When you play live casino online, you’re connected to a croupier via real-time video and gameplay software. You’re also able to chat with the dealer, so it’s almost like being at a brick-and-mortar casino. Some operators even connect you with dealers in land-based casinos, but most offer a service that’s completely online.
This allows players to enjoy the same high-quality graphics and betting options as online games, but with a live human croupier. This can help make players feel more involved and engaged in the game, as it’s much more realistic than a computerised version of the same game. Players can even interact with the dealer by asking questions and commenting on what’s happening in the game, which isn’t available with online versions of the same game.
The best live casinos will have a studio that is designed to mimic a real land-based casino, with cameras strategically placed to capture all the action. There will be a wide-angle camera to capture the entire table, a camera that focuses on the dealer and their equipment, and one that provides up close video of the game itself. Most live casinos will also use a GCU or Game Control Unit to encode the video and broadcast it for the player. The GCU is often a shoebox-sized box that contains the chips and cards used for the game, and it communicates with the software that the dealer is using to determine whether or not a hand is won or lost.
In addition to offering traditional casino games, some of the best live casinos will have a selection of live game shows. These can include popular television game shows like Deal or No Deal and Snakes & Ladders, or can be a twist on classic casino games such as roulette, which is sometimes offered with multipliers.
When choosing a live casino, be sure to choose one that offers the games you’re interested in playing. Many of the most popular live casinos offer dozens of variations of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. They may also offer craps, video poker, and more. It’s important to find a site that accepts your preferred payment methods, too. This is especially important if you want to take advantage of bonuses.