Online casino games have undoubtedly taken over the gambling industry with an ever-growing following. Players can’t be blamed for switching from brick-and-mortar casinos to online establishments, as the benefits are striking. You can do away with the queues, cigarette smoke, and deafening buzz of hundreds of flashing slots. However, despite the quality of free slots online, they still feel disconnected from the real casino experience. The great news is that you can now relax in your home and enjoy the best of both worlds playing live casino games. Mobile technology developments also make playing the best live casino online games on-the-go an equally enjoyable alternative.
Playing Live Casino Games
Before we delve deeper into the intricacies of live casino UK gaming, slots.xyz always tries to simplify the basics. Most players aren’t sure how the actual games even work. Online live casino games are as simple as their name implies. When you visit your favourite online casino, login to your account, and visit the live dealer section, you’ll see several available live casino UK games. Once you choose a game, a video feed comes to life, and you’re instantly immersed into a real-life casino or live dealer studio. A real person greets you with a deck of cards, roulette wheel, or other table game equipment before every player sits on their virtual chair.
The regular casino game rules that apply in land-based casinos apply in the live casino. The only difference is that the live dealer will be dealing cards, taking bets, and starting or ending games, on your computer or mobile device screen. Also, you won’t need to dress up in an expensive tux to enjoy the luxurious gambling experience that only Vegas and Macau can deliver. Some players assume that live casino UK games have a higher chance of being rigged, but that can’t be further from the truth. The video stream from multiple camera angles is never interrupted so that you always see the dealer’s hands and the roulette wheel or card decks. With all this being said, let’s get into the brass tacks of live casino gaming.
Live Casino Games
Choosing the best live casino UK game for your tastes and level of skill might be a bit of challenge, especially if you’re a newbie. The variety of categories, combinations, and opportunities may be dazzling even to seasoned old-timers who are trying the live casino UK versions for the first time. That’s not to say that to have the best live dealer experience, you need a lot of experience.
We always come in handy with nifty tips and comprehensive information to get you on the winning path in the least possible time. It’s not too difficult to get the hang of how live dealer games work, as they work pretty much the same way as their RNG versions. Of course, some games have modified rules, but our live casino UK game reviews explain how these minor changes affect the gameplay. Players can also use free live casino no deposit bonuses and other offers to practice the following games before putting their money on the line.
Live Baccarat
Live dealer baccarat is a favourite among most high rollers, so much so that it was one of the first live casino UK games. Although baccarat rules are some of the hardest to remember, the game is one of the easiest to play. Fortunately, the live dealers follow all the pre-established rules and complete the moves. Players also enjoy playing live dealer baccarat, as the game doesn’t involve any skills. The game outcomes aren’t affected by the player, so all you need to do is bet on three possible outcomes—the player hand, banker’s hand, or tie bet.
The winning bet is one that has a total of 9 or closest using two or three cards. The payouts are offered at evens odds, except the tie bet. The banker bet also usually has a 5% commission for the house edge. Most casinos offer the Punto Banco variant of the game, although other options such as Speed Baccarat, No Commission Baccarat, and Baccarat Squeeze may be available as well. Baccarat Squeeze is played at a slower pace for maximum interaction, while the No Commission variant doesn’t have the 5% commission on winning banker bets.
Live Roulette
Rediscover the thrill of land-based casino gaming with live casino roulette, a popular choice for both new players and true and tried gambling veterans. Live dealer roulette brings, directly to your PC or smartphone screen, all the drama and anticipation of finding out the winning number when the wheel stops spinning. As with RNG roulette, live dealer roulette has 37 pockets, numbers from 0-36. Once you enter the live roulette table, the live dealer provides you with a fixed period to place your bets.
You can make straight bets, or inside and outside bet combinations, all of which are explained in more depth in the slots.xyz online roulette guide. Once the time elapses, the live dealer spins the wheel, throws in the ball, and calls out the winning number. Simplicity is really the surest way to sophistication—and some impressive gains if you’re lucky. Besides the classic roulette variants, live casino UK sections may also have titles like Live PokerStars Roulette, Slingshot Auto Roulette, and Live Football Roulette. Although the results can’t be used to predict future results, the results column will also show a history of the most drawn numbers and the most recent winning numbers.
