Short definition
A casino-game format with real dealers streamed directly to the player, with roulette, blackjack and other tables.
Live casino combines online play with real table games taking place in a studio or casino. The player interacts with an interface, but a real dealer runs the game.
This format suits those who prefer the feel of a classic table game and a real-time pace.
Live games are played at live casinos, and bonuses for them are on the live casino offers page. The most popular are live roulette, live blackjack and baccarat, plus game shows.
What happens behind the screen
The live table is in a studio or a casino hall, and cameras send the picture to your device. Software recognises the wheel or card result and shows it in the interface. Every round has a betting window; when it ends, bets lock, so the decision has to be made before the timer reaches zero. A table has its own minimum and maximum bet. If your connection drops, the game rules and the casino's terms apply, so read them before the first round.
The house edge at table games: an example
European roulette has 37 numbers (0 to 36) and a single-number bet pays 35:1. The average return on that bet is 36 ÷ 37 = 97.30%, so the house edge is 2.70%. American roulette has 38 numbers and a house edge of 2 ÷ 38 = 5.26%. So the same game costs nearly twice as much at the other table. For example, if you play 50 rounds an hour with a €2 bet, the turnover is €100 and the average loss at European roulette is €2.70 an hour. The number of rounds is an example; the real pace depends on the table. In blackjack the result depends on the rules and your decisions; more at blackjack.
Bonuses and live games
When wagering a bonus, live games often count less than slots or not at all. Check the game contribution in the terms before sitting at a live table with a bonus. A fuller explanation is on the wagering requirement page.
The pace of live games and the contact with the dealer make it easy to lose track of time. Set a time limit and a loss limit for each session and, if needed, ask for help at the Gambling Addiction Counselling Centre. The live casino guide explains the tables in more detail, and the crypto casinos' live selection is on live casinos. General background is at Wikipedia: Online casino.
Related terms
See also: live casinos, live casino offers, game shows.
“Example: in live roulette you see a real dealer spinning the wheel in a live stream and place bets in real time, chatting with the dealer and other players.
1. Live stream
The game is streamed from a studio in real time with video.
2. Real dealer
The game is run by a real dealer, not software.
3. Bets in the interface
You place bets through a digital interface within a set time.
4. Interaction
You can chat with the dealer and often other players.
Roulette, blackjack, baccaratGames
A real personDealer
In real timePace
Can you play in demo in a live casino?
Usually not — live games require real bets, since each table is run in real time by a real dealer. You can learn the rules in the demo of ordinary table games.
What does a live casino need?
A stable internet connection, since the game is a real-time video stream. The quality can often be adjusted to the connection.
21+ Gambling is intended for players aged 21 and over only. A fast withdrawal does not make gambling a safe source of income. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If needed, set self-limits or seek help:
responsible gambling.
