In my opinion, live dealer online casino games are one of the most popular gambling options among players today. Traditional online casino games are played via computerized software that uses a random number generator, but not live dealer games.
Best Online Casinos To Play Live Dealer Games
With live dealer titles, you are playing in real-time, alongside an actual dealer. Secure software studios are set up, and they stream games live in HD video. Playing at a real table and watching as the action unfolds makes live dealer games more appealing and easily explains why they are a top choice among bettors.
According to the latest figures from state regulations that I’ve looked at, live dealer games are among the fastest-growing online gaming verticals in the U.S., and they show no signs of slowing down.
Popular Live Dealer Games 2024
Each online casino offers its own selection of live dealer games. You never know what an individual operator might offer, but for the most part, the same game categories are provided. Check out a few of the most popular below.
Live Blackjack
This category is usually the largest on offer at an online casino. Along with traditional blackjack, a site might offer multi-hand or specialized game versions. The best part of the game is that you can either play it in traditional mode or online while sitting at home.
From being played in casinos only to playing it online, Live Dealer Blackjack has come a long way towards capturing that in-person feel.
Let’s look at a few advantages and disadvantages of playing Live Blackjack.
Live Roulette
With live Roulette, operators usually focus on the main two varieties: American and European. However, variants of this game are often provided, including a speed round known as Lightning roulette. Betting limits vary, allowing players of all experience levels and bankrolls a chance to play.
Entering a live dealer casino via video link is like entering a real-life casino. You can place bets and examine odds with the help of your mouse. A dealer hosts the game with all the action occurring on an actual wheel.
Roulette is one of the best options for dealers and casinos because it allows many players to play simultaneously while using a single table.
Live Roulette is usually available, no matter which online casino you choose to play with. The experience feels very similar to playing in person. The only thing missing is the loud, celebratory reaction of onlookers when physically present at the casino.
How Does Live Dealer Roulette Work?
The live dealer table works precisely the way you would want it to. A smaller window is present inside the roulette window to show what the dealer is doing and how the roulette wheel is working. The roulette dealer will bring the wheel in motion after regular betting intervals, spinning the ball at different sides of the wheel after the players make their decisions.
The only drawback is that the game’s speed can reach a lull sometimes, depending on the strength of one’s internet connection. The video quality can also seem a little underwhelming, mainly if the computer, laptop, or tablet being used is a bit dated.
Otherwise, the game is pretty similar to the one a player plays in traditional mode. The best part is that you don’t have to go out to do this all. Sitting at home can now feel incredibly similar to going out and traveling to the casino.
Live Baccarat
Considered a high roller game in brick and mortar casinos, Baccarat is a common choice offered under the Live Dealer sections of casinos. This game is usually found with one or two tables with varying betting limits.
Baccarat isn’t the kind of game that is convoluted and difficult to understand, even though it can initially appear complicated. The reason why it can have the illusion of complexity is that it is often a beacon of excitement in casinos, where players emphatically slap chips onto the table, shout, and sometimes even appear to celebrate when the dealer hand wins.
In reality, Baccarat is much more simple than it appears. Most tables use 8 decks of cards. Players have 3 separate bets to make, and it is up to them to decide which option seems best. The objective is to bet on which player will have a total closest or equal to 9. Of course, if both hands have the same total, a tie occurs, and that’s not a bad betting option either.
Bets must be decided before the dealer begins to dole out the cards. Those wanting to play in pajamas can rest easy; the dealer cannot see you when you play online. However, you can communicate either with the dealer or the players while you’re playing.
There are numerous different strategies to play live Baccarat. Whichever strategy players implement, playing live Baccarat while sitting at home without any discomfort is one of the best ways to enjoy the game, win or lose.
Other Live Dealer Games
Other options that providers can offer aside from the main table games above. In some cases, you will find Ultimate Texas Hold ’em or other poker-style games like Three Card Poker and Let It Ride.
Craps is also an option you might come across from time to time. Game shows have also become popular, with software providers finding new ways to offer quality content to live dealer fans.
My Analysis Of Live Dealer Advantages
Anonymity: If you have read this far, you probably have some familiarity with blackjack rules already. But let’s say, for example, you like to rely on a basic strategy “cheat sheet" but are too embarrassed to pull it out in an actual casino. Fret not! While playing Live Dealer Blackjack at home, no one will look at you strangely for consulting the guide to see whether you should split those tens (or yell at you, should you split them).
