Live casino online brings the real world into your home and gives you the chance to interact with a live dealer. Unlike video slots and table games, which are programmed to react in the same way to any bet you place, live dealer games actually make decisions based on the action at the real tables. This is what makes them so popular with players and what makes them unique in the online gaming world. But what does it take from an operator perspective to get such a complex and engaging experience off the ground?
One of the first things that you’ll notice when you visit a site that offers live dealer online casino games is that you will be presented with a live lobby. From here you can browse the selection of games on offer and then click to take a seat at a table with betting limits that match your bankroll. Once you have done this, the game will then start and you will see a window or tab open with a live video feed of the table you’ve chosen.
Once you’ve chosen your game and taken a seat, all that remains is to follow the instructions of the dealer or croupier in order to make bets. The bet prompts will be displayed on your screen, and you can even chat with the dealer during a game via a built-in chat feature. Depending on the game, you might also be able to interact with other players at the same time as you play.
A live casino is a huge investment for operators and this is why many sites choose to work with only one or two providers that have the technology and resources to deliver such a sophisticated service. The most famous names in the industry include Evolution Gaming and NetEnt, with these casinos often attracting a wide range of players thanks to their high profile presence.
The software that powers these live dealer games is incredibly complex and has to be able to process the real-world movements of a player, as well as converting all of the cards, numbers and symbols that appear on your screen into data that can be sent to the video stream and then translated back into the game you are playing on your computer or mobile device. This is why the best live casinos have incorporated a special system called Optical Camera Recognition (OCR), which allows them to recognise any winning or losing bets and then immediately deduct or award those funds from the player’s account.
If you’re interested in playing at a live casino online for real money, make sure you stick with licensed and legitimate operators that are fully tested for fairness by a trusted body like eCogra. Only then will you be able to enjoy the full thrill and excitement of these real-world games while staying safe at home. The top five OUSC recommended sites all operate with licensed dealers based in dedicated studios in the US states of Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.