Getting Closer to the Action with Live Casino Games

Live casinos bring social elements to games when it’s not possible to go to a physical casino. iGaming, the collective term for the industry that provides gaming in the form of poker, casino games and bingo, has been around since 1995, when the first online casinos were opened.

The birth of the iGaming industry saw many centuries-old games like poker, blackjack and roulette get a digital makeover, allowing millions more potential players to get involved.

In the following years, the iGaming industry has expanded its reach into new geographical locations, thanks to the spread of the internet to almost every region in the world. In addition, the explosive take-up of smartphones and tablets has provided an opportunity to reach even more players.

Mobile devices have meant that players can take part in games from more places than ever, allowing opportunities for more casual play during commutes or to fill “dead time”—for example, whilst waiting for a friend.

Advancements in technology have meant that games can now be played from practically anywhere.

Social Elements of iGaming

The one downside to these types of games is that, in the majority of cases, they remove the social element that is prominent when playing in physical venues like casinos. In the UK, bingo was traditionally a social activity where groups of friends would all meet at the local bingo hall to play games, enjoy food, chat and have fun. Whilst this still does happen, some of the experience isn’t replicated in online bingo games.

Similarly, traditional, land-based casinos have an advantage over their online equivalents in that they allow players to socialise with their competitors, spectators and the croupier or dealer. As online casinos and other iGaming services have developed, they have begun to close this gap by adding opportunities for social interaction, with features like live chat becoming more common in games, which allows players to talk to each other.

Live Casinos Bridging the Gap

Live casinos take this a step further by having a real human who leads the game and who can be seen on the video feed. In the case of live roulette, the croupier will make calls for bets, spin the roulette wheel and talk to players. Online casinos are accessible to people in most locations around the world, with leading iGaming companies offering games in most major languages.

Live casinos are a little more limited, although many regions are still catered to. For example, PokerStars’ live roulette can be played in various languages, such as English, German, Dutch, Greek and Spanish.

Like modern online casinos, live casino games are not limited to computers. They can be played on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and even traditional television sets. The general setup of a live casino is similar to what you’d see in a land-based casino, although the playing cards will have larger numbers so that they can be read from a distance.

Virtual Reality

The advancement of virtual reality technology has extended the live casino experience even further, allowing players to be fully immersed in the live casino. This experience is the one that is currently the closest to playing in a real land-based casino, without your physically having to be there. There are still limitations, though, as players still can’t see their human opponents, and the atmosphere is somewhat lacking.

Limitations of Live Casinos

iGaming in general offers both the option to play for free and to wager real money. Most online casinos and bingo platforms offer the majority of their games without requiring the player to spend money. Live casinos are limited here; they do not have free versions, as the costs involved in operating these services are higher. Instead live casinos are generally aimed at seasoned players who are experienced in the format and rules of the games.

Conclusion

iGaming has come full circle in the development of its gaming products. Initially, online casino offerings provided little-to-no social interaction, but they have slowly developed new features that have added elements of it back in. Live chat is an example of a basic way to bring socialising back into games. Live casino games have taken this to the next level, using a real human to lead the games and a set that mimics the feel of a physical casino.