selecting the best online casinos. The recommendations provided in them also cover games with real dealers, so there is no point in repeating them.
You can play gambling games with live dealers in the following online casinos.
Casino | Bonuses | Editors rating | |||
100% to 1000 $ x35 | Play T&C applies, 18+ | ||||
— | Play T&C applies, 18+ | ||||
— | Play T&C applies, 18+ | ||||
125% to 80 $ x35 | Play T&C applies, 18+ | ||||
100% to 400 $ x50 | Play T&C applies, 18+ |
As for online casinos with real dealers, the following nuances should be taken into account:
- Range of games - The number of tables with real dealers often does not exceed a dozen models. Make sure that there are games suitable for you.
- Limits - A casino should have tables with convenient betting limits.
- Language - It's always more convenient for gamblers to play with dealers who speak their native language. Bear in mind that many casinos have regional studios that focus on residents of certain countries.
- Free mode - Many people require the opportunity to test games in demo versions. If there is no such option, make sure you can watch the gameplay without making bets.
- Interface features - Are you satisfied with the design of the software? Are necessary settings available? Is online chat with dealers and other gamblers provided? Do games run quickly? Does the application glitch? Ideally, software must meet all your requirements.
- Mobile version - Online gambling is occupying smartphones. If you want access to your favorite games anywhere, look for live casinos with an interface adapted for smartphones.
- Bonuses - Special promotions for customers of live casinos are available on gambling websites. Users should not neglect such bonuses.
To be sure, it is up to you to decide which gambling club you play. However, remember that the main criterion for choosing a website is its reliability.
Conclusion
Live casinos with real dealers are indeed an interesting trade-off for fans of land-based venues who do not have the opportunity to visit real casinos.
If you miss the atmosphere of the real gambling hall or do not trust random number generators, you should join a club that offers games in this format. Many can please you with the highest level of service and huge bonuses, top-level software, personal management, and other offers.
Casinoz offers a section dedicated to live casinos. Our readers can find reviews of various sites with their detailed characteristics in them.