Despite the best efforts of online casinos to prove the fairness of their RNG (random number generator) games, skeptics will probably never be satisfied that game outcomes are truly fair and random. Live casinos and live dealer casino games are the natural evolution in winning over the skeptics and providing an enhanced online gambling experience.
As internet connection speeds and live streaming technologies advance, so too does the quality of games developed by the leading platforms in this niche.
Live streamed video with real dealers dealing real cards and launching real balls is the closest thing you can get to a traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ casino experience while playing online. Play blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker or sicbo for real money; with the action viewed on high definition real-time video streamed to your PC or mobile device.
Looking to play? Perhaps start at our game summary pages listed below, or if you’re more visually inclined, the below game gallery may be helpful.
Alternatively, try our live casino comparison page for a complete list of live casinos, and their key attributes.
What are live dealer games?
The main advantage of live dealer games is that they are played online, at any time, and from any place. They also perfectly simulate a real land-based casino, giving players a luxury gaming experience in the comfort of their own home.
Players have different motives and preferences when playing online casino games. Socializing and communication in entertainment are among the most common reasons people gather at the gaming table. Live casinos perfectly fill players’ need for human interaction by letting them chat with the dealers and the other players — which is especially crucial today, while so many of us are trapped indoors.
Experienced players will appreciate the quality of the visuals and the professionalism of the dealers. Live casinos also provide players with a certain level of security that they need, without sacrificing the emotional side of the gaming experience. Just like in an actual casino, the dealers interact with the players, answering their questions and helping them. This creates increased levels of player trust. The live communication gives users a feeling of control and legitimacy; they are not playing with a machine — there is someone real behind the cameras.
Live dealer games include not only table games, but also live lotteries, card games, and bingo. Roulette is considered to be the most popular among live casino lovers. The games are sometimes modified and modernized, and they can also be customized for the purposes of online casino brand awareness.
How does it work?
Live casino is basically an imitation of a real casino streamed from a studio. Live dealers, who are either professional croupiers or specially trained TV hosts, run the game and keep up friendly communication with the players. The design of the interior is based on the luxurious and spacious gaming floors of brick-and-mortar establishments, and the studios are fully equipped with modern technology, providing the highest possible quality of sound and video. The games are available any time, and can be played by several users or privately.
The modern, tasteful studios are equipped with several wide-angled HD cameras, strategically placed around the space — some of them zoomed in — to provide players with different views, letting them see every detail of the action. This creates a feeling of security and transparency, but also gives users a full picture of gameplay, making the experience even more realistic.
As a result, you receive a great picture and a real casino atmosphere, together with exciting gameplay. Today’s powerful technology allows games to be adapted for all types of electronic devices: computers, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. Live casino software developers often empower their platforms with flexible software compatible with any payment system.
Best Live Dealer Casinos
Leo Vegas
Leo Vegas is an online casino and sportsbook, launching in 2013. Full of new and exciting ideas, it didn’t take long for the website to explode in popularity. But Leo Vegas did more than just draw a lot of customers. It made such an impact that it managed to score several awards from its inception to today.
While it may not seem like it at first glance, the casino does take great care of its live games section. It has a completely separate page, from where you can navigate to specific categories you are interested in. Another thing we really like is how clearly labelled everything is.
It’s not something you notice until you see a casino which doesn’t do that. But at Leo Vegas, one glance tells you almost everything. What the table limits are, how many seats are available, and who the software provider is.
Multiple developers are available at Leo Vegas. You have Evolution Gaming, NetEnt Live and Authentic Gaming offering their releases for players to enjoy. Leo Vegas has also partnered with Evolution Gaming to create a large number of exclusive games.
This is the Chambre Séparée we mentioned earlier. Most of these are generic releases by Evolution, but are exclusively dedicated to Leo Vegas customers. You do have a few innovations, like Silent Blackjack and Sports Blackjack. We actually haven’t seen these anywhere else! So if you’re a fan of blackjack, this casino is absolutely a must-play.
If a game isn’t in English, it will be marked with a flag. The flag is used to inform gamblers what the language is. For example, an Italian flag means the hosts are speaking Italian. At other times, the flag will be in the background. There’s a decent variety of different languages: though only for blackjack and roulette tables. You’ll also find a few VIP and private tables at Leo Vegas. This is the cherry on top of a super delicious cake!
JackpotCity Live Casino
The online casino at Jackpot City has been offering online casino games since the days of dial-up internet. With more than two decades of experience, Jackpot City is one of the most well-established casinos in the industry.
Casinos that have been active for several years are typically well-trusted. They have to keep most of their customers happy to stay in business for so long. So we think it is pretty clear that Jackpot City is a safe and legitimate casino.
