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Live Dealer
Many players love the human element of a live dealer when it comes to their online casino games, and thanks to Online Casino Gems you can find a massive list of top casinos that offer huge selections of live dealer games, along with big welcome bonuses, stellar loyalty programs, and more!
Live Dealer – Online Casino Gems
Live dealer games are designed to deliver the same gambling experience as land-based casinos, which is why they are the next big thing in the online gambling universe. Just take a look around, and you’ll notice that nearly all online casinos now feature a live dealer section.
With live dealer games, the players interact with a real-life dealer via high definition video stream, making them feel genuinely like they are playing at a table in a brick-and-mortar casino. The dealer is live and breathing, spinning real wheels for games like Roulette and dealing real cards for Blackjack, Baccarat, etc.
The beauty of live dealer casinos is that they not only offer the excitement and thrill of brick-and-mortar casinos but the player can also enjoy everything that makes online casinos worthwhile. These elements include a large variety of live dealer games, casino bonuses, and rich gameplay. The best part is that you can do all these from the comfort of your own home.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to a whole new and exhilarating level? You’ll be glad to know that we have reviewed and listed some of the best live dealer casinos. On top of that, we’ve scoured the web for the most lucrative live dealer bonuses and exciting games to boot.
How do Live Dealer Casinos Work?
Live dealer games add a human touch to traditional online games, especially table games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and so forth. If you prefer to have a real croupier spinning the wheel instead of a computer-generated RNG determining your fate, a live dealer casino is what you have been yearning for.
Besides the human element, when you deal directly with a live dealer you are certain everything about the game is truly legitimate. You can even ask your dealer to give you advice on how to approach your bets, just as you might when playing at a land-based casino.
Live Dealer Casinos vs. Traditional Online Casinos
Live dealer casinos bring together the best of the two worlds – the ability to gamble from the comfort of your own home, and the human interaction that adds to the fun of a land-based casino. If you love the convenience of online casinos sites but miss the interactive nature of brick-and-mortar casinos, then live dealer casinos are your best shot at seamless gambling.
The vast majority of online casino games are powered by RNGs, which help keep give all players a level playground. On the other hand, live dealer games are delivered by live croupiers, which can be either a blessing or a curse depending on your style of play. Let’s compare the two:
Key Features of Live Dealer Casinos
● Players enjoy all the elements of a land-based casino – from the sounds, interactions, etc. – right from the comfort of their own couches.
● You can play beside other gamblers that have access to the live dealer casinos, as well as interact with the dealer.
● The pace and speed at which live casino games are played is determined by the dealer.
● The selection of games offered by live dealer casinos is usually far smaller than that of most online casinos.
Key Features of Online Casinos
● They usually offer a huge variety of games that cut across the spectrum, including table games, 3 reel classic slots, video poker, video slots, scratch cards, bingo games, and much more. These games usually run in the hundreds, if not thousands.
● They offer much lower minimum bests and higher maximum bets than live dealer casinos.
● Unfortunately, you can run through your bankroll in a very short period because most online casino games have lower RTP.
● Players at online casinos usually have access to larger and more lucrative promos and bonuses.
● Online casino games can often look “artificial” and sometimes players feel that they are rigged in favor of the house.
The Pros and Cons of Live Dealer Casinos
So, should you pick a live dealer casino over a conventional online casino? Here are some pros and cons that will help you make the right decision:
Pros
Enjoy exciting games in real-time with living, breathing dealers – This real land-based casino element can take your gambling experience to the next level. You can easily follow the gameplay and understand what’s happening.
Play live dealer games at any time, anywhere, and from any device – You can enjoy roulette, blackjack, poker, etc. without leaving the comfort of your home. This level of convenience and interaction can’t be realized elsewhere.
Take advantage of the live chat feature – Every live dealer game has a live chat function that helps you stay in touch with the dealer and other players. This offers a whole new level of social atmosphere you cannot get from any online casino.
Quick and hassle-free payouts – You can expect your winnings to be paid out in a matter of seconds.
A growing number of live dealer software providers – Top-tier providers like Evolution, Ezugi and Playtech Gaming are realizing better and more robust software and live dealer games every month. Even better, other providers like NetEnt and Microgaming have made a foray into the live dealer market. At this rate, we can expect live dealer games to come in all shapes and sizes in the near-term.
Better and more responsive customer support – At a live dealer casino, you have better access to quality customer service. Instead of using emails, chat and other digital channels to seek support, your concerns will be addressed by a live pit boss on the floor.
It’s no big secret that casinos, like most companies, take in-person complaints more seriously than those delivered via virtual channels. Because live dealer games are operated by real persons on record, they are more likely to take responsibility and act faster.
Cons
The pace of the games can be slower because it all depends on the speed and style of the croupier/dealer.
