How live dealer games work

Live dealer games are a little more graphically intensive than standard casino and?card games because they involve all of the audio and visuals of a real dealer being relayed to players via webcam, rather than a simple skin being placed over a random number generator.

While typical?online casino games?are one-to-one, i.e. player vs RNG (random number generator), in live games the dealer is typically addressing, and playing with, many players at once. This is why it's the dealers who dictate the speed of the action in live games, not individual players. But, provided your computer and network connection are capable of keeping up with the action and delivering HQ video, this is about as close as you can get to land-based casino gambling without leaving your home!

Live dealer casino hits and misses

We personally love the excitement and authenticity of live dealer casino games, but if you’re unsure, here are the main advantages and disadvantages.

Why should I play live dealer casino games?

Live dealer casino games offer players the closest experience possible to the playing at a land-based casino. They boast incredible graphics, enhanced audio and stunning visuals via a live webcam, allowing players to watch and interact with a real table and croupier, in real time, with the opportunity to win?real money.

The most common live games are live blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and live Texas hold 'em.

Live casino Texas hold'em

As one of the most popular poker forms in the world,?live Texas hold'em?is as exciting as it gets. The game offers an authentic experience with cards dealt directly in front of you, allowing you to interact with the dealer without having to worry about the inconvenience of visiting a land-based casino. Watching the World Series of Poker may give you the confidence to go all in but we'd still advise you to take your time and study?poker strategy. Once you've got to grips with the basics of the game you can play online live dealer casino Texas hold 'em with confidence knowing that you have the same odds of winning as any other players you're competing against online.

Live roulette

With live online roulette you can enjoy all the benefits of land-based casinos online, including bigger betting ranges, more variations, and live tables to choose from. The opportunity to interact with other players is also available, so if you're after a more authentic experience, you won't be missing out if you choose to play this game remotely. While regular online roulette certainly has its place, the excitement when you win with a real dealer and wheel is infinitely greater. Whether you're planning to use Martingale's progressive roulette strategy or would rather try your luck with a spin of the wheel, the quality of video, additional symbols and camera angles make live roulette a popular choice.

Live blackjack

Live high-quality streaming brings?live blackjack online?to life, allowing players to soak up the excitement of the casino floor atmosphere without having to step through the doors. The rules, structure,?blackjack strategy?and limits of the game remain the same, making it easy to apply your blackjack knowledge (according to its variation) to a live online casino setting. If you've ever had any doubts or concerns about the reliability of random number generators, seeing a live casino dealer shuffle and deal your cards should ease these worries. With live chat available, you'll be able to talk to live Blackjack dealers or croupiers during your play, providing you with all the information you need to enjoy a successful game.

Live baccarat

The theatrics and showmanship of?live baccarat?make it one of the most exciting live casino games online. Whilst there's notably a difference in speed and the true payout in live Baccarat is 19/20, the game still captures the excitement of the casino floor with its HD live streaming technology. Traditionally, live dealer Baccarat sites will allow you to see what other online casino players are doing during their play, but whether they've decided to bet on the Tie or on the Banker, you shouldn't let their strategy impact your own game.

5 tips for live dealer casino games

1. Use a strategy. Following an ideal strategy with a game like blackjack can bring the house edge down to almost nothing. The dealer and other players can't see you, so you can print out and follow a winning strategy without disturbing anyone.

2. Be polite. Just like when you visit a physical casino, it can be fun to chat and joke with the dealer, but be sure to stay professional and courteous or you could get kicked out.

3. Keep a clear head. Avoid playing when you are under the influence or overly emotional as you could end up chasing losses instead of enjoying yourself.

4. Pick your favourite table. There are so many options with live dealer games, you can choose your preferred casino game variation, and even opt for a table with a dealer you like.

5. Focus on the fun. Some days you'll be up and some days you'll be down, but as long as you play live dealer games for the thrills and the fun, you'll always come out a winner.

Blacklisted Canadian casinos

If you worry about the safety of online casinos, stress no longer! Together with our online casino testers and specialists, we have compiled all the blacklisted casinos we know of so that you know what to avoid. Of course, we have also made a list of recommended casinos for you, which you can find on our recommendations page.

Slots of Vegas

• Unpaid withdrawals

• Poor customer support

Prism Casino

• Fake licence

• Unfair casino games

Cool Cat Casino

• Unethical business practices

• False bonus terms

Test out the best live dealer games and experience thrilling online action in guaranteed safe with our top casino list, or by using our finder tool for leading casinos. See all trusted Canadian casino reviews.

Live online dealer FAQs