Guide to Live Casino Games and Etiquette

What are Live Casino Games?

Before playing live casino games, it’s crucial that you understand what these games entail. Unlike standard online games, you play live casino games with a human dealer or game host via a live-streaming feed. These games aim to recreate the look and feel of playing at a physical casino and provide the level of interactivity that isn’t present in standard online casino games.

Typically, you place bets while sitting comfortably at your home, office, or outdoors with your mobile device or desktop. With the help of cutting-edge HD video streams that provide crisp pictures and a range of camera viewpoints, you can watch the dealer deal cards or spin the wheel from the gaming studio in real time.

Most live casino games also have chat features, which allow you to chat with other players and the dealers. Speaking of the dealers, they are usually highly trained and have greater interactivity. Most will talk, crack jokes, and try to make every gameplay session even more entertaining.

Popular Live Casino Games Explained

Now that you have an idea of how live casino games work, let’s look at some of the most popular live casino games offering unlimited entertainment.

Live Blackjack

Live blackjack is one of live casino fans' favourite card games, thanks to its blend of skill and luck. In live blackjack, you compete against the dealer to have a hand value as close to 21 without going over.

With that simple rule in mind, let’s now have a look at the basic gameplay. The game starts with a regular deck of 52 cards. At the start of each hand, the dealer deals you two cards face up. You then have the option to ‘Hit’ (take another card) or ‘Stand’ (keep the cards) if you feel you have a winning hand.

Live Roulette

Live roulette is a game of chance and prediction. With variants like American Roulette, European Roulette, and French Roulette, live roulette is a fast-paced casino game perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

Like with blackjack, playing live roulette is pretty easy. You place your bets, guessing on the colour or number the ball will land when the dealer spins the wheel. You also have the option to place different bet types. The most straightforward bet type is a ‘straight-up bet’, where you bet on a single number. You can also bet on a group of numbers (outside bets), on odd or even numbers, or on red or black.

Live Baccarat

Live baccarat is a card game of trying to predict three winning outcomes. When playing the game, you have three bet choices: you can wager on the Banker hand, the Player hand, or a tie bet. The objective is to bet on the hand that will have a total of 9 or as close to that as possible after drawing 2 or 3 cards.

The rule is that, if either the Banker or Player hand has a total value of eight or nine (natural), the game is over. If neither has a natural, the game continues.

Live Poker Variants

Live poker works much the same as the standard online poker, only that in live dealer poker, you can interact with an actual human dealer. This adds authenticity, fun, and social interaction you would normally get at a land-based casino.

You’ll find dozens of live poker variants at online casinos, but Texas Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Live 2 Hand Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, and 3 Card Poker are some of the most popular. While each poker variant has its strategies and rules, they are all played on a 52-card deck. You play against the dealer, and your hand has to be better than the dealer’s to win.

Game Show-Style Games

Ever wanted to feel like you are in your favourite TV show? Live game show-style games allow you to do just that. Hosted by live presenters, live game show-style games let you place bets on a game that is unfolding in real-time. It's much like being invited to take part in a live TV event, only you are joining through your mobile device or desktop, and from anywhere you want.

Each game show-style game has its own rules, gameplay, and payout. So, the odds of winning depend on the specific game show and the betting options you choose. Some popular titles you can play include Deal or No Deal, Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Dream Catcher.

Live Casino Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

Like at physical casinos, there are some etiquettes you should adhere to when playing live casino games to ensure an enjoyable gambling experience.

Tips for a Better Live Casino Experience

Playing live dealer games can be an exhilarating gambling experience, but you should approach it wisely. Here we outline top tips you should consider before playing.

Stable Internet Connection

To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted live casino gambling experience, you require a stable and fast internet connection. Buffering and lagging can disrupt the flow of the game and lead to frustrations, especially in fast-paced games like live roulette. For instance, if your internet cuts out when the dealer spins the wheel, you might not get to see the outcome.

Therefore, check your internet connection before joining any live casino game. We recommend using a reliable Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet connection for optimal performance. You should also use a reliable device with up-to-date software to ensure the best time playing and optimum response time.

Quiet Environment for Concentration

Avoiding disturbances when playing live casino games can go a long way in enhancing your live casino gaming experience. Before you start playing any game, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus on the game. Using headphones or similar gadgets can also help you concentrate better and minimise distractions.

Additionally, turn off unnecessary notifications on your mobile device or desktop, as live casino games require undivided attention. You should also ensure that everything you might need, such as drinks and snacks, is within arm’s reach so you don’t need to get up and interrupt your game flow.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Effective bankroll management is essential for a rewarding and responsible gambling experience at live casinos. Before playing any live casino game, first set a reasonable budget and stick to it. That means determining the exact amount you are comfortable losing and never exceeding that limit.

As a rule of thumb, treat live casino gambling as a form of entertainment and not as a means to chase unrealistic returns or generate income. By setting and sticking to your budget, you will be able to concentrate on placing wiser bets, make informed decisions, and play the game for longer without taking unnecessary monetary risks.

Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Even though live casino games are quite engaging and interactive, it is essential to practice strict time management by taking regular breaks to avoid burnout or neglecting other parts of your life. Consider setting alarms to help you stay on track and maintain your energy during game streaming sessions. Some live casinos even offer the ‘Time-Out’ feature that removes you from the game once your customised time limit has elapsed.

Similarly, taking regular breaks from the game enables you to stay focused while also giving you a chance to reexamine your gameplay strategies.

Use Trusted and Licensed Live Casino Platforms

Another crucial tip to improve your live casino gambling experience is to play your favourite games at a reputable and trustworthy live casino. This ensures safe and reliable gaming. 

Do your research and only join licensed and regulated casinos by reputable authorities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Additionally, look for live casinos with positive reviews and ratings from players, as well as with certifications from independent auditors like eCOGRA. Other factors you should consider when choosing your ideal live casino include game variety, bonuses and promotions, game providers, mobile compatibility, and payout options.

Advantages of Live Casino Games Over Traditional Online Games

1. Realistic gameplay: With features like HD live streams, the chat function, and real human dealers, live casino games recreate a physical casino atmosphere. All this gives you the feeling as though you are playing at the table of a brick-and-mortar casino.

2. Social interaction: While playing live casino games, you can interact and hold relevant conversations with other players as well as the human dealers in real-time. This promotes a sense of camaraderie and community.

3. Transparency: Live casino games are streamed live with high-tech video cameras, and real human dealers shuffle physical cards and spin real roulette wheels. This leads to greater trust due to transparency, reducing concerns about rigging.

4. Professional dealers: Unlike traditional online games, live casino games are hosted by professional human dealers. These croupiers possess extensive knowledge and skills, and they can assist you in your gameplay in real-time.

Responsible Gambling

While live casino games are incredibly thrilling and entertaining, you must prioritise responsible gambling practices to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. You can achieve this by setting a budget and sticking to it; taking regular breaks to assess your gambling activities, and avoiding chasing losses.

If you recognise signs of problematic gambling like borrowing money to gamble or difficulty controlling your gambling impulses, seek help. Live casinos nowadays provide hotline phone numbers and educational resources about responsible gambling. Some casinos even provide tools like Time Limits, Deposit Limits, and Self-Exclusion, which enable you to take control of your gambling behaviour.

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