The range of live dealer games is still minimal when compared to online casinos games.
The dealer’s language barrier can be a huge challenge for some players.
As you can see, there are many more advantages than disadvantages to live dealer casinos. The biggest draw of live dealer casinos is obvious – the fact that they look and feel the same as brick and mortar casinos.
How to Choose the Right Live Dealer Casino
Check the reputation of the live dealer casino
Reputation should be the first aspect of the casino you consider. This raises the question: what actually makes a reputable casino? First of all, a reputable and trustworthy live dealer casino has a gambling or gaming license from a trusted authority like UKGC, MGA, Government of Curacao (e-Curacao), etc.
Holding a gambling license shows that the casino is continuously monitored for fairness of its games, and sticking to industry best practices. It also means that any persistent complaints will eventually be addressed by the gambling authority. This way, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
We all know that reputation is something you earn. The same applies to live dealer casinos. If a particular casino or operator seems to have many complaints from players, you are better off playing at a different site. As such, you need to check out gambling forums, review sites, and other avenues to hear what other players have to say about the casino.
Do thorough research
You must do extensive research on live dealer casinos you wish to sign up with. No stone should be left unturned. Be sure to read unbiased live dealer casino reviews. This way, you will get a clear, impartial view of the casino before you even try it.
Areas of the casino review to pay attention to include: customer support quality, games selection/quality, banking options, gambling license, mobile compatibility, bonuses available, and much more.
Don’t stop there. Go ahead and check out the casino’s live dealer section for yourself. Does the website look fishy? Does it load quickly? What about the number of live dealer games at the casino lobby?
Take advantage of bonuses
Some live dealer casinos offer a broad range of bonuses, including welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, deposit match bonuses, free credits/spins, and cashback bonuses, among other offerings. Make sure to claim as many bonuses as possible.
Bonus offers allow you to try out any live dealer casino without risking real money. If it’s a good fit, you will be confident about playing using your hard-earned cash.
Consider customer support
Generally, live dealer casinos provide players with a higher quality of customer support. However, it pays to check out ways that the casino provides help and support to players. Do they authorize players to speak directly to the pit boss? Can you get advice from a dealer? How fast and responsive is their customer support?
Check live dealer games available
This one is a no-brainer move when selecting the right live casino. In short, choose one with multiple, high-quality games dealt by responsive dealers. The games should match your style of gambling, and be rendered in high definition.
You may want to use free credits and bonus offers to get a feel for the casino’s live dealer games.
Payment methods
Once you have zeroed in on a reputable and trustworthy live dealer casino, it’s crucial to think about its banking options. A good casino should offer several deposit and withdrawal methods so that you can bank efficiently.
The casino should also cater to players who want to enjoy the anonymity, safety, and convenience of cryptocurrency gambling. So, Bitcoin betting on the live dealer section is a big plus.
Bet limits
It may seem harmless at first, but restrictive limits on winnings can be a huge bummer. This is particularly true for high roller players who’d like to wager large amounts of money. They should be able to cash out and therefore withdrawal equally large amounts of winnings.
On a similar note, you should watch out for long delays when it comes to cash-outs and withdrawals.
What Types of Live Dealer Games are there?
Even though the number of live dealer games is much smaller than online casino games (that come in thousands), you can expect a decent variety. The most common types include:
(a) Live baccarat
Baccarat is a staple of brick-and-mortar casinos. It’s a card table game that involves two hands – the banker and the player. Part of the thrill of playing live dealer baccarat is watching your opponent one-on-one. The interactive nature makes it a worthwhile game.
(b) Live blackjack
Blackjack is, without a doubt, one of the best table casino games. It’s easy to learn and play. Plus, blackjack has a player-friendly house edge. Live blackjack takes the experience of a real-world casino to a new height. The cards are shuffled and dealt right before your eyes. The good thing is that you can use your blackjack strategy to boost your odds of winning.
(c) Live roulette
Are you tired of the artificial-looking roulettes of online casinos? If yes, live roulette is right for you. The dealer does everything you would expect from a land-based casino. The best part is that the previous results will be shown on your screen so you can make informed bets.
(d) Live poker
If you have watched the World Series of Poker, then you will love live poker games such as Live Texas Hold’ Em. However, instead of wagering against other players, you will be betting on the odds of your hand beating that of the live dealer. Every deal happens in real-time, and you can even seek advice from other players via a live chat feature.
These are just a few examples of live dealer games. Depending on the casino, you can also find live craps, live Sic Po, live Keno, live Dragon Tiger, and so on.
