Since the birth of the first online casino in 1996, playing games online has only become more and more popular, and with the online market bringing in a revenue of $66.67 billion in 2020, this is only expected to rise, as the market value has been predicted to grow to $100 billion by 2026. This next-level of casino gaming not only offers a wider variety of games than ever before, but also boasts live casino gaming, where you can play classic casino games in real-time, with a live dealer being streamed directly to your device. Want to find out more? Read on…

What is live casino?

Live casino is a feature in an online casino where you can join a variety of table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and even other themed games that can only be played at a casino online.

It works by having a professional dealer hosting the game, just like they would at a brick-and-mortar establishment. Instead of being able to physically stand around the table with them, they are set up in a specialist studio with different cameras that offer smooth transitions and a variety of angles, as well as sometimes the addition of animations that you’ll find on your screen during gameplay, to really make it an immersive experience.

The dealer will be wearing a microphone, so they can host and explain the action, while creating a realistic casino experience. Players will be to chat using the game’s live chat feature, and the host will answer any questions.

This hybrid way to play, combines the best aspects of both online and land-based gambling – with the lights and action of land-based casino, but with the accessibility and convenience of playing online.

Where did it start?

In the mid-1990s, the concept of live casino made its first appearance. However, technology hadn’t quite advanced enough for gameplay to be smooth and efficient, so the experience was lagging and complicated. In the mid-2000s, the idea gained popularity, but not many people even owned a computer, and the new idea suffered with a fair few teething-problems, so didn’t particularly take off.

Luckily, as technology advanced, live casino burst back onto the scene with new and improved animations, graphics and a faster interface, allowing the experience to be much more authentic, desirable and enjoyable for players. New chat systems were put in place, and game providers continued to use cutting-edge technology to make sure the games run as smoothly and effectively as possible. As the gaming generation becomes more adept to online gaming and technology itself, expectations for the live casino games rise, and luckily, game developers now have the equipment at their disposal to step up to the plate.

How can I play?

Most online casino sites host fantastic virtual ‘rooms’ you can join, so go on over to your favourite online gaming site and find the ‘live’ section. There, you’ll find a variety of games to feast your eyes on, and you can choose to play the casino classics, or spin to win in wheel-of-fortune style games. You can also delve into new worlds with themed games such as Quantum Roulette, or try your luck as the next contestant playing Deal or No Deal Live. With the incredible technology and games now on offer, playing live casino games really is a true simulation of the atmosphere and thrill of a land-based casino, and best of all – you don’t even have to get dressed!

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