Among the various casino gaming formats available today, live dealer casino games have become a key component of many online platforms.
Many features make online casino games popular, from the innovative mechanics to the range of promotions, such as Vegas spins no deposit offers. However, live dealer games are quickly becoming a key choice for players with different preferences.
These unique formats offer real-time gameplay hosted by professional dealers, along with many interesting mechanics that are slightly different from both traditional land-based casinos and standard online games.
While the rules and objectives of the games often remain the same at heart, several operational and technical differences set live dealer games apart. Read on as we explore some of these differences.
What are live dealer games?
Let’s first understand what live dealer games are.
These unique casino gaming formats involve a game, such as Roulette or Blackjack, being streamed from a dedicated studio or, in some cases, from actual casino floors, to an online casino provider’s platform.
These games feature a human dealer who manages the game in real-time and interacts with players through live video and chat functions. This distinction is ideal for some players who prefer a similar style of classic table games at land-based venues, but with the advanced features of online casino gaming. These live dealer games typically include classics such as Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker.
Live dealer vs. RNG games
One of the main differences between live dealer games and traditional RNG-based games is how the results are generated.
Unlike random number generator (RNG)-based games, which are controlled by software, live games involve real cards, wheels, and tables – exactly like you’d find in land-based casino venues.
In RNG games, an algorithm produces outcomes – whether that’s cards being dealt or where the ball lands in Roulette. These are tested for fairness by independent bodies, but they remain digital simulations.
In contrast, live dealer games use real equipment, such as a Roulette wheel or a deck of cards, to determine results. The process is broadcast in real time and handled by a professional dealer.
Game Pace
There’s also a difference in pace when it comes to live dealer games, thanks to how they’re operated.
RNG games allow you to play at your speed, since it’s just you and the software. You can play these games with instant results and pause or exit the game at any time.
Live dealer games, however, follow a structured format and are timed, which means decisions often need to be made within a set timeframe. Also, it’s not just you and software, but you, the dealer, and sometimes other players. This means that the game pace is slower, more structured, and controlled by the human dealer being live-streamed from a professional setting.
Interaction and Presentation
Live dealer games also include a level of interaction not found in automated formats. You can usually chat with the live dealer to ask any questions you might have about gameplay. In some cases, you can also interact with other players.
This format uses multiple cameras, close-up angles, and on-screen graphics to enhance the clarity of what’s happening in the game, so you have full visibility of the gameplay. It’s designed to make the game’s presentation as clear and transparent as possible.
Technical Considerations
To access live dealer games, a stable internet connection is essential. The games are video-heavy and require low latency to function smoothly, so having a stable connection that doesn’t produce lag or delays is essential.
Most platforms offer games in various resolutions to support different devices and connection speeds. However, some older smartphones or limited bandwidth connections may not provide optimal performance.
In terms of fairness and regulation, live dealer games are subject to the same oversight as other online games.
Live dealer games offer an alternative format for those interested in real-time table play with the fresh features of online interfaces.
While they share many similarities with RNG games and land-based casinos in terms of rules and structure, their operation, pace, and delivery are what make them distinct within online casino gaming today.
