Introduction to Live Dealer Casinos

Gambling has been a popular pastime since ancient times. But each activity might become boring after some time, especially when nothing new and interesting happens. For that reason, software providers are struggling with all of their powers to upgrade the iGaming industry.

The launch of live dealer casinos is one of the biggest innovations that undisputedly left a mark in the gambling history is the release of live dealer casinos. Live dealer casino games are considered to be hybrids of land-based table games and virtual Random Number Generator (RNG) games.

The driving idea behind the release of such live games is to keep players engaged in their gambling activities. Such games seem to be a real magnet to some players as live dealer casinos make you feel like part of the action. The RNG-controlled casino games cannot substitute the excitement, which comes along with the live dealer games.

The social aspect is yet another reason why some casino fans prefer the live dealer tables over the regular casino games. Last, but not least, we should take into the account the convenience which such live games bring to casino devotees.

• ✓ History Walkthrough
• ✓ RNG vs Live Casino Games
• ✓ Real Money Bets vs Demo Mode
• ✓ Playing Live Dealer Casino Games
• ✓ Myths Surrounding Live Dealer Casino Games

On the contrary, live dealer casino games are still looked upon with a pinch of distrust. Even though many players are tempted to try playing in live dealer casinos, statistics show that only 10% to 20% have the courage to try their luck in such games.

History Walkthrough

Online gambling was firstly regulated by the Caribbean nation of Barbuda and Antigua in 1994. This, of course, was possible only because the Internet penetrated the world. In 1996 the first online casino was established. Scrolling forward, in 2003, CWC Gaming shook the grounds of the industry by introducing its first live casino feed. Later this year, Playtech made a splash with its live casino platform.

Since then, all casino software providers were investing a lot of time and money in developing this technology to reach the state in which we see it today. In 2006, Evolution Gaming and Microgaming introduced their live platforms. The following year, Sky TV Casino Broadcasts went live.

From 2008 till 2010, many operators embraced the new gaming option and the driving force behind this act was, and still is, players’ attention. In 2011, the first localised live dealer games appeared on the scene. During the same year, companies started to consider the idea of live dealer games suitable for portable devices.

At the moment of writing this guide, we see live dealer casinos offering a good-enough number of gaming options, promotional incentives, and betting options.

RNG vs Live Casino Games

There are two main categories of games that are offered by almost every virtual casino – Random Number Generator (RNG) and live dealer games. Both games are entertaining in their own way, and the players can decide which one will be more to their liking. To explore the two games and get a better notion of them, we can compare their most distinctive features.

Live Dealer vs Random Number Generator

The random number generator is a mathematical algorithm that determines the winning outcome of games. When playing RNG games, casino fans are playing against a software. Over the years there were many disputes regarding the fairness of the RNG games, but players should keep in mind that these are tested regularly by some of the most reputable independent testing agencies.

On the contrary, live games are hosted by an actual human being. Players can see the croupier spinning the wheel or dealing the cards right in front of their eyes. In addition to that, live dealer casinos are licensed by reliable regulators, so players should not worry about the fairness of the game. Last, but not least, casino devotees can adjust the angle from which they want to watch the game.

Action Takes Place in Real Time vs Online Casino Reality

Live dealer casino games are streamed directly from a land-based casino or private studio via high-quality cameras. That is the reason why they provide such an authentic atmosphere. You can “sit” at a live gaming table with other players in real time.

RNG-controlled games take place when the player decides. You load a casino’s gaming lobby, choose a game, and start playing it.

Both RNG and live dealer games are available 24/7.

Social Nature of Live games vs RNG Games’ Isolation

When playing live dealer games, players will have the option to communicate with the dealer and other players on the same table via a chatbox.

However, if you prefer to play in peace without being disturbed by noises, online casino games are your cup of tea.

Real Money Bets vs Demo Mode

Live dealer casino games can be played only if you post a real-money bet. This should not discourage you as players can watch games that others are playing. In addition to that, live tables offer various betting limits, so casino enthusiasts can find a table with a relatively small minimum bet.

On the contrary, RNG-controlled games are available in demo mode, which turns out to be quite handy. Players do not need to risk a single coin when playing in demo mode. In that way, you can test the waters before you set up an account with a virtual casino.

Limited Live Dealer Games’ Variants vs RNG Abundance of Games

Hosting live dealer games is costly as the operator needs to pay for equipment, maintenance of the video streaming technology, and salaries of the employees. That is the main reason why casino operators offer a limited number of titles in their live dealer casino section. However, many reputable web-based casinos encompassed all three major table games – roulette, blackjack, and poker.

