A live casino is a real-time streaming video game that connects punters to professional dealers. The game is typically hosted by a real-life croupier that will connect via webcam with players, who can place bets using a virtual console. The dealer will then spin the roulette wheel or deal the cards.
The popularity of live casinos has grown thanks to the realistic gaming experience they offer. They combine the Internet with organic probability and bridge the gap between online and offline casinos, bringing the best of both worlds. The social interaction, authenticity and convenience of live games make them more appealing to players who want to enjoy their favorite casino games at home. Besides, live casinos have a reputation of being reliable and trustworthy. In addition, their high-quality streaming and customer support make them more appealing to gamers.
While the games offered at live casinos vary from one platform to another, they all share the same key components: the croupier, the table and the betting screen. Moreover, the dealer must be qualified to work at the casino in question, with a special training in handling different types of tables. In addition, the dealer must have a strong command of English and a good understanding of the rules of each game.
Generally, the game selection at a live casino will include classic table games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat. These will be available with varying minimum and maximum stakes, so you can find the right game to play for your budget. Most reputable platforms will also allow you to customize your gambling experience by establishing limits and setting time and money limits on your sessions.
Live casinos can also offer more innovative games such as the Wheel of Fortune, a modern take on the old-fashioned slot machine. The game combines traditional spinning wheels with a bonus display that offers players a chance to win big prizes. The game is played as usual, but when a bonus number lands on the reels, the screen explodes with an animated display of bonuses and multipliers. The bonus display can even trigger jackpots and free spins!
The game portfolio of a live casino will differ depending on the provider, but most will feature the “golden trio” of table games accessible in every land-based casino: blackjack, roulette and baccarat. They will also offer poker, wheel of fortune and a few custom games that can be found nowhere else but at the site.
In order to guarantee the highest quality of the games, live casino operators use specialized hardware known as GCUs. These are small devices that are no bigger than a shoebox and are responsible for the encoding of the video that is broadcast to the player. They can also handle multiple games in a single stream and are compatible with most mobile networks.
Besides the games listed above, many live casinos will also have a variety of other options that are not listed here. These can include Dream Catcher, Football Studio and a few other games that are similar to TV game shows. Most of these games are run by bubbly hosts and can add a fun element to the experience of playing at a live casino.