Online gambling has come a long way in the past two decades. From primitive 8-bit card games to immersive 3D virtual casinos, the industry has evolved a lot. However, there are still some players who want to feel the buzz of playing in a real casino and interacting with actual human dealers. This is where live casino comes in. Live casino combines the authentic Vegas experience with all of the convenience of online gaming.
Live casino is an internet based game where a player can interact with a croupier via a video camera and microphone. This is streamed to the player’s computer, tablet or mobile device and allows them to place wagers and bets as they would in a regular casino. Live dealer casinos also allow players to chat with the croupiers, just like in traditional retail casino games.
While this isn’t a substitute for visiting the real thing, it does add an extra element of excitement to a game of blackjack or roulette. Players can also win cash rewards by spotting specific patterns during the course of the game, for example if they bet on a certain number or if they land particular cards. The terms and conditions (T&C) for these offers will vary, but the aim is to give players a chance to win big while playing at their favourite casino.
When you choose to play at a live casino, it’s important to check the reputation of the website first. A reliable site will have a strong licensing body, a gambling commission and be fully accredited. This will ensure that the casino follows strict gaming regulations and provides a fair, safe experience. It’s also a good idea to look at the customer support options and how easy it is to contact a member of staff.
To make sure the live casino experience is as realistic as possible, there are a number of different technologies that go into making it work. These include the studio monitor that allows you to see the dealer, optical character recognition software that converts a dealer’s physical transaction into data and an ingenious piece of hardware called a GCU, which is about the size of a shoe box and without which there wouldn’t be any live casino games.
Another factor to consider is the number of available games. Most live casino sites offer a wide selection of popular table games and even some exclusive ones that you can’t find at any other online gambling portal. Many of these games can be played on desktop computers and tablets as well as on smartphones and other devices, but it’s always best to check a website’s compatibility with your device before you start playing.
When you’re ready to play, the process is simple. First, you’ll enter the live casino lobby where you can browse games displayed on a screen that looks just like a casino floor. You can then select the one you’d like to play and click to join a table. From there, you’ll be able to talk to your croupier and other players through a built-in chat function.