New to live casino? All you need to know

Have you ever played casino online? If your answer is yes, then you’ll know there are both similarities and differences between online games and entering a traditional brick-and-mortar casino. If you’re looking to rediscover the thrill of your favourite casino pursuits, it’s time you gave live casino a whirl. Combining the classic atmosphere and social benefits of a brick-and-mortar casino, with the online casino’s accessibility and convenience, live games provide the best of both worlds for players looking to win some extra cash. Maybe you’re new to live games and haven’t yet delved into that corner of the online casino – well don’t worry, our guide has everything covered, from technology to games.

How does it work?

Well, much the same as casino games in a land-based establishment. The games are filmed in a real-life casino, or a studio, which has been kitted out to replicate the casino. Games are run by human dealers, as opposed to computers, and you’re able to chat to the dealer and your fellow players along the way.

If you love Roulette, you’ll see the dealer stood behind the wheel, ready to throw the ball in to see where it lands – and more importantly, if you are a winner. Blackjack fans will see the croupier shuffle the pack and deal the cards.

You won’t miss any of the action, with multiple cameras filming and live streaming the games – while footage is shot in the very best quality. If you are playing on-the-go and your signal isn’t the best, you’re able to toggle the game’s picture quality so you don’t lose out.

There are several key components necessary to ensure the games are run, and run as smoothly as possible. Of course, the cameras are crucial, but they aren’t the most important element. The GCU (or Game Control Unit) is a tiny device which ensures the video is broadcast – in short, without it the games won’t run. Similarly, OCR (Optical Camera Recognition) technology is vital, as it records every single minor detail of the games, and transforms it into an electronic format – allowing it to be streamed to players.

Finally, the monitor is useful, as it shows the dealer what the player can see on their screens. It also allows the dealer to see the players that are online, and run the games as smoothly as possible – for example, keep track of bets and let the players know when betting is over and play is beginning. Like we say, players can chat to each other and the dealer – don’t be camera shy.

What can you play?

We’ll be honest, there isn’t as wide a range of live games as there are online ones, but of course, most fans are choosing live casino for that traditional style of gaming and ambience associated with the land-based establishments.

Expect to find the classics like Blackjack and Roulette, timeless games that have remained popular over the years. You’ll find lobbies for both varieties of game with multiple options available – and different variants of the standard games to mix things up.

Of course, table games are the most common – Poker, Baccarat, Brag and Sic-Bo to name but a few. But also, you’ll find more unique options. Live casinos offer games such as Spin A Win. Simply wager on a section of the big wheel, and watch as the dealer spins it. You can even add a side bet to proceedings if you’re feeling lucky. Slots fans will be amazed to find Buffalo Blitz – a live-streamed version of a video slot, hosted by a real-life dealer.

Live casinos allow you to play from any time of day and from anywhere.