The emergence of live dealer games has given the casino industry a new feel. Players can now enjoy the same experience as those at traditional casinos by playing online casino games on the go instead of visiting a land-based casino.
With the continuous rise in technology, gamers have even more options. Many online casinos have continued to implement live dealer games. Some have only a few, but others have hundreds of live dealers.
Live dealer games remove the skepticism around the fairness of RNG (random number generators). Unlike online pokies where players need to spin and wait for an outcome, live dealer games involve real dealers dealing cards to ensure trust and fairness. With pokies, users don’t need to be skilled to play. The games are based mainly on luck. They can play without having prior knowledge or strategy. On the other hand, some live dealer games, such as poker, blackjack, and craps require skills.
But what has made live dealers increasingly popular? Is it technological innovation? How have online casinos reacted to this rise in demand? This review gives insight into some of these questions. We examine the surge in the popularity of live dealer games and the best options to play.
Emergence of Live Dealer Games
Gambling has a history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. However, the idea of casinos began in Italy in the 1600s. While dice, roulette, baccarat, poker, and baccarat have been around for a long time, players used to play these games on-site. Despite the availability of video pokies since the mid-1970s, the emergence of live dealers in 2006 changed the trajectory of things.
Live dealers were introduced in the 1990s, but technology was not advanced enough to sustain them. The big breakthrough came in 2006 when Microgaming launched live baccarat, and Evolution Gaming launched some live dealer games.
Since then, the growth has been exponential. Many existing game developers have jumped on the trend of offering these games, and new providers have joined the movement. Hundreds of providers have continued to emerge.
What are Live Dealer Games?
Live dealer games imitate games at physical casinos. They are hosted in online casinos so that players can play from anywhere. Providers broadcast these games online from specific studios. The studios have multiple HD cameras, quality microphones, and lighting, which enable players to stream these games directly from home. For instance, Playtech launched the world’s largest live casino studio in 2017.
Professional live dealers, who are also known as croupiers, run these games. They interact with players and keep the game fun. Croupiers answer customers’ queries and help them throughout their sessions.
Online casinos classify live dealer games into various categories. Table games, card games, bingo, and live lotteries are some available sections. Gamers could stake on roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, Sic Bo, and dice.
Why Do Live Dealer Games Appeal to Players?
The rise in the popularity of live dealer games started during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were restricted from going to onshore casinos. This increased interest in live casinos.
Another reason for the increased demand is the upgrades in internet speeds. The continuous improvement in smartphones also allows more players to gain access.
Below are some of the reasons why live dealer games appeal to players.
Flexibility
Live dealer games have become popular because they are flexible. They’re available online so that people can play from anywhere. Players also have 24/7 access. Users continue to experience the thrill of action despite their busy schedules. They can access them on phones, computers, laptops, and tablets.
Social Interaction
Like in-person casinos, live dealer games promote social interaction. Players interact with live dealers and other players, unlike pokies, where people play alone. Social interaction helps personalize users’ gaming experience.
Trust and Transparency
Live dealer games are transparent. This is thanks to the number of camera angles in the studio. They provide players with different views to see the progress of the action. It builds trust and security.
Promotional Offers
Unlike land-based casinos, live casinos offer players a range of promotions. Most online casinos give new customers a welcome bonus to start their journey. They also offer other rewards. Cashback, rakeback, and reload bonuses are a few. Some platforms also have VIP programs for extra benefits.
Types of Live Dealer Games
With the advent of technology, live casinos continue to grow. There has been an increase in the number of providers. This has led to a surge in the number of pokies and live dealer options. Hundreds of live dealer games are now available. Below are some of the games players will find.
Table Games
Many online casinos categorize different types of games under table games. Top examples are diverse roulette options, including European and American types. Other notable ones are Sic Bo, Craps, and dice duel. Evolution Gaming, HoGaming, and Ezugi offer most of these games.
Card Games
Card games are a part of online casinos. Poker, blackjack, baccarat, and Casino Hold’em are common examples. Players may stake on Texas Hold’em, Lightning Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, and Super 6 baccarat.
Lotteries
The leading online casino platforms offer lotteries. Examples of lottery games are bingo, keno, and lotto. Bingo remains one of the simplest lotteries despite being around since the early 1900s. Lotto is a game of chance. Players have to guess the winning numbers. Lotto Instant Win, XPG, and Vivo Gaming are the top lottery providers.