How to Play Live Dealer Games
If you have tried an online casino before, then you are pretty much set to get started with live dealer games. Here are a few simple steps that you need to take in order to start your live dealer casino experience on the right foot:
Step #1: Pick the right live dealer casino
We’ve also shared top tips on how to identify the right live dealer casinos for your gambling style and needs. But why go through all the trouble when you can register with one of our recommended live dealer casinos?
Once you've located the best casino, register and make sure to claim the bonuses on offer.
Step #2: Deposit money
Once you have an account with a trustworthy live dealer casino, it is time for you to deposit real money via a safe, secure banking method.
Step #3: Check out the live dealer section
In this section, you will find all the live dealer games you can play. Choose one that best fits your bankroll and style of play, whether that’s live baccarat, live blackjack, live poker or live roulette.
Step #4: Get familiar with the gameplay, rules, and layout of the live dealer casino
Familiarize yourself with the casino’s rules and etiquette so you won’t run into trouble. Where is the live chat? How do you get help and support? How do you buy or change chips? What is the minimum buy-in of the table? Brush up on all these features of the casino before you start playing.
Step #5: Start playing!
When you feel that you are comfortable with the rules and layout of the casino, you may start playing. Don’t forget to follow the dealer’s instructions.
How to Get the Most out of Live Dealer Casinos
Here are some tried and true tips to keep in mind if you want to have fun, and increase your chances of winning at a live dealer casino:
Ensure you have stable, high-speed internet connectivity
Every player expects impeccable gameplay and seamless live video streaming when they visit a live dealer casino. However, a slow and unstable internet connection can hinder your experience. As a general rule, be sure to check the technical requirements given by the live dealer casino about the specs of your internet connection and device used.
Have a win limit and loss limit
One of the biggest mistakes one can make when playing at a live dealer casino is to chase losses. You can quickly run through your money if you don’t keep a keen eye on your bankroll. That’s why it is paramount that you set your win and loss limits right off the bat.
When it’s time to stop, just log off your computer and call it quits. Don’t let the prospect of getting our money back cloud your judgment. The same is true for when you have reached your winning limit. Take your winnings and leave gambling for another time.
Get help directly from the pit boss
The pit boss is a supervisor of a casino floor or table. It’s the pit boss’s job to ensure everything is up to scratch. If you have an issue, you will most likely get proper help by getting the attention of the Pit Boss.
Use an advanced gambling strategy
Most live dealer games are table games, which means you can use certain tactics or strategies to beat the casino. To be on the safe side, use advanced blackjack, baccarat, poker or roulette strategy.
Embrace live casino etiquette
As with traditional land-based casinos, live dealer tables have clear-cut rules of etiquette. Follow them to the letter. For instance, you should take a seat at the table only if you are certain that you’re ready to start gambling. More importantly, treat the dealer and other players with respect; using abusive language is a big no-no.
Take advantage of bonuses and awards
If you are an avid fan of blackjack, be sure to claim bonuses attached to the live game. These freebies and offers can help you build out your bankroll and increase your probability of walking out a winner. Don’t forget to read through the terms and conditions tied to the bonuses, including the wagering requirement, bet limit, cash-out limit, validity, etc.
Live Dealer Casino Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are live dealer casinos?
Offering a subtle balance between online casinos and land-based casinos, live dealer casinos use real-life dealers who deal on live camera, while you play from the comfort of your living room.
How are live dealer games different from online casino games?
Often, online casino games are powered by RNGs to ensure the outcomes are genuinely random. Live dealer games, on the other hand, are operated by real-world dealers.
What qualifies as an excellent live dealer casino?
It’s all in the reputation. Besides, a good live dealer casino has a high-authority gambling license, friendly dealers, strong customer support, a decent selection of games, diverse banking options, and quick payouts, just to mention a few traits.
Are live dealer games available on mobile?
While most live dealer games are available on the web platform, more and more casinos are offering mobile-friendly versions. It is worth keeping in mind that live dealer games are mobile data guzzlers. As such, you should consider only playing when your mobile device or tablet is connected to a WIFI.
If you have unlimited mobile data, that’s all good and dandy. As long as the bandwidth is stable, you can play as long as you want. The good news is that most mobile casino apps are designed to use fewer data and are streamlined.
Are live dealer games time-restricted?
As already mentioned, the dealer is the one who sets the pace of the game. By the same thinking, you can expect live dealer games to play at a pace similar to that of a brick-and-mortar game.
How can I be sure live dealer games are not rigged in favor of the house?
Although there is a slight possibility that some live dealer games can be compromised, this rarely happens. Given that live casinos are a new realm, no casino would want to gain a bad reputation. Besides, forward-thinking casinos use software that has been tried and tested for fairness by external auditors like GLI, iTech Labs, and eCOGRA.
It is important to do due diligence. The only way to be certain is to register and play at a safe, reliable and trusted live dealer casino