If you can’t find a table game you are looking for, you may also want to consider the Real and Live game options. There are more than forty options to choose from.
It is important to know the difference between real games and live games on Jackpot City. Live games have a human dealer who deals the cards or spins the roulette wheel in real-time while you are playing. You can interact with the dealer through the chatbox, and they will speak back to you.
Real games are a bit different. They include a pre-recorded video of a real dealer. The results of the real games are determined by random number generator software. Once the results have been determined, the pre-recorded video will show the dealer announcing the results. You cannot interact with the dealer because it is not happening live. Here are some examples of the games you can play in each format.
Live Games:
- Live blackjack
- Live Sweet Bonanza Candyland
- Live baccarat
- Live roulette
- Live dragon tiger
- Live mega sic bo
- Live Andar bahar
If you enjoy watching dealers but don’t care about the interaction or real-life results, the real games will be a good choice. But if you want to interact with the dealers or see the cards as they are being dealt, you will want to stick to the live game options.
Either way, it is impressive that Jackpot City has gone to the trouble of creating so many unique ways to experience your favorite table games. Their live dealer casino collection has plenty of variety and exciting options, including themed games and various dealers.
777.com Casino
777 Casino specializes in slot machines and table games. It makes use of products from the market’s most powerful gambling software developers. In fact, despite the fact that 777 Casino focuses on slots, there are a plethora of other games available. There is, for example, a separate section for live games. There are also many live games. You can watch both shows with live dealers and play both classic and unconventional modern games developed by different developers.
Some new players are perplexed as to why they require live casino games or why all of the games in this section are duplicates. The answer is actually quite simple if you’ve ever played at an online casino. Live games offer an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a real casino and make contact with the dealers. Real people deal you cards; they are a program that increases the likelihood of transparency and your luck. If you want to communicate with this person, you can do so through chat, and they may respond. Some dealers enjoy talking, and they do so constantly for their audiences, which they enjoy. Take a look at the list below.
- PowerUp Roulette
- Safari Riches Daily JP
- Monopoly Big Baller
- Quantum x1000 Roulette
You’re in luck if you’ve never played at a live casino. This means you’ll be seeing a live casino for the first time. This is the type of entertainment that includes the possibility of earning money as an added bonus. You will be contacted by a dealer who will serve as the host. You can also bet silently on what is happening on the screen. You’ll not only make a lot of money, but you’ll also have a lot of fun.
William Hill Casino
Live casino games were first made available to players by William Hill Casino, a pioneer in the online gambling sector. This was a response to the rising demand from lovers of brick-and-mortar casinos wanting a comparable experience online. Players have given William Hill Casino’s selection of live games high acclaim, with many giving it a perfect 10 out of 10. You may see the following uncommon games being played live here in addition to the traditional table games:
- William Hill Roulette
- Lightning Roulette
- Immersive Roulette
The live game selection is constantly updated, providing players with new and exciting options to keep things fresh and interesting.
Players may take in fascinating shows that go along with the whole gaming experience in addition to fun games here. These programs offer a chance to earn money while having fun in addition to providing entertainment. The following are some of the most popular performances that casinos offer:
- Spin a Win Live
- Monopoly
- Dream Catcher
- Age of The Gods
- The Money Drop Live
The casino is quite permissive about not even using your money to watch the show. It’s a good chance to watch the all-night shows and have a chance to make some money.
Bet365 Casino
This casino is an excellent representative of all online gambling establishments that currently exist and interact successfully with all customers. Here you can see a huge number of bonus offers and promotional benefits for both new players and experienced players who have been using this casino on a daily basis for a long time. Here you will see a huge number of different games that are valued by all users of this casino quite widely.
This casino is state-licensed and internationally admired right now, which can be verified by reading various reviews in detail or by looking at certifications from independent researchers who are more reputable than the state regulators at the moment.
Bet365 Casino boasts a staggering 2,400 games across different genres, providing users with an extensive array of options. Customers can also enjoy exclusive offers tailored to their payment method. Moreover, the casino is mobile-friendly, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games from any location.
Bet365 Casino’s live casino offers an immersive gaming experience with real-time dealers and chat features. Take your pick of classic games like Blackjack and poker, and enjoy the added entertainment value of the live show section, which sets Kryptosino apart from other online casinos.
Advantages of Live Casino
Today, with so many types of iGaming content on the market, it might be hard to figure out what you want to see on your platform and what doesn’t need to be there. We have years of experience and can offer you consultation regarding this question. Here are some reasons you should consider having live dealer games on your platform:
- Live dealer games increase player acquisition.
