Live Casino is a fully immersive experience combining the excitement of traditional land-based casino games with the sociability and convenience of online gambling. Unlike virtual casinos where the results of each game are determined by programmed computer algorithms, Live Casino uses human dealers to deal cards and spin roulette wheels. Any physical transactions are converted into data used by the software by a process known as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which means players never have to worry about cheating or being scammed.
Generally speaking, a live casino solution consists of classic table games accessible in every brick and mortar casino. This is usually the golden trio of blackjack, roulette and baccarat (sometimes several variants). There are also poker, wheel of fortune and custom games included in the portfolio which make each provider stand out from the competition.
The live dealer’s screen displays the current wagers placed by the gamblers, along with any wins and losses. This screen is usually surrounded by a betting grid which helps to keep track of the action. Depending on the casino you choose, there might be additional information displayed on the live screen such as game rules and a chat window where gamblers can communicate with the dealers.
The games are streamed from special studios that look like real brick and mortar casinos. These studios are designed to be able to transmit the video streaming at fantastic quality which most home internet connections can easily handle. Typically, a live studio will include a camera that captures the entire gaming table and another that focuses on a single dealer. Some providers also have a third camera that focuses up close on the game itself.
A key component in the whole setup is a device called a Game Control Unit or GCU, and it’s responsible for encoding the video broadcast for transmission. It’s about the size of a shoebox and is installed on each table alongside the dealer. It’s important for the dealers to be able to see which gamblers are currently playing so that they can welcome them and stimulate communication between players.
In order to ensure the best possible quality of the video streams, each live dealer is trained in the respective gaming formats and rules. Moreover, they are required to undergo rigorous testing to prove that they can handle the tasks of their job competently and fairly.
The live casino gaming industry is a rapidly growing one and this will only continue to grow as more people realise the benefits of online gambling over the high street version. The sociability, excitement and thrill of gambling in person is a feeling that’s impossible to replicate with virtual games. This is why the Live Casino is set to thrive for many years to come.