Live Blackjack
Of all the games you can find in a live casino section, live casino blackjack provides one of the best interactions between players and the live dealer. Blackjack players have the opportunity to use their skill to take control of the game and significantly reduce the house edge. As such, the live dealer version of the game can only be described as a battle of wits between dealer and player. You can play one free blackjack game after another to sharpen your skills and strategies before playing for real money. The excitement and anticipation of beating the dealer’s hand will keep you glued to your screen for hours on end. The live dealer will even congratulate you, which is as great a bonus for honing your skills as you can possibly want. Of course, besting the dealer’s hand will also result in a boost in your bankroll. It’s also easy to learn how to play blackjack in the live casino, as all the steps are shown on your screen. The game guides you with all the possible steps, as well as how they may affect the game. The game also includes table limits and styles that are suitable for all players, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Live Poker
Live casino poker games come in a wide variety of options and styles, all of which involve the same objective of forming the best hand of cards. Live poker requires a high level of skill to reduce the house edge and influence the game’s outcome. The live casino UK game also allows players to compete against each other, rather than against the dealer. In a game where the best player wins, those sleepless nights spent polishing your poker game theory, psychology, and skills can finally pay off.
The best news is that players can start with basic online poker variants and focus on the moves made in the game. You can choose between Live Caribbean Stud, Live Texas Hold’em, Live Three Card Poker, and more. Live Three Card Poker is a stripped-back-to-basics, fast-paced, and easy to follow variant that newbies will enjoy. As the game is played with 3 cards instead of the traditional 5, there are no community cards and no post-flop play. Becoming an advanced player may take a bit of time, but live dealer poker provides excellent gaming opportunities for every player.
Live Game Shows
Live casino UK games aren’t only limited to what’s available in brick and mortar establishments. Some casinos now offer gaming options that are based on TV game shows. The most popular is, perhaps, the Dream Catcher money wheel. The live dealer spins a giant wheel, while players bet on the number they think the wheel will stop at. Besides regular numbers, the Dream Catcher wheel also has 2x and 7x multipliers that can boost your winnings. Monopoly Live is another game show inspired livecasino game that’s similar to Dream Catcher, but with more numbers on the wheel.
Deal or No Deal is based on the popular TV show and invites players to bet on whether the banker’s offer is more than the sum of money in the briefcases.
Live Casino Types
As you might have already figured out, you can find live casino online games in different settings and configurations. Each of these live dealer casino types has its advantages and drawbacks. Most seasoned players choose where to play based on preference and past experience. At slots.xyz, on the other hand, we get down to the crux of different options and share simplified info with every player. New players can, therefore, confidently choose the most convenient type of live casino for their needs.
Real Money Live Dealer Casino
As their name implies, real money live dealer casinos are ones that require players to wager real money on live casino UK games. If you try free roulette games, you’ll notice that the level of excitement of playing online roulette free doesn’t truly match up playing with real money. When you’re playing with real money, you can still enjoy side bets, bonus rounds, free slot machines with bonus rounds and other freebies. Players can also get access to a lot more games when they are using real money. By far, the most important advantage is that you can look forward to high quality gameplay and a chance to win real money.
No Deposit Live Dealer Casino
If you sign up at one of the best casinos, chances are you’ll be able to play using a live casino no deposit bonus. Casinos offer these bonuses to allow players to try several games at no cost. Using an online slots no deposit bonus, you can also spin the reels without having to pay. Players, however, have to consider that live casino no deposit bonuses have to complete wagering requirements before they can claim their winnings. Still, our experts acknowledge that an opportunity to play games using a new casino no deposit bonus is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
High Stakes Live Dealer Casino
Most British high rollers prefer to play live casino UK games, as they usually offer more flexible table limits. Unlike RNG table games and slot machines, live dealer games allow players to place wagers as high as £25,000. If you’re looking to try roulette strategies like the Martingale system, you’ll be able to do so without prematurely hitting the table limit. However, not all casinos are favourable to high stakes live casino UK players. You have to check the payment options, banking limits, and the house edge on the available games.