They are extremely attractive for new players, and can be used as a cross-selling tool — you can bring players to your platform by offering them live casino games, then show them what else you have. Live casino also allows multiple customization options, including the placement of your promotions in the studio!
- People’s social lives are moving online more and more.
A study by GSMA Intelligence found that by 2030, 72% of the world’s population will use the internet to socialize, compared to 53% today. This increasing rate of internet socialization indicates that solitary casino games will be less likely to meet the desires of a market increasingly looking for human interaction; chatting with the dealer and the other players creates a feeling of community that online slots don’t provide.
- Live casino will help you target players across generations.
Experienced players who are used to visiting land-based casinos can be transferred to the online space with something they already know and like, and the younger ones are already online — so why not give them the classics in a way they’re used to?
- Live dealer games offer a wide variety of content.
Аllowing operators to appeal to different player segments. Adding live blackjack, poker, or roulette to an online casino will add some much-needed variety to its game portfolio. Some developers also offer innovative new games. And options matter — the choices offered by live dealer games could be a determining factor when players are choosing an online casino.
- Innovation and accessibility are also important for online casino content.
Companies such as Evolution Gaming offer inventive new games like MONOPOLY Live and Deal or No Deal, which can be a great selling point when marketing your brand and acquiring new customers. By introducing innovative new forms of gaming, live dealer game developers have the potential to reshape the future of online gambling. Technological improvements like faster data speed and better video streaming quality have allowed operators to format live dealer games for smaller screens.
- Players consider live dealer games more trustworthy.
Some players mistrust RNG-based games because they believe they cannot be sure if the game is fair. They consider live dealer games to be more transparent, as they can clearly see the game in progress.
Types of live dealer online games
Since live dealer games exploded in popularity around the world, developers have started offering new types of games or modernizing the classic ones to create a greater variety of live content that can satisfy even the most experienced players.
Card games
Many live dealer studios provide live versions of some of the world’s most popular card games. These can include poker, baccarat, and blackjack, as well as the baccarat variant Dragon Tiger. Poker variants like Texas hold ‘em and stud can also be found. There are also different types of blackjack, like Common Draw Blackjack, Early Payout Blackjack, and Infinite Blackjack, which has an unlimited number of players.
Casino table games
Craps and dice duel are both popular dice games that are commonly offered by live dealer game studios. The simple, classic game Sic Bo can also easily be found. Many live dealer studios offer both the American and European versions of roulette, the famous casino game with a single ball and a spinning wheel. Of course, for players who love their slots no matter what, some studios offer live dealer slots.
Lotteries
Lotteries and other lottery-style games are widely offered by live dealer studios. Bingo, lotto, and keno all come in live versions where players can experience the excitement of watching the dealer call out the winning combinations.
New types
Apart from well-known classic games, live dealer developers are also searching for new ways to incorporate other elements of iGaming into their products. For example, Evolution Gaming’s Lightning Roulette and Lightning Dice add stunning visuals while incorporating the RNG that online slot players are already familiar with. After players place their bets, one or more of the possibilities are struck at random by “lightning”, adding a large multiplier if the player’s choice is struck and then the player wins.
Some developers use the live dealer format to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible, taking the opportunity to lead the pack instead of joining it. Instead of restraining themselves to traditional games, they’re developing entirely new types of gaming.
Popular live games by world market
Live dealer games are increasingly reliable sources of revenue for online casino platform operators. The live dealer sector alone is worth $1.2 billion annually, and some sources have indicated that as much as 25% of their online casino revenue could be coming from live dealer games. Simply put, players love them, and tend to choose platforms that offer both standard versions and live dealer games.
Blackjack and roulette are considered to be the most popular games in all markets. However, it is always good to do research on a particular market before you select the games for your platform. This will help you offer the ones with the highest level of demand. Your research should also include what games are allowed in which regions — and at the end of the day, you need to make sure your content is certified for the market you’d like to target.
Asia
One of the first markets where live dealer casino games really took off in popularity was the Asian market, and China in particular. Initially, there was a cultural mistrust of the RNG that governs the outcomes of online slot games. Live dealer games were seen as an acceptable alternative, as a dealer turning over cards is more transparently fair than an unseen mechanism. Among the most popular games are Live Dragon Tiger, Baccarat, and Super Sic Bo, which are hosted by dealers in Asian-style dress in studios with Asian-inspired decor.
Eastern Europe
Blackjack, poker, and roulette are very popular throughout the Eastern European region. According to Evolution, game shows also drive amazing conversion rates for new players. Operators in the Eastern European region make very effective use of marketing promotions such as cashback, tournaments, and welcome bonuses to attract players and incentivise them to keep playing.
