If you’ve ever played at a live casino, you know how much more authentic and immersive the experience is than a regular online slot or table game. Live dealer games give players the feel of Las Vegas without leaving home. But how do they work? And what does it take from an operator perspective to get them off the ground?
In short, the term “live casino” refers to real-time gaming that’s streamed from a studio and manned by live dealers. These dealers are able to interact with players and answer questions in real time, adding an authentic touch that RNG-based games cannot match. The result is a thrilling blend of old-school gambling and cutting-edge digital technology.
To deliver on this promise, operators need to have the right people and the right technology in place. And that means a robust infrastructure that supports both video streaming and the handling of player bets. But it’s not enough to have servers in multiple locations or the latest cameras and software. Live casinos also need a team of dedicated live dealers and other support staff to manage the back end.
Unlike virtual games, where the odds are determined by a computer algorithm, live dealer casino games use human croupiers to call the action and determine game results. These dealers are connected to a live video feed from a studio or casino floor, and bets are placed via an interface on the online casino site. A series of video and audio sensors record game outcomes, while RFID sensors track the movements of cards/table elements. This information is then fed into a digital overlay that allows players to make bets.
Online casinos with a dedicated live casino section usually feature a wide range of betting limits, rules variations, and promotions. These include welcome bonuses and weekly free chip drops that can add up to hundreds of dollars in cash. But the best way to maximize your chances of winning is to practice responsible gambling. Set a daily or session limit before you start and stick to it, especially when the chips aren’t going your way.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with the tables that fit your budget, and avoid the $100-a-hand flex. And don’t chase losses, as this rarely ends well. A good bankroll management strategy can boost your odds of winning and keep you playing longer.
The top online live casino sites offer a wide variety of payment options, including traditional credit and debit cards, as well as popular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Shiba Inu. The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts vary by payment method, but crypto payouts are typically processed within an hour.
While the house edge is higher in live casinos, it’s still lower than in RNG-based games. And there are ways to reduce the house edge even further by developing a strategy and choosing the right tables. For example, some games like roulette and baccarat have special rules that can increase your chances of winning, such as the Martingale strategy for roulette or the 1-3-2-4 system for baccarat.