Loading the RNG-controlled gaming suite of the casino, players will see more options. Some virtual casinos offer a spectacular range of games and that is explained with the lower costs that operators should invest in such gaming products. The plethora of RNG games are attractive to players who are in search of different themes and diversity.

Game Pace Set by Live Dealers vs RNG Games’ Pace

Live dealers are the ones who set the pace of the games in live casinos. Such games usually are less intensive compared to RNG-controlled games. The standard casino games seem to be more dynamic.

Playing Live Dealer Casino Games

Online casinos have never been so accessible as now. To play online might sound as easy as a pie, but there are several things that casino enthusiasts should take into account before setting up an account. Here are some tips on how to start playing live dealer games:

• Pick up a reputable live dealer casino
• Read carefully the casino’s terms and conditions
• Explore the bonuses you can bag and their terms
• Check the available payment methods
• Setting up an account
• Find the live dealer games in the Live Lobby

Pick up a Reputable Live Dealer Casino

Finding the right casino for you might appear to be a time-consuming task, but you should not skip it. Virtual casinos spring up like mushrooms every day.

Despite the strict control, not all web-based casinos are licensed to offer gaming products. It is highly recommendable for players to firstly carefully check the casino’s license, its reputation, and some independent reviews.

Read Carefully the Casino’s Terms and Conditions

The next step is to carefully read the casino’s terms and conditions, which can be found at the bottom of the website. We know that nobody likes to read these small letters, but they will give you important information regarding the casino’s policy. In addition to that, you can find information about restricted countries and payment conditions.

Explore the Bonuses You Can Bag and Their Terms

Once you are familiar with the basic conditions of the casino, it is time to find out what the operator has to offer you as a new registrant. Firstly, check out if there is a welcome package or a no-deposit incentive.

Once you find out what are your benefits of setting up an account with that particular casino, do not forget to check what are the wagering requirements and the bonus terms.

Setting Up an Account

To set up an account takes only a couple of minutes. All virtual casinos feature a “Create an account” button on their home page. Once you click on it, you will be required to fill a registration form. After you successfully finish with creating your account, you should check your e-mail address as the casino should leave you a message.

You will be required to verify your account by providing personal data or a document. After your account is ready, you will see a “Log In” button on the main page of the casino. Fill your user name/ e-mail address and password to log into your gaming account.

Find the Live Dealer Games in the Live Lobby

The live dealer casino lobby is usually either placed in another special section or listed under the gaming options of the virtual casino. The moment you step in the virtual live dealer lobby, you will see the gaming options you can choose from.

Players will have a control panel which allows you to change the settings of the gameplay, place bets, review hands, chat with the dealer that oversees the game, and even tip the croupier if you like. Another benefit of this panel is that it offers information about the rules of each game.

Myths Surrounding Live Dealer Casino Games

Like all new things, live dealer casinos are looked upon with mistrust. Many players prefer to stay away from live tables as they heard a lot of stories about casino scams. Some of these stories are just a figment of people’s imagination. Let’s bust some of the most wide-spread myths, which are:

• Live dealer casino games are rigged
• Big winners do not receive their winnings
• Live dealer casino games have low payouts and tighter bonuses
• The dealers aim at distracting players so that they lose

Live Dealer Casino Games are Rigged

Some diehards still consider that virtual casinos offer rigged games to empty players’ pockets. The truth is that most of the land-based and virtual casinos are regulated by gambling authorities that prove their fairness. When it comes to live dealer games, you need to be sure that these are more than fair as the action happens in front of you and you can watch the table from different angles.

Big Winners Do Not Receive Their Winnings

If you play in a licensed live dealer casino, you should not have even the slightest doubt that you will get your winnings. It just does not make sense for the operator to risk its license, reputation, and players. In case you see a problem with cashing out your earnings, you can always get in touch with the casino representatives, as rarely mistakes happen.

Live Dealer Casino Games Have Low Payouts and Tighter Bonuses

At first glance, RNG games bonuses seem more generous than the ones given to the players who prefer live dealer games. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as live tables offer a lower house edge compared to the RNG-driven slots. Players have a bigger chance to win when playing live table games, and thus the wagering requirements tied to the bonuses seem to be whopping.

As for the payouts, players can check the so-called return to player (RTP) value, which shows the potential winnings that players can earn from a certain game. Evolution Gaming’s live dealer games are well-known for their unrivaled low house edge.

The Dealers Aim at Distracting Players So They Lose

Another legend that spreads throughout the gambling industry claims that the live dealers are there to distract players from the game. In that way, casino fans take hasty decisions and lose money. The rumours go further by alleging that the dealers get a percentage from the players’ losses.

This is far from the truth – players can tip the dealers, but the latter do not win anything from the players’ losses.