Western Europe
Gambling has long been popular in the United Kingdom, and the country’s well-regulated environment is seeing particular growth in the online sector, so it should come as no surprise that the country is one of the top markets for online casino games with live dealers. Sweden can almost be viewed as the motherland of live dealer online casino games — revenues from online casinos in general and live dealer games in particular remain higher than in many other countries. While operators have a wide range of options to choose from, as all types of games are popular in Europe overall, smaller brands will find it difficult to penetrate the market and retain players. They often prefer to initiate their strategy with live casino games and then use it as a cross-selling tool.
US
Gambling is still restricted throughout the US, but increasing numbers of states are deciding to regulate. States that have chosen to regulate, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are already becoming significant markets for live dealer games, and operators that have expanded into those markets are already seeing positive results. Additionally, players in states that have yet to regulate gambling often play live dealer games through online platforms based in other jurisdictions. One drawback of the US market is that operators are limited to a basic game selection. Live casino studios must be located in the state where they operate, and setting up studios in multiple states would see expenses add up very quickly.
Africa and India
As in many other countries, live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker are very popular in South Africa. However, this is despite the fact that the regulatory landscape is unfavorable to operators. While gambling is very popular throughout the country, and it boasts the highest gambling revenues in Africa, online casino games are illegal, and players can only find them on offshore sites.
India, with its massive population, high GDP, and growing middle class, is considered a very tempting emerging market. The legal status of online gambling varies from state to state, and in some it has not yet been decided. Live poker is very popular, as are other games like live baccarat and live blackjack.
How can operators market live dealer content?
Once you know what types of games are mainly preferred by your audience, you can choose a developer that provides these particular games or cooperate with an aggregator to select and integrate appropriate online casino content for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is your brand awareness. Most live dealer providers allow customization of design, including croupiers’ outfits, the interior, logos on tables, and even promotions on big screens placed inside the studios. Operators can often choose a dealer speaking a certain language — so if your main target is Spanish-speaking players, go for a dealer whose native language is Spanish. This could help operators ingratiate themselves with their players, and lead to a higher level of trust.
When choosing the right provider of live casino games, operators should also consider what marketing and promotional tools the provider offers. These are important for the success of the project regardless of the market of operation. Various bonuses, events, and promotions are good for retaining players. However, their acquisition heavily depends on how well affiliate programs, advertising, social media marketing, and SEO are planned and executed. A/B testing of marketing strategies is also crucially important, since it allows you to find the most effective way to promote your product in a chosen market, and you shouldn’t skip this step. So don’t try to cut corners on marketing and make sure you invest enough to get the job done right.
Top live dealer casinos providers
Today, with the iGaming industry growing fast, there is a great variety of live dealer game developers. Our team has selected the top six most reliable providers that we are glad to be partners with.
XPG
Founded in 2005, Bratislava-based XPG (formerly XProGaming) has a vision of becoming the world’s leading live dealer game provider. XPG prides itself on its professionalism, transparency, and innovation, and believes that live dealer games are the ultimate replacement for playing in brick-and-mortar casinos. Their studios, located in Romania and Bulgaria, provide a pure and enjoyable live gaming experience that streams in HD 24/7.
XPG has a wide selection of live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Dragon Tiger, Sic Bo, Texas hold’em, Caribbean stud poker, multiplayer poker, Andar Bahar, and Wheel of Fortune.
Vivo Gaming
Vivo Gaming has been a leading live dealer provider since the company was founded in 2010. The company’s live dealer solutions bring the live casino experience to online gambling platforms and allow land-based casinos to offer their services to remote players.
Vivo Gaming’s studios are located in the Philippines, Costa Rica, Laos, and other regions. The company’s Multi-Game Play window allows players to bet on multiple tables at once. Dealers speak English and/or Spanish, and the user interface is available in over 25 languages. Players can chat with the dealer as well as the other players. The live dealer games offered by Vivo Gaming include roulette, baccarat, craps, Sic Bo, blackjack, Dragon Tiger, and poker. Vivo Gaming has been
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming has been on the cutting edge of the live dealer casino games market since the company was founded in 2006. The provider offers language-localized live dealer solutions for a variety of different markets. The company’s wide variety of live dealer casino games includes roulette, blackjack, baccarat, dice, Dream Catcher, Super Sic Bo, MONOPOLY Live, and Deal or No Deal Live, the world’s first 24/7 game show. Evolution Gaming has licenses in Malta, Alderney, The United Kingdom, Romania, Belgium, Latvia, British Columbia, and the US (Pennsylvania and New Jersey). When it comes to industry standing, Evolution Gaming’s awards speak for themselves. Evolution prides itself on close cooperation with governments and regulators. They strive to be one of the first providers in compliance in re-regulated and newly-regulated jurisdictions, helping their partners hit the ground running in the race to dominate emerging markets.
