There are numerous different types of games available at online casinos, from slots to table games. But, when it comes to distinguishing online casino card games, they can usually be split into two distinctive groups: live dealer tables streamed in real time, and digital titles powered by random number generators (RNGs).
But what are the differences between live dealer and digital card games? This guide breaks down the characteristics of live dealer casino games and digital RNG card games, highlights the potential pros and cons of each format, and shares a few examples of titles from the different formats.
How Live Dealer Card Games Work
When a player joins a live dealer card game, they’re taking part in a game that’s streamed from game tables filmed in real-time inside custom-made, live-dealer casino studios. These are designed to look and feel like actual casino games and resemble in-person casino environments. There are many live dealer casino game providers, like Evolution, that provide these services to online casinos.
To capture the action, a game-control unit (GCU) beneath the felt of each casino table, equipped with optical character-recognition software, instantly translates the dealer’s actions into digital game data in real time. While this is occurring, the game table has multiple high-definition cameras that capture the game from a variety of camera angles.
The game is captured on state-of-the-art hardware that is designed to deliver higher-quality visuals and ensure that the game is transmitted to the player as quickly as possible, thereby limiting any delay between the game and online players’ interactions.
Players use the game’s digital interface to perform different actions, like greeting fellow participants, taking an action in-game, or leaving a tip.
How RNG Card Games Work
Digital card games online, on the other hand, use virtual representations of physical cards in combination with advanced digital tools called random number generators (RNGs). RNGs use a variety of different methods to create random results that translate into random output, or luck, in a game. By combining these randomised results with a virtual deck of cards, it’s guaranteed that each draw of a card is independent, random, and fair.
To ensure that these systems are truly fair, the digital RNG card games, table games, and other online casino games offered by licensed online casinos are regularly audited. The auditing process ensures that the results are random and that there’s no manipulation of the RNG. These audits are performed by independent testing labs that are approved by bodies that provide oversight to the online gambling industry, like the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
Comparing the Player Experience
To get a better understanding of the differences between live dealer and digital casino games, here are some of the pros and cons of live dealer games and digital RNG card games that players may wish to consider.
| Different Game Elements | Live Dealer Card Games | Digital RNG Card Games |
| Atmosphere and social interaction | Has a human dealer and real-time chat, which combine to help create a casino-like atmosphere. | Has solo play and can feature high definition graphics and sound effects that also attempt to capture the casino experience. |
| Speed of play | The game is as fast as the dealer and the players involved in the game. | Gameplay is much faster because there’s only one player. Game settings can be adjusted to increase the speed of the game. |
| Table availability | Limited to the number of real live dealer casino tables for a game, which may result in waiting in a queue if a game is popular and table space is limited. | A new instance of each game can be created so that a player can enjoy the game at any time. |
| Internet requirements | A stable, fast, broadband internet connection is required since the game is streamed live. | Can be played using a lower-bandwidth but stable internet connection, including mobile connections. |
| Betting options | Typically has higher minimum bets due to the costs involved in running a live dealer game. | Has a much larger range of wagers and a very low entry barrier due to the lower running costs of digital RNG card games. |
Some Examples of Live Dealer and Digital RNG Card Games
To gain a better understanding of online live dealer vs. RNG games, here are a few examples of live dealer and digital RNG card games players can find online.
Live Dealer Card Games
- Blackjack: Classic seven-seat blackjack with unlimited spots for Bet Behind players.
- Infinite blackjack: One hand is dealt to every player in the game, removing the limits on the number of spots in the game. Also has four optional side bets.
- Lightning blackjack: Classic blackjack with an electricity-themed twist. With every game, random multipliers worth 2-25x are applied to hands worth 17-21 and blackjack. The maximum multiplier for each hand value varies.
RNG Card Games
- Four Card Poker: Fast-paced, solo poker-style game where players go head-to-head against the dealer.
- Premium Blackjack Pro: Playtech’s expert-level version with five-hand play, side bets like perfect pairs and 21+3, and payout based on VIP level.
- First Person Lightning Baccarat: A 3D RNG version of baccarat with random lightning multipliers that are applied to qualifying hands. Also features a “Go Live” button that jumps straight to the live dealer studio table.
