Live casino is a way for online gamers to experience the thrill of playing real-life table games with real dealers. The difference between these and traditional online casino games is that the action is streamed from a studio or land-based venue to players’ computers and mobile devices in real time. Players are able to interact with the dealer and fellow gamers, as well as place their bets. This makes it much more like being at a brick and mortar casino.
To play a live casino game, a player first needs to sign up for an account with a reputable website that offers the service. This is usually a quick and easy process. Once registered, the player can then access the games through a browser or an app. These apps can be downloaded from the casino site or through Apple and Google stores. The best live casinos are those that offer a secure and reliable connection, as the live streams can be rather high-resolution. This also means that a good data connection is required to avoid consuming too much of a player’s data allowance.
The next step is to log in to the gaming platform and browse the live casino section. The games are displayed in a lobby, just like a regular casino lobby, and the player can click on one to be whisked away to that table. Some of these games are played by the player alone with the dealer, while others are shared with other players. The live dealer will then take bets and deal cards, spin the roulette wheel or release the ball in a baccarat game. In many cases, the rules are standard and similar to those of a regular casino game.
In addition to the games themselves, there is a large variety of side bets available for the player. These include betting on a particular number, or on an individual card. Some of these bets also come with different payouts, depending on whether the player wins or loses. These can be quite lucrative, especially for those that have a strong preference for specific types of gambling.
Some live casino sites are now experimenting with having some of their games reserved for VIP players. It is thought that this could drive higher wagering levels and increase loyalty among existing players. However, it is not clear that this will be a viable strategy for all online casinos. It may be more effective to have a few select games reserved for VIPs, while leaving the rest open to all players.
To run a live casino, the site will need powerful cameras to capture every moment of the action. There will usually be multiple cameras, with one capturing the dealer and the table, another a bird’s eye view of the roulette wheel or baccarat table and yet another providing a picture-to-picture display. All of this information is processed by a small device called the GCU (Game Control Unit), which is fitted to each table. The GCU is responsible for encoding the video broadcast, and it is this piece of technology that made live games possible in the first place.