Real Dealer Studios
Real Dealer is a revolutionary new provider of not just live but real casino content with a unique feature: the team of developers works together with professional movie makers to deliver a cinematic experience with high-quality sound and video. This authentic Hollywood feeling guarantees the highest possible level of player engagement.
Lotto Instant Win
This company has over 15 years of experience in developing live lotteries that enable fixed-odds betting and multiple draws with a new draw every minute. Six studios in different countries across the globe allow a choice of croupiers speaking different native languages. LIW is popular in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Scandinavia, and Latin America.
Betgames.TV
Founded in 2012, BetGames.TV has several offices and studios for streaming live games in different countries. The provider operates in 40 countries and is licensed by Curacao, the UK, and Malta. Certified in Latvia, Bulgaria, Italy, IoM, Lithuania, South Africa, and Estonia, BetGames.TV offers nine live dealer games, including three lotteries (Lucky 5, Lucky 6, and Lucky 7), three card games (Bet on Baccarat, Bet on Poker, and War of Bets), and three table games (Dice, Duel Duel, and Wheel of Fortune).
Top tips for choosing a live dealer casinos
Not all live casinos are created equal, so you should think hard before you pick the venue where you’re going to play. Where best suits you will depend on a range of factors, such as:
1. Games available
It may be that you’re intending to play just one particular live dealer game or it may be that you want to try as many as possible. Clearly, the number of games a site offers (and the reputation of each one) will have a big impact on how suitable the live online casino experience is for you.
2. Software appearance
There is lots to think about here: how the UX looks, how appealing the background behind the tables are and even how friendly the dealers are! How the software looks, and plays, will inevitably affect whether you want to play there. Above all, you’ll want to make sure that a site is completely safe to use, so look for trusted software providers.
3. Minimum and maximum bets
Most sites offer live dealer games with bets ranging from $5-100. Some providers allow smaller bets, and some allow much larger wagers, but those are few and far between. Even so, it would be a big shame to fall in love with a live gambling site only to find out that you can’t afford to wager there (or want to bet much more).
4. Device compatibility
Think about how you’re going to play when you settle on a live dealer casino – will you be on desktop or maybe on a smartphone or tablet? Certain sites have a better reputation among different platform users, so make sure you always check.
Frequently Asked Questions About Live Dealer Casinos
What are live dealer games?
Live dealer games are versions of online casino games that allow the player to connect to a real human dealer via a live video feed. They are available at the most top casino websites and they can be accessed from a computer, mobile, or tablet. Real cards, chips, and roulette wheels are used on the croupier’s end while software to make wagers and bets are used on the player’s end. The live chat options brings a social element to the game. It’s the most realistic casino experience outside of a land-based casino.
What table games will I find at live casinos?
You will find lots of table games at live casinos, namely blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Caribbean Stud, three card poker, Hold’em, and more. Live dealer games are always being added. If you’re looking for an online way to enjoy your favorite table games, live casinos are the place to play.
Which live dealer games are the most popular?
Online blackjack and roulette are the most popular live dealer games for a variety of reasons, and chief amongst these is their simplicity. Both are really easy to learn and even a beginner can pick up the key elements in no time. Another reason is the small house edge, which means players can get a lot of play for their money. You can spend a great deal of time enjoying interactions with a real-life dealer, for a minimal outlay.
Can I try live dealer games for free first?
Yes, a growing number of sites offer free demos of live casino games. These are not available everywhere, but you can generally find casinos that have the option. Even on sites without real dealer demos, you can play automated versions of the same casino games for free, as a way to try before you buy.
Are live games rigged?
No, you’ll be glad to know live games are not rigged. The games are tested by independent bodies to ensure everything is fair and above board, as is the case with all other online casino games at reputable sites. Any good online casino will display their accreditation on-site, so you can see it has willingly subjected itself to independent testing under the terms of its online gaming licence.
Are there live dealer options for mobile & tablet users?
Yes, a growing number of sites have brought live dealer casino games to their mobile and tablet versions. Not every live dealer game you see on a casino site may be compatible with the device, but this is quickly changing thanks to player demand. Currently live blackjack, roulette, and 3 card poker are the most popular mobile variations. Keep in mind that screen size can be more important to the live dealer experience than on regular casino games, if you can’t see the dealer then you won’t get the full experience.
