Microgaming launched the first online casino platform in 1994. Just a few years later, in 1998, there was the first attempt to create a live casino game. Still, the technology back then wasn’t as advanced as today. A simple phone call could have interrupted the play since we used unreliable dial-up modems. However, the technology quickly evolved, introducing high-speed devices, higher bandwidth and widespread WiFi access. Since the internet has become much faster and available globally, live casino games have started to gain traction, too.
Today, live dealer games represent the most remarkable achievement in the online gambling industry, seamlessly blending the allure of land-based casinos with the convenience of gambling online. These titles provide a realistic and immersive online gaming experience like no other. Consequently, games hosted by real-life croupiers became hugely successful with players who wanted to indulge in their favourite games and feel the thrills of Vegas casino floors from the comfort of their homes.
This review explains what live casino games are, how they work and how to start playing at a live casino. Also, we present different types of live dealer titles available at UK live casinos. Finally, if you’re curious whether live casino releases surpass their land-based counterparts, keep reading!
Live casinos offer realistic casino gambling in real time. What does this mean? It’s simple – live casinos bridge the gap between online and brick-and-mortar casino venues, combining the best from both. They integrate the thrill of land-based venues with the convenience of online casinos. In other words, you can feel the atmosphere of the physical establishment in an online casino environment.
Live casinos are part of standard iGaming sites with separate live dealer lobbies. Like all other online casino games, these titles are available in instant-play mode as they utilise HTML5. It means you can enjoy playing your preferred card and table games in real-time from the browser. However, unlike RNG table games, you play with human croupiers who are sitting at real casino tables. And all this without leaving your home.
Now, if you’re wondering how this is possible, let us explain. We can split live casino releases into two categories:
In both cases, the content is streamed over the internet directly to your desktop or mobile screens. It’s worth noting that only iGaming giants like Evolution and Pragmatic Play can afford gaming studios since they are costly to build and maintain.
Still, no matter the location, live dealer games feature high-quality video and sound that replicates an authentic casino atmosphere. The providers use the latest 4K quality cameras to capture every detail and deliver immersive gameplay you can enjoy at home. Therefore, it’s no surprise why players all over the globe adore these games.
As mentioned, RNG does not control live dealer games. Instead, they are controlled by professional real-life dealers, just like in standard casino venues. So, the entire experience is similar to the one at best Vegas or Macau gambling pits, with one difference – the games are broadcast live to your preferred screen.
Live dealer tables are set within studio or brick-and-mortar venues and are hosted by professional croupiers. Therefore, dealers use authentic cards and dice or spin an actual roulette wheel, which provides an immersive gaming experience. The whole idea is to make you feel like you’re on the casino floor, sitting with other gamers and chatting with croupiers.
The action takes place at tables with human hosts, and the entire session happens in real time. Content developers use cutting-edge audio-visual technology with extremely low to no latency to provide seamless live casino streams. Therefore, just like in a real casino, you have a limited time to make a decision and place your bet. Generally, the time between two game rounds is 30 seconds, so you need to think quickly and wager in time.
Live dealers are not just drawing cards or spinning the wheels. They are also well-trained to assist you or explain the game details if necessary. In other words, you can interact with hosts and ask them questions or simply say hi.
Human dealers are not there by chance. Live presenters are industry professionals trained to be friendly and polite while meticulously performing their tasks. The live chat feature that allows you to directly communicate with hosts is another unique feature that makes live casino games highly engaging. Keep in mind that engaging in conversation with dealers differs from chatting with your friends. You must follow specific rules, which we’ll explain later.
Live dealer games come in all shapes and sizes. We can even describe this online casino vertical as an innovation hub. Why? Because live casino games include various unique features that traditional land-based games don’t have. Providers constantly compete to deliver something different and original and raise the bar for the rest. As a result, you’ll find a wide range of live games, from casino staples to captivating live game shows. Here is our selection of the most popular games at UK live casinos.
Live Roulette
Roulette is one of the best-known games in the world. So, its transition into an online casino ecosystem was expected. Besides the three most common types of roulette, European Roulette, American Roulette and French Roulette, live casinos provide more captivating versions with distinctive features. So, you’ll find games with two or more wheels spinning simultaneously, versions with multipliers and thrilling mini-games, and more. Some of the best-known games include Lightning Roulette, PowerUp Roulette, Immersive Roulette and Double Ball Roulette.
Live Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular card game regularly played at both traditional land-based and UK online casinos. One of the reasons why blackjack is so popular is because it has a lower house edge than other games. For instance, the house edge in blackjack ranges from 0.5% to 4%, depending on the strategy.
Live blackjack hosted by real dealers makes this game very realistic. Moreover, with plenty of variations and engaging features like Bet Behind, it’s no wonder many gamblers try their luck with the famous “21”. The most popular live games include Lightning Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, ONE Blackjack, Quantum Blackjack, and Cashback Blackjack.
Live Baccarat
Baccarat is a straightforward card game and one of the most widely loved casino games. Although initially popular in Asia, James Bond introduced it to a global audience. The goal is to predict which hand (Banker or Player) will be as close to 9 as possible or have a value of 9. Whoever gets a hand closest in value to 9 is the winner. Simple.
