No, live casino games are streamed from specialized studios. These studios are set up to look just like a land-based venue, but have more tables and multiple cameras in place to capture all the action.
It is now possible to play live casino games on your mobile devices. This can be done in two different ways — app or mobile browser. With the rise of mobile phones, live dealer providers have made sure that live games are compatible with mobiles and offer scalable gaming interfaces.
Most of the live game studios are based in Riga, Latvia. But there are still some studios in other cities around the world.
If you want to talk to the live dealer, you simply write your message in the chat. They won’t respond here but will speak to you directly via the video feeds which are live.
Yes, they are. All live dealer games are carefully monitored by pit bosses. Additionally, the different software providers also have to undergo regularly auditing to ensure they are complying with gaming fairness rules.
Yes, absolutely. When you’re playing a live dealer game, you are playing as if you were in a land-based venue. This means that when you interact with the dealer, you must be polite and respectful. While some chit-chat is permitted, certain topics are also off-limits. If you’re seen to be harassing or aggressive to any dealer, you will be removed and blocked from the live casino.
Live games are actually a great way to mix online gaming with some of the benefits you can get from land-based play. These games have a real person in a studio operating the game table or wheel. This means that you can actually talk to the dealer rather than simply clicking a button to take actions and place bets as you do with virtual table games. You’ll even be able to see who the other players are, and even interact with them via chat rather than playing against a computer.
Contrary to popular belief, most live dealer games are not set in a real, land-based casino. Instead, they are in studios around the world. The studio is set up to resemble a casino floor and there are multiple tables with croupiers and dealers in place. Just like land-based casinos though, there are pit bosses who oversee the dealers, ensuring everything is going smoothly and dealers are operating fairly.
The dealers and the table or wheel they are at, is also covered by a number of cameras. These are placed at different angles so that players back home can catch all the action. The footage from these cameras is live-streamed using HD streams to the casino where the player has joined so that they can watch all the action as it unfolds.
Back at home, on their screens, players will see the real footage, with a virtual overlay giving them the different options for actions, and showing their chips. A chat function is also available where they can message the dealer their moves and bets. The dealer can see the chat screen, but will answer verbally to players. At this point, the game players out as any table game would. If a player wins, then the funds are automatically credited to their online casino account.
All online casinos are different, so with this in mind, you need to carefully consider some factors when selecting where to play. This includes looking at the type of games in the live dealer lobby, which providers are offering their games, how secure and fair the games are and whether you can claim any bonuses. Read on below as we cover these areas in more detail.
One of the ways to choose a good live casino and its games, is to take a look at the software provider behind the game in question. There are a number of different providers, including Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi and Playtech. Here are some of the best ones:
Choosing to play at a live casino powered by one of these providers means you’re going to get great dealers, good games, a range of bet limits, speedy video streams and many game variations with plenty of seats available.
As live games are all about providing a real experience, this all rests on the dealer or croupier in large degree. While the rest of the game essentially works as a virtual one does, the dealer is able to interact with the player, elevating the experience. As an essential part of the experience, choosing somewhere to play that has great dealers is an absolute must.
The best live dealers will know the game inside and out. This means they will be able to keep the game flowing while still interacting and chatting with the players. Dealers should be able to keep everyone comfortable, while ensuring they’re dealing or operating the game correctly. As such, it’s not an easy job.
On top of all this, they have to be reading the player messages on a chat screen, all while being filmed. As such, specific skills and personalities are required to ensure players remain engaged. Not only that, but they need to be able to handle the pressure of a tense game, and manage players who may be upset.
Here are some key features about live dealers and how you can interact with them:
When looking for a top live casino in New Zealand, as you would with any other game, you’re going to want to check out the actual selection before signing up. Not all live casinos are as well stocked as each other. As such, players should always take a look to see that the specific game they want to play is there and to ensure there are a range of options. Some of the most popular live games are listed here.
