The Rising Popularity of Live Dealer Games

At online casinos, variety is king. There are countless new games launching each month, and they attract tons of player attention. But one kind of experience has truly been changing the game: live dealer games. Unlike every other game where a player is just playing against the computer, live dealer games bring the human aspect back into casino gaming. Thanks to a livestream video of an actual dealer in a true casino environment – complete with felt tables and real playing cards – online casino games feel a whole lot more like a night out in a traditional casino.

If online video games feel too lonely, live dealer games fix the issue.

So, what are the factors that are driving this growing trend? Is it just having a real person, or is there more going on? Let’s explore what makes these games different, what’s on offer, and how the best live dealer casinos are reimagining online gaming.

What Makes Live Dealer Casino Games Different?

The biggest difference is obvious: professional human dealers. When you’re faced with a choice of 1) online blackjack that feels like a computer game or 2) taking a virtual seat at a real felt-topped table, you can really customize your session. Some folks love the simpler video game experience, but for those who are missing the camaraderie of a visit to a brick-and-mortar casino, live dealer gaming brings things to life. The dealers will keep up the chatter, congratulate players on wins, and can review the chat, which brings us to the next point…

It feels a lot more social when you can talk to the dealer and other players. The scroll of a chat window has gotten quite familiar to online gamers, especially people who like Twitch. You can chat with other players, discuss bets and strategies, and also talk to the dealer. It can feel a lot like a fun video game stream, but the “next level” aspect is that you can take part in the game. It’s a great way to turn online casino gaming into a hangout with new friends.

High-definition streams complete the package. Modern tech makes streams really nice to watch, and you can even pick your dealer of choice. It’s a long way from the early live dealer games that were clearly a step behind other games. Now, with crystal-clear video, the game looks really good.

Way More Than Just Blackjack

While blackjack and roulette may have kicked off the trend, there’s so much more to play now. Games like those in the Gold Tier section show just how much room there is to innovate. Some of them are really more like a game show you can play from home than a casino game. Check out some of these games to find out just how lively live dealer games are getting:

• Crypt of Giza. This is a version of Plinko played from the inside of what looks to be an ancient Egyptian pyramid. The host or hostess walks by the hieroglyphic-inscribed pillars as the game plays out. A shining ball bounces down the pegboard, and random multipliers take prize amounts very high (50x or more).

• Wheel of Fortune. There are no letters or words to guess. This wheel is a simple pick ‘em game. Select your lucky number and hope that the wheel lands on it. The game host or hostess will take you through the game on a futuristic neon-lit set and chat while the wheel spins. It’s a chill game, but feels very friendly thanks to the person behind the mic.

• Lucky Kicks. Like penalty kicks at the end of a soccer (or fútbol) game? You can bet on these and have all the fun of wagering without any of the drama of your favorite team’s destiny being on the line. In this live casino game, a real kicker and goalie will square off 1-on-1. Shots on net take place in groups of three, and you can try to guess the result. Even traditional casinos don’t offer games like this.

The Best of Both Worlds (and Way More Convenience)

The live dealer game experience offers a couple of conveniences that probably help explain why the trend keeps growing.

When you go to a brick-and-mortar casino, you first have to travel. For many players, this could be quite a trip. It could take hours or more, which can get expensive when you factor in gas for those driving cars. Once you’re at the casino, some environments leave a lot to be desired, especially when there’s smoke in the air. After you finally walk to the game you want, you might even find that there are no seats available. It’s a lot of work to be disappointed before you get to make your first bet.

Compare this with the online live dealer games.

You can play anytime, anywhere. You can get as comfy as you want, since no one can see you. Wear pajamas, relax on your couch… it really doesn’t matter. The live dealer game works around your life, not the other way around. There is usually no trouble getting a seat or finding the game you want. You don’t even have to carry casino chips. For convenience, you really can’t beat live dealer games.

Where Are These Games Coming from?

Live dealer games are run by specialized companies that have built full casino studios. In recent years, they have not only replicated casino floor environments but have built unique spaces for each innovative game (like the ones on our list above). These studios are popping up all around the world, with Europe, North America, and the Pacific Rim hosting many of the leading partners in the industry.