Live Casinos
Live casino games have been around for more than a decade. However, they are still considered a novelty in the online gambling market. It comes as no surprise given the technology behind live casino games and the experience they provide players with.
If you are a newbie to live casino gambling and want to learn more about this form of entertainment, you have come to the right place. Stay with us to find out all about live casino games as well as live casino bonus offers you can claim on the best gambling sites. Read more.
What Is Live Casino?
A live casino is a section of an online casino that offers games operated by real-life dealers and croupiers. It is home to casino classics like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and Poker as well as modern games based on popular TV game shows. Today, players can choose from a wide range of game variants and enjoy live dealer games wherever they are.
How Live Casino Works?
To play at a live casino, you don’t need an additional account. As soon as you register with the online casino you like, you can start playing live casino games. What makes live casino games different from games operated by the Random Number Generator (RNG) is that you must play them with real money. So, once you sign up with a gaming venue, you have to make a deposit if you want to play live casino games.
All live casino games are streamed in real-time, meaning that the action takes place right in front of you. Many people are sceptical about the fairness of online casinos and games. However, when it comes to live casino games, players can rest assured that they are totally fair since every second of the action is captured by multiple cameras.
Live casino games will provide you with a realistic gaming experience you can enjoy without worries about safety or fairness as long as you choose reputable operators. Let’s take a closer look at live casino games and leading software providers.
Live Casino Games and Software Providers
Once you find yourself at the live casino lobby, you will notice a wide range of popular games and variants. Here are the most common live dealer games you can play at live casinos:
Live Blackjack
One of the most popular casino games ever, Blackjack, is available at live dealer tables. Players can choose from multiple variants, including those that combine live casino and RNG gameplay with massive multipliers for added excitement. Some live casinos offer VIP Blackjack tables with higher betting limits.
Live Roulette
Roulette is a land-based casino staple. When it comes to online casinos, players can not only enjoy virtual Roulette but also Live Roulette variants. Besides standard European, American and French Roulette variations, live casinos also offer Speed Roulette, Live Roulette with multipliers and Auto-Roulette, where physical equipment is used but the game is not operated by live croupiers. Some providers also Live Roulette tables hosted by native speakers.
Live Baccarat
Live Baccarat is another game hugely popular at live casinos. It is probably one of the easiest casino games to master, which may be one of the main reasons why it is so popular. At live dealer tables, players can try their luck at standard Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, Live Baccarat Squeeze and Live Baccarat Control Squeeze. Another Baccarat variant available at live casinos is No Commission Baccarat, where the Banker bet pays 1:1, meaning that the player does not have to pay a 5% commission on winnings on this wager.
Live Poker
Poker is probably the most popular game of skill at brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Thankfully, you can use your skills at live casinos as well, as they offer a range of Live Poker variants. Some of them are Three Card Poker, Casino Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and more. At some live casinos, you can even hit a progressive jackpot while playing Texas Hold’em or Caribbean Stud Poker.
Live Sic Bo
Live casinos don’t offer many dice games. Yet, a few providers of live casino solutions have come up with their take on the popular Asian game played with dice. Whether you choose to play Live Sic Bo with multipliers or without them, you can rest assured that you will enjoy an exciting gaming experience thanks to multiple betting options.
Live Craps
Another dice game that has made it to live casinos is Live Craps. Although nothing can substitute for the atmosphere at land-based Craps tables, the live casino version of the game is definitely the next best thing. Make sure to learn the basics before you join the Live Craps table to make the most out of this thrilling game.
Live Casino Game Shows
Live casino game shows are the latest craze in the online gambling industry. More and more providers launch these games that attract players with potentially lucrative bonus features and big wins. These are games of sheer luck, so you don’t have to learn complex strategies to beat them. Some of the most popular live casino game shows are Monopoly Live, Dream Catcher, Crazy Time, Spin a Win and more.
The selection of live casino games differs from casino to casino, depending on contributing providers. The leading companies in this online gambling industry niche are Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Ezugi, Vivo Gaming, Pragmatic Play and more.
Live Casino Bonuses and Promotions
Frankly speaking, live casino bonuses and promotions are not as common as those you can use to play other casino games. Yet, it does not mean that you won’t find them anywhere. Here is the lowdown on some of the most common offers available to live casino players.
