While there’s an ever-expanding collection of premium online casino games available, many of the most popular choices lack the atmosphere of an authentic and bustling casino. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being right in the middle of the action, interacting with the dealer and other players as you stake wagers on table games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette.
Enter live dealer online casino games — the newer kids on the block that deliver all the perks of live gaming anytime, anywhere, including face-to-face interactions between players and dealers. So, what makes live dealer games a cut above the rest? How do they compare to standard games? Keep reading to explore the latest craze in online gambling and find out how live dealer experiences bridge the gap between digital gaming and land-based casinos.
Online Games vs. Live Dealer Games
When you play casino games online, regular games are the video game equivalent of real-life betting games. Every aspect of the experience is a virtual simulation of the real thing. The biggest advantage is that you can play on the go, but a few compromises are made to bring the casino floor to the comfort of home.
Unlike real games, online games use random number generation (RNG) to produce fair results. This isn’t a drawback by any means, but it does lack the authenticity of tangible playing cards and roulette wheels. It’s a worthy trade-off in some games, especially when the online option is basically the same as the real thing.
Take slots, for example, which have enjoyed a massive surge in popularity not only because of their convenience but also because the experience is essentially the same for both online games and physical machines.
Mathematical models have always decided the outcomes of slot games. The same can’t be said for table games, though, such as poker, blackjack, and roulette. These casino favourites lose some of their allure in the conversion process. That’s where live dealer casino games come in, with a unique mix of physical and virtual elements that bring the digital experience much closer to the real deal.
How Live Dealer Games Work
When you play live dealer casino games, there’s a real dealer on your screen, dealing real cards and interacting with players in a live studio. There are no RNG results and no algorithms. Cameras broadcast the game in real-time directly to your device, immersing you in the nail-biting action even if you’re hundreds of miles away.
Watch human dealers shuffle, spin, and deal as if you’re sitting right in front of them. If you leave the table, the game continues without you, with the dealer dictating the flow of play. It’s a significant difference compared to regular online games, which allow you to set the tempo and drop in or out whenever it suits you.
While you can’t pause live dealer games, the constant activity is part of the thrill that sets them apart. If you’re playing live dealer blackjack, for instance, there are other players at the table who you can interact with, and the dealer chats along with you as the cards are dealt. This type of experience isn’t possible in regular online blackjack, where it’s a solo game with next to no interactivity.
Live dealer roulette is another great example of the defining differences between online games and their live dealer counterparts. Roulette offers some of the best game odds of any casino game, but the outcomes of spins just aren’t the same with simulated ball physics. Watching the ball find a pocket just isn’t as exciting when you know that it’s all computer-generated.
Choosing Which Casino Game Format To Play
Live dealer games and regular online games offer different experiences, both of which come with unique advantages and disadvantages. Online games are incredibly convenient. They’re quick and easy to play, but you can’t interact with dealers and other players. On the flip side, while live dealer games add authenticity and social interaction, they come at the cost of
higher overheads of operating a live studio, which means that table minimums increase.
There’s no need to wait for an available spot in online games. You can start playing anytime and switch between games effortlessly. Live dealer games might have limited seats and could involve waiting during busy times. That said, the anticipation of getting a spot at a popular live table adds to the appeal.
Are you in the mood for fast-paced gameplay and instant access 24/7, or would you prefer to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a real table game as you play? Ultimately, your preference is the deciding factor. No matter which format you choose, you’ll find an engaging and enjoyable experience that caters to different tastes. Enjoy the thrill of the game in whichever format you prefer, knowing that both provide endless hours of entertainment.
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