However, the live casino versions of baccarat include more betting options and multipliers, making the game more engaging. Some of the player favourites are Speed Baccarat, XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat, Golden Wealth Baccarat, Lightning Baccarat, Tiger Bonus Baccarat, and No Commission Baccarat.
Live Poker
Poker is another highly popular card game. You’ll find it at any casino, either land-based or online. Moreover, you’ve probably heard of various poker tournaments held regularly at many famous casino venues across the globe. Poker is one of the most exciting games requiring concentration and intuition. Therefore, it appeals to a number of gamers.
At land-based casinos, you can enjoy different versions of poker. However, providers started developing even more takes on the casino classic when online casinos emerged. As a result, live poker lobbies contain titles that elevate the excitement and bring more chances to win. You can try your luck playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Poker, Live Casino Hold’em, and 2 Hand Casino Hold’em.
Sic Bo, Dragon Tiger, Teen Patti
In recent years, games from Asia have gained immense popularity at online casinos globally. One of the reasons why these games became so popular in the Western world is their simplicity. Live dice games, like Sic Bo, are a bit more complicated, but you can master the rules pretty quickly.
Realising the full potential of these easy yet entertaining games, live casino providers started producing more variants. Evolution, in particular. The provider added several interesting variations besides standard Sic Bo, Teen Patti, and Dragon Tiger. So, if you’re into simplicity, you should also check out the following releases: Bac Bo, Lightning Dice, Super Sic Bo, and Fan Tan.
Live Game Shows
Dream Catcher was the first live show launched in 2017 by Evolution. After that, the live casino niche changed for good. Why? Because game shows are captivating mixtures of everything. Lucky wheel, slot machines, pachinko, card games, dice games – you name it, live game shows have it. These are the most expensive live casino products since they use cutting-edge technology, 3D graphics, animations, green backgrounds with CGI elements, and many more.
However, these games boost the excitement to the max. They don’t require any particular skill to immerse yourself in these fantasy worlds and have fun. Furthermore, game shows can pay massive prizes. The most attractive titles include Crazy Time, Adventures Beyond Wonderland, Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, and Monopoly Live.
Now that you’ve learned some basics, it’s time to see how live casinos stack up against their land-based counterparts. Both include “live” in a certain way, but are online live casinos better than regular casino venues?
This table outlines key aspects of online and standard casinos to help you compare the two and decide which meets your preferences. Let’s see.
| Live Casino | Land-Based Casino |
| You can play live casino games from anywhere, as you only need a stable internet connection and a PC or smartphone. In other words, you don’t have to leave the house, or you can load the games while on the BUS. Still, keep in mind that you are actually playing alone. | Casinos are physical locations with fixed addresses. It means you need to dress up and travel to the local casino to play. However, you are surrounded by fellow gamers and can socialise while having a drink or a snack. |
| The live casino offers more games, classic ones and those with various twists. You can play dozens of titles with more features, betting options, and bonus rounds. Not to mention game shows you can’t find at standard casino venues. | Brick-and-mortar establishments provide less variety as you can play casino staples and a few local variations of popular games. |
| Live casino games usually don’t limit the number of seats. So more players can join in and play at the same time. | The number of seats at regular casinos is limited. Also, the number of tables is limited as well. So, sometimes, you’ll need to wait for a seat. |
| Live dealer games are usually available around the clock. Those streamed from a local casino might be unavailable when the casino is closed. But others are accessible 24/7. As a result, online live casinos provide more flexibility. | Regular casinos are not open 24/7. So, in order to play, you must visit them during the working hours. |
| Since you don’t need to travel to visit the casino site, the expenses associated with the live casino are lower. | Standard casinos are more expensive as you must travel and maybe pay for accommodation if the casino is located in a tourist destination. |
| Even with a live chat feature, live dealer games still can’t match the face-to-face experience from the land-based venues. | Brick-and-mortar establishments provide an authentic and memorable casino experience. |
If you’re wondering whether live dealer games are better than standard RNG games, we’ve got you covered. Here are the main benefits of playing live casino titles:
Playing live dealer games is straightforward. Here are a few steps you can follow to get started in no time:
One thing that makes live casino gaming realistic and engaging is the opportunity to interact with other players and hosts. Still, before you start typing, read more about live casino etiquette, explaining what is acceptable and what’s not. Also, learn which rules to follow for a memorable live casino adventure.
Yes, if you’re playing at regulated casino sites like the ones we suggest. Also, if online casino partners with top industry providers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Playtech, or Ezugi, you can rest assured these titles are secure and fair.
Of course. Live casino games are developed in HTML5, so they are fully compatible with all modern devices. You can play them on the go wherever you want if you have a stable internet connect
No, they don’t. In front of them is a screen with game statistics and a live chat so they can communicate with you, but they can’t see you.
Sure. Although live casino bonuses are not as widespread as bonus offers tailored for online slots, many iGaming sites in the UK have live casino welcome bonuses.
Unfortunately, no, you can’t. Unlike online slots, which you can test for free in demo mode, live dealer games are only available in a real-money mode. However, you can open the game and watch the session for a while without placing a bet.
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