Live Casino Welcome Bonus
Some gambling sites offer welcome bonuses you can use exclusively on live dealer games from the get-go. Typically, these bonuses will double your bankroll, thus providing you with more chances of winning. Make sure to study the terms and conditions and learn all about the maximum bet you can place while using this bonus.
Live Casino Reload Bonus
As its name suggests, a live casino reload bonus is an offer available to existing customers who can claim it to give a boost to their bankroll. In most cases, these offers are available on a weekly basis and the amount you can wager while using them is limited.
Live Casino Cashback
Playing casino games comes at the risk of losing your hard-earned money, and live casino games are no exception. To help you alleviate losses, operators come up with so-called cashback bonuses. You can claim them on the losses generated at live dealer tables. Typically, players are offered a 10% to 20% cashback bonus based on the losses made within a week or so. The minimum and maximum bonus amounts you can claim are limited by the operator, so make sure to read the instructions and terms and conditions before you claim this offer.
Live Casino Tournaments
Last but not least, live casino tournaments are competitions held on specific or all live dealer games. As you play the game(s) selected by the operator, you will collect points towards the leaderboard. Sometimes, you may need to complete certain missions to get leaderboard points. The most successful players will share a prize pool that may consist of real or bonus money.
How to Keep Winnings from Live Casino Bonus?
Whichever of these offers that you claim, you will most certainly have to meet wagering requirements to keep your winnings. A wagering requirement is just what its name suggests: an amount you have to wager in real money to turn the bonus into real money. How high a wagering requirement will be set depends on the offer you claim, but in most cases, it is between 30x and 60x. When it comes to cash prizes you can win in live casino tournaments, wagering requirements are typically set lower, sometimes at 3x to 10x only.
The amount you have to wager is not the only thing you have to think about. A playthrough must be completed within a time frame set by the operator. It can be anywhere from 7 up to 30 days. Still, the more the better.
Also, you have to check which games are eligible, that is which of them contribute 100% towards the wagering requirement. Although you have received a bonus you can use on live casino games, these games may not be the best option when playing to complete the playthrough. In this case, slot machines would be much better options since bets placed on them count fully. Check the wagering contributions of different games and play those that contribute 100%.
Things to Pay Attention to When Choosing Live Casino
The selection of live casino games and the bonuses you can use to play them may be an important factor when choosing a live casino, but there is more to it. First of all, you should check whether the casino the live casino is part of holds a valid gaming licence. It should be issued by a trustworthy gaming body, like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority or the Government of Curacao.
To enjoy your gaming experience to the fullest, you should be able to make smooth and fast transactions. Check the currencies the online casino accepts and the banking methods it supports. The operator should support a wide range of banking options so that players can choose the one that suits them best. Also, the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts should be set low and high enough to please both casual players and high-rollers. Needless to say, the operator should not impose transaction fees and should process withdrawals in a timely manner.
Finally, an online casino worth your time and money will provide you with 24/7 customer support. You should be able to get in touch with casino agents anytime, day or night, through email, live chat and a toll-free phone line.
Why Play Live Casino Games?
The answer to this question is simple: to feel some real casino action without leaving the comfort of your home. What’s more, you can enjoy live dealer games on the move as well, since they are fully optimised for mobile play. You don’t have to download them because they are available in instant-play mode.
Hosted by real-life dealers, live casino games are streamed from land-based studios and casinos and use physical equipment. Although there are no players in view, many live dealer games accept an unlimited number of players at the same time. The action is captured from multiple angles, thus providing players with an immersive gaming experience.
While playing live casino games, you can interact with other players and dealers through live chat. This option adds a social element to online gambling, which is typically considered a solitary activity. If you join an online casino that offers live casino bonuses and promotions, you can enjoy these games to the fullest and make the most out of your stay at it.
Last but not least, with live dealers operating live casino games and the action taking place before your very eyes, you can rest assured that these games are completely fair.
Live Casino and Live Casino Bonus FAQ
Is it safe to play at live casinos?
Yes, it is safe to play at live casinos as long as you choose reputable operators that hold a valid licence issued by a trustworthy gaming authority.
Are live casino games fair?
Yes, live casino games powered by reputable providers are completely fair.
Can I play live casino games in demo mode?
No, live casino games are not available in free play or demo mode.
How to claim live casino bonuses?
To claim live casino bonuses, you have to register with the online casino that offers them and make a qualifying deposit.
Are live casino bonuses worth it?
Yes, live casino bonuses are worth it since they enable you to play live dealer games longer and have more opportunities to win.