What Is a Live Casino? Full Guide to Games with Real Dealers

What Is a Live Casino? Full Guide to Games with Real Dealers

A live casino is a hybrid between a classic slot machine and a real-time video broadcast. Players see a familiar interface and place bets using funds from their account, while on screen, a real dealer deals cards, spins the roulette wheel, and announces the results.

Unique Atmosphere and Fair Play

Live games offer a special atmosphere at the table with like-minded players and a guarantee of fairness—the process is fully transparent. Players can be confident that everyone in the same room sees the same results. This level of transparency is one of the key reasons many gamblers prefer live dealer online casinos, where outcomes aren't determined by algorithms but are driven by real, physical actions. The outcome is not influenced by previous player decisions.

Live Casino Setup

The studio shown on screen during a live game typically doesn’t belong to the online casino itself. Instead, the casino purchases streaming rights from a provider. Multiple operators may share access to the same studio, meaning players from different platforms can join one virtual table.

All players see the same stream and results. The dealer won’t mention specific brands, except the provider responsible for the game. In case of an exclusive streaming arrangement, branding or promotional elements may appear.

A live casino is a real-time broadcast from a studio anywhere in the world, with a human dealer running the session. To avoid fatigue, dealers rotate every 30–60 minutes. The dealer sees:

  • Nicknames of registered players in the room

  • A timer for each stage of the game

  • System information such as new players, largest wins, and bets

The dealer does not see users' geographic locations, registration data, or account balances.

Live Casino Software Providers

Many well-known companies have added live casino games to their portfolios. Top providers include:

  • Microgaming – Famous for hiring Playboy models as dealers

  • Playtech – Among the first to offer hybrid card games in a live format

  • Ezugi – Operates one of the largest live casino studios, licensed by Curaçao and iTech Labs

  • Extreme Live Gaming – Licensed by Malta and the UK

  • NetEnt – Entered the live market in 2013 and raised the quality standard

  • XPro Gaming – Exclusive provider of Asian live games like Andar Bahar, Sic Bo, Dragon & Tiger

Licensing is a requirement for any contract between provider and casino. Studio location is irrelevant, but all equipment and premises undergo regulatory inspection.

Live Casino Game Interface

If the video is disabled, the interface of a live dealer game looks like any standard online slot: betting areas and balance display, with results shown after each spin. All actions are reflected digitally, while the dealer simply announces them.

In some live games, cards are virtual, and the dealer only welcomes players and starts new rounds. In roulette, however, the wheel and ball are real. The spin is captured from multiple angles to ensure authenticity.

As soon as the real wheel stops, the result appears on the virtual interface and is added to the spin history. Winnings are calculated instantly, and the dealer congratulates the top winners before starting the next round.

Studio Requirements for Live Games

A live casino studio requires just 4–6 square meters. Only a camera is positioned on the opposite side of the dealer’s table. All equipment must be certified and undergoes strict testing, just like in land-based casinos.

Cards and dice come sealed from the factory, and roulette wheels are checked for tampering. Multiple cameras ensure full coverage, and no foreign objects are allowed in the frame.

Live Casino Staff Requirements

Dealers are often recruited from land-based casinos or specially trained. Requirements include:

  • Pleasant appearance and clear speech

  • Fitted, short-sleeved clothing without pockets

  • Neutral manicure, no visible tattoos

  • Deep knowledge of live game rules

Up to 85% of live dealers are women under 30, aligning with the preferences of the primarily male audience. Microgaming’s idea to train former glamour models helped the company become a market leader.

Dealers undergo corporate training. Their movements are slow and open to avoid suspicion or accusations of rigging.

Popular Live Casino Games

Live casino is ideal for multiplayer games. Popular categories include:

  • Card games – Poker, blackjack, baccarat

  • Roulette – American, French, European, card-based

  • Table games – Lotto, scratch cards, bingo

  • Parlour games – Mafia, turn-based quests

High competition drives providers to expand their game selections.

Key Features of Live Dealer Rooms

Live casino rooms have limited capacity. Every player receives attention, and there are no idle spectators. One key rule: live casino games only accept real money—no:

  • Virtual credits

  • Bonus balances

  • Free spins or other rewards

Some exceptions include tournament or lottery winnings. Check your chosen casino’s terms for exact details.

Advantages of Live Casino

A live dealer brings the feel of a real casino and interacts with guests, greeting newcomers and congratulating winners. Players can communicate via voice or chat with the dealer and other players.

Live casino is ideal for testing betting strategies in real conditions. Watching others, players can learn tactics or follow successful bets. Players may also skip a round to analyze extended statistics.

Drawbacks of Live Casino Games

The biggest downside: no demo mode and no use of bonus funds. If you want free gameplay, check our slots section with hundreds of demo-enabled games.

Another issue is waiting for others to take their turn. Unlike slots where you control the pace, live games require patience. Additionally, game selection and language options may be limited to the most popular variants.