First, it was slots games that made their way online, soon followed by table games, bingo and scratch card games. Players began to realise the advantages of being able to access all their casino favourites from the comfort of their own homes, or even while out and about. But no matter how brilliant the game graphics and mechanics, nothing beats the atmosphere of a bricks-and-mortar casino when it comes to playing Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat.
At least, that used to be the case. But these days the technology has got a whole lot more sophisticated. Whereas early attempts to try and create the full ‘live casino’ experience in digital format weren’t particularly impressive, that’s certainly not the case today!
Big industry names, such as Evolution Gaming, specialise in producing high-quality, live-streamed casino games out of dedicated studios. Attractive and knowledgeable dealers host a selection of games in real-time, overseen by the production crew and game analysts. Every game is governed by a Game Control Unit, which digitises information, connects players to the games and ensures fair play throughout.
Every table has at least three cameras focused on it, giving a general overview of the scene, along with close-ups of the dealer and the gaming area. Dealers have an earpiece through which they can hear instructions from the production crew. But they can also chat with the players, so it’s exactly like being at a gaming table. If you want the dealer to be able to see you too, you can activate that facility, or you can remain anonymous if you prefer. You can chat to the dealer either via an audio link or use the live chat typing facility. It’s your game, so you can play it your way!
If you’re used to gambling at a bricks-and-mortar casino you’ll know exactly what to expect from a Live Dealer game online. But if this is your first time, playing online is a great way to learn how the games work. There’s usually a variety of options for each game on offer, so you can play for high or low stakes according to your preference. Pick a low-stakes table at first and read up on the game rules before you start. The dealer can help to guide you through the practicalities of placing a bet – although you’ll find the controls make the process incredibly straightforward.
Blackjack is easy to learn, so it’s an ideal starting point. Or why not try your luck at Roulette? If you’ve got good bandwidth give Immersive Roulette a try – cutting-edge graphics and audio combine with slow-motion effects for a thrilling HD gaming experience.
Whichever game you choose be sure to set your budget before you start wagering, and stick to it, no matter what happens.
Chasing wins or losses never pay off in the long run, so aim to stop playing while you still have funds available for another day’s gaming. And take time to read up on game strategy – having a plan can help you to reduce the house edge for most live casino games.