Gambling is a form of entertainment dating back to the Ancient Era. Written records suggest that men have been gambling as early as the first Chinese and Greek civilizations. On the other hand, many historians believe that gambling might date ever further back than that. But, whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: gambling is a practice which dates back quite a while.
Throughout history, the practice has transformed and changed to better adapt to contemporary society. So, while in the oldest incarnations gambling was purely a “street” or “tavern” game, that has not always been the case throughout history. So, from tavern games, to gambling dens, to grandiose casinos, we finally come today to online gambling and live dealer games.
What are Live Dealer Games?
For those who don’t know, let us briefly and very quickly explain what live dealer games are. Certainly, you must be familiar with the concept of online casinos. Websites that feature a video game version of some of the most popular (and some less popular) casino games. Often you will find slots, poker, blackjack, etc.
However, in the past couple of years, a new form of online gambling has arisen. That being live dealer online games. So, how does it work? Well, in large part, we have streaming technology to thank for the live dealer experience. By and large, the website you’ve chosen to play with will schedule a livestream, and then you, along with other players, can join the stream, in which a live dealer doles out the cards, spins the roulette wheel, or is in control of whatever game you’ve landed on.
How do Live Casino Games Work?
It is exceedingly simple. Live casino games are just like any gambling game found in a land-based casino. In fact, in many ways they are closer to land-based casino games than the typical online casino games, because they feature a live dealer, who tries their hardest to simulate the authentic casino experience.
So, here is how it works. After you have joined up with a website that features a live casino options, you go to the section. Then, pick your favorite game. Once that is done, you will join a livestream, in which either through text or voice chat you can make your next move known. The livestream will have the dealer, standing over a table (much like at a land-based establishment), dealing cards or spinning wheels.
Which Live Dealer Games are the Most Popular?
As you may already know, the most popular live dealer game is certainly blackjack. The reason behind this is simple; blackjack has the best odds out of any gambling game played in a casino. And those same odds translate to live dealer games at online casinos. However, the popularity of blackjack is volatile, with dips and surges occurring frequently, for various reasons.
On the other hand, poker remains consistently popular. While not the most popular card or casino game, poker is certainly the most iconic and recognizable. Millions of people the world over play poker’s different variants, not just in casinos, but at home with friends, gambling tournaments, and online. So, it isn’t a surprise that live dealer poker is incredibly popular as well.
Other popular live dealer games include baccarat, roulette, craps and other casino staples, which are a lot more fun to play in a crowd. So, now that you are fully familiarized with the popular games, the question remains: What are the advantages and disadvantages of live dealer games?
What are the Pros and Cons of Live Dealer Games?
Live dealer online casinos combine the best of both worlds. From online casinos they take the convenience, accessibility, and the numerous excellent bonuses that online casinos often bring to the table. From land-based casinos, they give you the immersion and the social factor. But it doesn’t end there. Live dealers have some unique benefits as well. One of the most notable ones is that in many live dealer games you can actually choose your own dealer. So, if you don’t like one, you can just switch out, which is not true for land-based establishments.
But, there are certain disadvantages here as well. For one, the game library at live casinos is absolutely not as broad as regular online or land-based casinos. Usually, you will find blackjack, poker, baccarat, and sometimes roulette or craps. However, for any other game, you will need to try playing at the online casino proper.
Are Live Dealers Actually Live?
Indeed, most live dealer casinos use livestreaming technology to project the dealers in real-time. Of course, in this section, it is important we talk about selecting quality platforms, especially when it comes to online casinos. Before you select the website you are going to play on, ensure that it is reliable, licensed, and safe. If it meets these qualifications, then it is almost guaranteed that the live dealers will, indeed, be live.
Can I Play with Live Dealers for Free?
You wouldn’t think that it is possible to play casino games for free. However, this is where online casinos excel. Most gambling websites have an excellent service, which lets you play games without having to stake any cash at all. In other words, you can play online casino games for absolutely free.
However, the question is whether this extends to live dealerships. And the answer is sometimes. Some websites do allow players to try their chance and luck at live dealers without actually risking anything. For others, you have to put down a minimum deposit, at least. So, in other words, it really depends on the website you’ve decided to dock your proverbial boat in.
Final Word
Live dealerships are becoming all the rage nowadays. No quality online casino will miss the chance to include a live dealer option, and some websites even focus entirely on the live dealer games. In the past couple of years, live dealerships have grown in popularity, and they are expected to continue to do so in the future.