Proof that Online Blackjack is not rigged: Games are demonstrably fair and balanced at online casinos, but some people will always be skeptical. Their logic is, if we let someone else deal with our cards, how would we know they are representing the cards honestly? For such people, the option of Live Dealer is perfect.
Such people may think that they are being cheated but continue to play online because they don’t have a local casino to play in person. Hence, the only option left for them is online Gambling. Live Dealer Blackjack greatly suits such people the most because they can watch the dealer to verify fairness with their own eyes.
Convenience of play: Think of a scenario where you aren’t physically present at the casino, but a person is already there and representing your hand. You can communicate with the dealers and watch them deal. Also, instead of going to the casino, you’re doing it all virtually from your couch. The convenience of playing it online is unmatched. In the past, people had trust issues regarding the RNG (Random Number Generator) software with different sites, but now, thanks to online dealers, RNG is no longer necessary.
The best part is that you can pick the dealer yourself. A casino is always in search of dealers who are professional, personable, and can interact with the player in a fun and friendly manner. All these options are available while playing Live Blackjack.
My Analysis Of Live Dealer Disadvantages
Just like anything else, Live Blackjack is not perfect. With so many options and choices available for a player, a few negative aspects are bound to come into play.
Speed: Live Dealer Blackjack is undoubtedly slower than the fully digital version available online. The software handles the dealing, betting, shuffling, and payouts in the fully digital version. But with a Live Dealer version, the dealer must still perform those actions.
Some players don’t like to wait for other players to play their cards. For those people, it may be ideal to stick to online mode only. Players must decide on the better option for themselves and act accordingly.
Betting Limits: This may or may not be a problem based on your aspirations and bankroll. Most casinos have betting limits as high as $500 and as low as $5. It may be possible to find higher limits at some places, but it’s $500 max in most cases.
Do Online Casinos Have Real Dealers?
Yes! Live dealer games occur in real-time, with live dealers completing all the game moves. Real people are in a studio setting with a game set up, such as a baccarat table or blackjack table.
The games are monitored by regulators and operators just as they would be in a real casino such as in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
Can Live Dealers See or Hear You?
When playing live dealer games, the dealer at the table cannot see or hear you. However, you can use a chat function to ask questions or interact with the dealer if the site provides it.
Are Live Dealer Games 24/7?
Most live dealer games are offered for a specific time frame, and the hours of operation will vary based on where you are located. Simply log in to your favorite online casino and review the live dealer section. Each table should have times listed, so you’ll know when you can play.
Can You Play Live Dealer on Your Phone?
Yes. Most live dealer games are compatible with mobile web browsers or functions on apps. So, you can easily take your favorite live games on the go with your smartphone or tablet.
My experience felt pretty much the same playing on desktop versus mobile.
Live Dealer Bonuses
Sometimes, an online casino will offer live dealer bonuses to registered players. Stay on the lookout for such promotions, and when claiming, be sure to read the terms and conditions. Wagering requirements will be connected to the deal and must be completed before you withdraw winnings.
Live Dealer Online Casino States
In the United States, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan offer live dealer gaming.
In addition, operators provide games such as blackjack, poker, Baccarat, and Roulette within the live sections of their sites. Casinos offer a lot of more games, if you want to find out more, check out our online casino games page.
Pros of Live Dealer Table Games
- Play table games in real-time for added excitement.
- Enjoy an interactive experience instead of the traditional computerized table games.
- A range of betting limits is offered so that all players can afford to play.
- Games can be played from anywhere, even on the go.
Cons of Live Dealer Table Games
- Options for live dealer games may be limited based on the operator.
- A poor internet connection can cause streaming issues. It may also create an issue if there is a communication gap between the dealer and the player.
- Running a live dealer is often costly for casinos, so fewer games may be available for players. Unfortunately, this also means it may be difficult to find low limits.
- Live Dealer Casinos have various pros and cons based on the betting limits, players’ seating, and internet connection. The best way to find out if it is for you is to sit in for a hand or three.
Author
Sadonna Price
For almost two decades, Sadonna has provided quality content for online gambling operators both in the United States and abroad. With a focus on casino gaming and poker, Sadonna has covered the latest legal developments in the industry, including new services as they launch in the US, as well as fun and interesting articles on new games and exciting tournament action.