Low Stakes Live Dealer Casino
If you’re not exactly rolling in dough, or you’re not yet confident enough to wager massive amounts of money, you can still play live dealer games. In fact, many casinos offer micro-deposits and low stakes games for players on a limited budget. You can even find online casinos that allow minimum deposits of £5 and 10p bets. As the payouts are also minimal, these games are excellent for improving your skills and boosting your confidence. You may, however, claim bonuses to extend your staking power and play longer.
New Live Dealer Casino
New casino 2020 often offers more competitive gaming products and generous bonuses and promotions. These casinos are also usually more likely to experiment with disruptive live casino technology. Players, therefore, stand to get the best gaming experience on the cheap. However, since some newly-founded casinos can’t be trusted, it’s worth your while to check if the casino is fully licensed and regulated. Alternatively, you can also read our reviews before settling for one.
VR Live Dealer Casino
Part of the appeal of live dealer games is being able to interact with human dealers and experience the closest thing to land-based casino gameplay. But while, with a traditional live casino, you can only see the live dealer on your screen VR casinos allow you to step inside, then walk and look around. VR live casino UK sections, therefore, offer HD quality graphics and immersive gameplay. Perhaps, with the way VR technology is advancing, players will soon be able to squeeze and peek at their cards, and fiddle with their chips while they play and interact with other players.
Mobile Live Dealer Casino
Just imagine a world where you can carry all your favourite live casino UK games around with you on the move. We’re talking about 24/7 access to HD quality live streams to roulette, blackjack, and baccarat games with real human dealers. Thanks to improved mobile and internet technology, you can play most of these games on your iPhone, iPad, or live casino android mobile device. Live casino android gameplay fits the size and resolution of your mobile device. Mobile-oriented casinos also tend to offer free mobile casino no deposit offers to players who download and register through their mobile apps.
Live Casino Software Providers
Smaller, less established casinos tend to provide live casino UK games from only one software developer. Such a trend increases the competition among software developers to offer the best live casino UK experience. Some players don’t consider the companies behind their favourite games, but doing so allows you to stick to the game style and quality you enjoy. That’s because software providers have a more prominent role to play when it comes to live dealer games. They don’t only design and run the studios, they also train the live dealers, and are responsible for the video stream quality. Each studio has a distinct style and provides unique selling points to players. Casinos usually only decide the table limits, selection of games, and other customisable features.
Live Casino Equipment
As long as the games are enjoyable and a few wins are coming their way, most players don’t worry themselves about what’s under the hood at a live casino. Once the well runs dry, such players tend to start wondering if the games are rigged. Sometimes you may wonder what makes the video quality at one live casino so much better than all the other. Well, our team has a lot of experience with live casino technology and has the low-down on how it all works. Here’s everything you need to know in a nutshell.
Dealers and Croupiers
Live dealers are the workhorse that keeps the live casino gears turning. As dealers are tasked with managing the games, they should know the game rules inside and out. Not only should they be skilled in exchanging tokens and dealing cards, live casino dealers should also be highly sociable. Dealers and croupiers should manage the pace of the game and be able to strike conversations with even the most reserved and introverted players. Live dealers also have an eye for detail, a bit of flair, a thick skin, and are usually fluent in multiple languages.
Shufflers
Just as you would expect to find in a brick and mortar casino, live casino UK sections also have card decks that are kept in a clear shoe. Shufflers are tasked with ensuring that the shoe and deck of cards are changed when required. Live casino shufflers also ensure that the deck of cards is shuffled according to specific game rules. Today, it’s not at all unusual to find some online live casino UK websites that use automatic shufflers to keep up the pace of the game.
