Enjoy Online Casino Table Games with Real Dealers
Live dealer casino games are fast taking over from the software versions that have dominated for the last 20 years. Once you try them, you'll immediately see the appeal. A real dealer will handle the cards (or spin a roulette wheel) and you bet using an overlay on the screen.
This page shows you what to expect at live dealer online casinos. Several topics are covered below, including the types of games available, pros / cons of playing them and the availability of special live dealer casino bonus offers.
How Live Dealer Casinos Work
Only the biggest casino brands have enough players to make running a remote live studio work. Instead, companies appeared to run these casinos around the world. They employ croupiers, dressed in classic uniforms, who deal the games as if players were sitting at their tables.
You can interact with these dealers by typing in a chat window. They will not be able to type (their hands are busy!), though will often reply verbally.
You will be betting on the hands or spins with players from many different casinos. Your bets are completed via an overlay on your screen. You choose the size of your chip and bet on the main outcome of the hand and any side-bets offered.
Most games are one hand to many players. This means the outcome of the hand will affect everyone. Of course, some people may choose to bet and others to fold. If you do not complete your bets in time, the software will automatically fold you.
Blackjack is played individually. You will sit in a game with up to 6 other players, and decide whether to hit, stand, double or split for your own hand only.
What Kinds of Games are Available in Live Dealer Casinos?
You'll find blackjack, roulette, casino poker games, baccarat and novelty games at live dealer casinos. Here is a run-down of the main options:
- Blackjack: This is the most popular live dealer game. You can play at tables with 7 seats or choose one-hand to many players games. Some blackjack games allow you to bet behind other players, while others have side bets.
- Roulette: There are two main versions, both involving real roulette wheels. The most common games use croupiers to spin the wheel, though automatic wheel (auto-roulette) is also available. You will find a mix of US and European wheels.
- Casino Poker Variants: These can include Caribbean Stud, Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. Poker games are played with one hand for all the players online. These games also include side-bets.
- Baccarat: The high-roller favourite is spread at most live-dealer casinos. Again, you will find side-bets, or Punto Banco variants in many cases.
- Novelty / Other Games: Some live casinos have wheel-spin games. Others have dice games, for example Sic-Bo.
Pros and Cons of Live Dealer Casino Games
Most people who try out these games understand how much better they are than playing against computer software right away. There are some valid drawbacks to be aware of. These include higher stakes, slower game-play and the auto-fold should you disconnect.
Live dealer casinos typically have minimum bets of $1 or more. Compared to the software table games, which you can bet on for smaller stakes, this puts off some smaller bankroll players. The games are naturally much slower. The cards need shuffling, and in games with several betting rounds, you need to wait for a timer to give everyone a chance to act.
When you balance this with the social element, and that 'real casino' feeling - the live dealer casino games do win out.
Bonus Offers for Live Dealer Casinos
Online casinos are keen for players to try out their live dealer rooms. To get you to try them out, you will often be offered free bets on your first visit. I have seen $10 to $25 offers at many brands. This usually takes the form of a no-lose bet. If you lose the hand, you get the same amount added to your bonus account. You should be aware that this bonus refund is often subject to a play-through requirement before it can be withdrawn.
When it comes to welcome bonus offers, some casinos go in the other direction. They do not count wagers in the live dealer room towards your play-through, or even ban these games completely. It always pays to read the small print - making yourself aware of the terms of any bonus deal.
Wrap Up: Are Live-Dealer Casinos Worth Checking Out?
For me, this is a clear 'Yes!'. The social element and real feel to the games is not only more entertaining, it dispels any lingering doubts about the fairness of the deal too.
Live studios are dotted around the world. They serve European, American and Asian markets around the clock. Once you enjoy some live casino action, those software-based table games will feel dull by comparison.
