A live casino is an online gambling site that offers real-life croupiers and dealers who are linked to players via reliable video streams. This makes it possible for players to play games such as roulette and blackjack, while also chatting with the dealer. The dealer will be based inside a dedicated studio or even in a physical casino, and the entire experience is designed to replicate the excitement of a visit to an actual casino.
When playing a live casino game, players will first be asked to create an account on the website. This is a very quick and easy process and players will be able to instantly deposit funds into their new accounts. Once the account has been created, players can then access the live casino lobby where they can browse through the various games available. Some live casinos will offer different types of games, but most will stick to a core set of table options.
While the main focus of live casino is to provide players with a realistic gaming experience, many sites will also feature a variety of different bonuses that are designed to encourage players to make use of their services. Often, these bonuses are tied to specific game types and can significantly increase a player’s chances of winning.
The live casino industry is a relatively new one and, as such, it has taken some time for players to become familiar with the concept. However, as technology improves, more players are beginning to realise the benefits of this type of gaming and the advantages that it can provide over traditional virtual casino gaming.
Live casinos are usually operated by a single software provider, which helps to keep the overall experience consistent and uniform. Each table has a device called a GCU (Game Control Unit) attached to it, which is responsible for encoding the video that is broadcast and transmitting it to the player’s screen. This is the only hardware component in a live game that actually has anything to do with the game itself.
As well as the standard table games, some live casino websites will also offer special VIP tables. These are normally reserved for high rollers and offer much more generous betting limits than other tables on the site. In addition, a VIP Room Manager is usually present to help players with any queries that they may have.
In terms of the games themselves, most will follow standard rules for blackjack. This includes drawing to 16 and standing on 17. Most live casinos will also allow players to place side bets, such as suited runs or pairs, which can add an extra element of strategy to the game.
Some casinos will also offer live versions of baccarat and roulette. Both of these games are typically played against the dealer rather than other players, although some casinos will offer shared tables. Depending on the casino, these games can be accessed 24 hours a day.