It’s one of the most popular games in any form, so live blackjack is a must at any top casino. There are many different versions depending on the provider. But some of the best include Party Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack and Power Blackjack. The game works in the same way as the virtual version. However, this time you have a real person and dealer to bet against. Depending on the live blackjack or the live casino you’re at, you can also enjoy insurance, side bets and more gambling features to enhance the overall experience.
Another very popular game in any format, live roulette works incredibly well online. As such, it’s one of the more popular live games you can play. It’s easy to get to grips with the rules, and there are numerous betting options to try out. Better still, dealers can make this game go by quickly, so more rounds can be played. In live form, there are also numerous versions available so that players can enjoy more unusual betting options such as those afforded by French Roulette.
This is one of the games that’s not so available in virtual form. But it really comes into its own in live form. It’s one of the games where the live dealer makes all the difference. In fact, the live dealer has to take care of everything in live baccarat, players just need to choose whether to bet on the bank or player. It’s one of the games that’s definitely a lot more fun in live form. Better still, top NZ live casinos will give players access to a no commission live baccarat, too.
There are many different versions of live power at a live casino. In fact, players are typically spoilt for choice in this area. It’s one of the most commonly found live game and there are many different variants to enjoy. Some of these include Three Card poker, Caribbean Stud poker, Casino Holdem a variation on Texas Holdem. Each of these games has slightly different rules and regulations in place, so knowing the specific rules for each one is essential before players begin playing.
Finally, there are a growing number of smaller, more unusual games being found in live form. Sic Bo, has become more popular and, as it’s based on luck, it’s a lot of fun alongside other people. For other entertaining, but easy-to-learn games, look at AndharBahar, and Teen Patti. Players can also enjoy live craps, live wheels of Fortune, some live slots and even the chance to join in live game show games.
Similar to any online casino, you do need to be safe. Live casinos in New Zealand all hold gaming licenses from top jurisdictions. These can include Malta and the UK. By having these licences in place, the live casino is forced to have specific regulations in place to protect players. Players are treated fairly under these licences and also provide specific SSL encryption protocols to prevent player data from being accessed by just anyone.
Traditional online casinos will also be checked for gaming fairness. This is done via third-party auditors such as eCOGRA. Now, the same is true of live casino games. In fact, sometimes it’s even more strict. This is because the actual dealers are audited and checked, too. Top live casinos will also have pit bosses managing the live dealers, just as they would on a land-based casino floor to ensure that everything is above board. Of course, there will be the occasional moment of human error, but this is similar to land-based sites.
For a long time, live games could not be supported or played on a mobile device. But this is not the case anymore. Now, players can enjoy live dealers games whenever and wherever they are.
One way is to access the casino on the mobile browser version of the site. This means players do not need to download an app or any software. They can simply log in to their account and begin playing. The best live dealer providers optimise their live games for access on the smaller screen as well.
Alternatively, if the live casino has one, then players can play on the mobile app. This method often providers players with a much easier interface, with all live games set up simply for use on a smaller screen. Not all casino apps are available in the official app stores for Android and iOS. So, many live casinos will give players the option to download them directly from their website.
Bonuses and promotions are part of online casino life. But annoyingly, many of these offers actually exclude live games from them. However, more and more NZ casinos are realizing this, and it is beginning to change. While players still can’t use most bonuses on live games, and live games often don’t count toward wagering requirements, it’s still a good idea to take on these bonuses.
Depending on the NZ casino, you can often find live dealer bonuses in the form of cashback or a match deposit bonus or a no deposit bonus. Players will have to look out for them though.
Everyone has their preferences when it comes to the type of games they play. But let’s take a look at what each of these game types has to offer. Of course, let’s not forget, they are wildly different, so players may enjoy depending on what they want to get out of it at that time.
For players looking for a more authentic gaming experience when online, then live games are the best option. But virtual games offer faster game time and more variety. Here are some of the main pros and cons for each.
