Your online casino experience isn’t complete without playing live dealer games. Sure, you can have fun playing blackjack against RNG software. Or you could get lucky and win thousands of dollars at slot machines.
But there’s a certain experience only accorded by live casino games. You can’t socialize at slots and RNG games. This is an experience found at live casino games.
What are Live Casino Games?
Live casino games, also known as live dealer games, replace RNG software with human dealers. So, when you sign up for a live blackjack session, you’re connected to a human dealer through a video link.
You can talk and socialize with the human dealer, which otherwise is impossible when playing RNG blackjack games. With poker, baccarat and poker, you’re connected to fellow gamblers, which increases socialization.
Besides socialization, live casino games imitate the feeling of being at a real casino. Live casinos host their games at branded poker rooms, with lighting, gorgeous dealers and real betting chips.
That said, not all games support live casino gaming. These are the most popular options:
- Blackjack
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha Hi and Hi/Lo
- Roulette
- Craps
- Monopoly Live
A Brief History about Live Casino Games
Live casino games didn’t exist when the first online casino launched in 1994. Back then, all you could play were simple slots and RNG table games. The games were fun and unique because you didn’t need to leave your home to gamble.
In 2006, a Latvian startup called Evolution Gaming launched with an aim of providing casino games in a live setting. Within a decade, Evolution was one of the biggest software providers online.
Evolution specializes in live casino software. It’s the largest brand in this space. And after acquiring its biggest competitor last year, NetEnt, it’s likely to continue dominating the live dealer scene for years.
The beauty of Evolution is that it provides live casino software for all major games, from poker and roulette to blackjack and baccarat. Interestingly, it also supports unique variants, like lightning roulette, Dream Catcher and live mini roulette.
Choosing a Reliable Live Casino
Playing live casino games is relatively straightforward. However, it’s in your best interest to play these games at the right casino. That way, your security is assured. Your money is also protected. And crucially, you have a fair chance to win.
In Canada, the best live casinos have licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority. Check this page for a detailed guide on the best live dealer casinos in Canada. As a bonus, you’ll discover the best-paying live dealer games.
Spoiler alert: Blackjack leads with a 99.5% payout rate. Casino Hold’em comes second with an RTP of 99.18% while baccarat is third at 98.96%. Keno is arguably the worst paying table game at 40%. As a result, most casinos you won’t find it among top live casinos.
With that in mind, below are tips to help you find the right live casino:
- Top-Tier Software Providers
We’ve already mentioned this. Evolution is the world’s best live casino software developer. So, choose casinos with games from this brand. However, it’s not the only live dealer out there. So, consider looking for alternative providers like Playtech and Pragmatic Play as well.
- Licensing and Safety
A casino’s license answers two questions: is it genuine and does it accept players from your country? Obviously, you want a genuine casino that accepts players in your country. Most casinos have a list of supported nations. So, if you’re not sure whether you can join a website or not, look out for that list.
That said, your safety is paramount. Look for a casino with proper safety features, from SSL encryption to data protection policies.
- Live Casino Bonuses
A good bonus can cheer you up. You know—you get a chance to play your favorite roulette game risk-free? And better yet, there’s a chance to win real money. Now, not every casino has live casino bonuses.
Many operators have bonuses targeting slots players. So, look for websites with specific bonuses for playing live casino games. While at it, read the bonus policies to ensure they’re fair and achievable.
- Deposits and Withdrawals
If you’re like many people, your goal is to play live poker or live baccarat for real money. Choose a company that allows you to deposit money through your favorite payment method. That way, you can use your local currency, save on fees and deposit the cash quickly.
The top casino payment methods are PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, iDebit, Google Pay, bank transfer, Visa, MasterCard and bank transfer. Bitcoin, eChecks and gift cards are also available at some casinos.
Still on banking, pay attention to a casino’s withdrawal policies. Ensure it processes withdrawals fast, regardless of whether you want to cashout a small or large amount.
- A Good Reputation
This category is pretty important because you can’t truly judge a casino until you become a customer. Or you learn about it from people who’ve been customers at the website. Read reviews and join forums to learn about a casino’s reputation before you try out its services.
How to Win at Live Casino Games
Winning at live casino games can be simple and difficult at the same time. Think of roulette. All you need is to place a bet: you can bet on red/black, even/odd, a straight number, corners, or five numbers.
If the wheel stops at the number you predicted, you win. However, this is a game of pure chance. If lady luck isn’t on your side, you lose. To become a consistent winner, consider following these tips:
- Learn the basics of your favorite game
- Play the best-paying game
- Learn about Strategies and Skills
- Stick to a Budget
- Maximize your Bet amounts
- Bet on Outcome with the Best Odds
Your Turn
Live casino games are fun, interactive and potentially profitable. However, you need to play these games at the best casinos for the best experiences. Also, learn about the best games. Figure out the best way to lower the house advantage and play within your budget.