Cameras
As live casino games are played at remote studios and streamed to players, cameras and other recording equipment are vital. Every live casino will have at least rooms— an analyst room, a live studio, and a software room. Powerful cameras are used to pan wide angles, view some close-up action, and scan cards. For example, when you’re playing live casino roulette, different cameras will show overhead shots, the spinning wheel, and a picture-in-picture display. Some casinos even allow players to choose their preferred camera angle. Live casino android players may also save on data by choosing to stream their games using a lower video resolution.
Sensors and Scanners
Live casino UK websites usually use a variety of software to facilitate more efficient gameplay. Instead of having the live dealer do everything manually, sensors recognise each card that’s dealt and where the roulette ball falls. All this information is relayed to the Game Control Unit, which aggregates data and determines winning bets. The control unit also displays the outcome of the bet on the player’s screen and provides options for the next available moves.
A live casino may use barcode scanners similar to the ones used in supermarkets to identify cards. Players then see real-time data on their screens. Barcode scanning is favoured due to its simplicity and reliability. Live Casino studios also use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to identify cards using cameras. OCR technology recognises the symbols on the cards and is a user-friendly and non-invasive method. The cameras are like an independent observer and don’t get in the way of the game. Some live casino UK studios also use Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that identifies a microchip that’s implanted in each card. This method is a bit more complex, as each card is a piece of technology.
Player Interface
The player interface is what you see when you’re playing live casino games. It’s also where you control the bets, communicate with the live dealer and watch the game unfold. Players who are more in tune with numbers can also check out game stats that are updated after each move. Although the live dealer casino sites usually advise against it, you can base your future bets on information like hot numbers and recent winners instead of just gut instinct.
Choosing the Best Live Casino
If you’ve ever tried to delve deep and navigate through the live casino gaming world, you might have realised that the market is a real minefield. Hundreds, if not thousands of operators are all shouting on top of their lungs to grab your attention. Filtering out the noise from the sites that are worth their salt can be a challenge, especially for new players. However, with a bit of practice, and the best online casino reviews from slots.xyz, you’ll be able to decipher the wheat from the chaff. It’s easy to assume that established casinos will provide the best live casino UK experiences. Granted, industry giants are often better-equipped to provide live dealer games, but some smaller live casinos may offer setups. It’s, therefore, vital to shop around a bit to find a super experience.
A casino that offers welcome bonuses, such as free spins no deposit UK 2020 allows you to get better mileage from your initial bankroll. The range of games, as well as the available variants also determine if a casino is worth checking out. It’s also essential to find out the payout rates of the games that you’re going to be playing—after all, every player wants to win a pound or two. Another point to watch out for is the video quality and response to low-quality internet connections on both PC and mobile devices. The main reason why most players enjoy live casino UK gaming is the live dealers. Whether the dealers are friendly and engaging, wearing tuxedos or skimpy outfits really makes a difference. Lastly, a casino’s licenses, independent auditors, and awards are an excellent indicator of its capabilities.
Live Casino Vs Land-Based Casinos
Although live and land-based casino gaming are two sides of the same coin, knowing the advantages and drawbacks of each allows you to appreciate gambling more. Thanks to 4K video streaming from real casinos, players can feel as if they are in Vegas while they wear their pyjamas at home. Most live casino UK games run 24/7 all year round, so you can play whenever you want. If you prefer to keep your privacy while you play, you can do just that in a live dealer casino, as the dealer and none of the other players can see you. Comes in handy when you’re too lazy to put on some make-up or shave, right? With live dealer gaming, you’ll never find every table fully occupied, whatever time you arrive. Having said that, it’s worth noting that playing in a live dealer casino can’t reach or replace the full immersion that land-based casinos offer.
Live Casino Games vs RNG Games
While with RNG games, the outcomes of a game are determined by a random number generator, live casino UK games are played right in front of your eyes. The human element and interaction provide a better gaming experience. Some players also prefer watching the game as it unfolds, instead of interacting with faceless machines. Playing in a live casino UK also allows high rollers to enjoy higher table limits that they’d find with RNG games. Video streaming will, however, come with significantly more data costs than the simple animations of RNG games. On the other hand, you won’t find games in a live casino, such as slots and the best scratch cards to win on UK.