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The world of online casino games is quickly evolving as operators and game developers race to keep up with player demand and offer new, exciting experiences for those who love to play these types of games. The live-action casino is one new offering helping to do just that.

Live-action dealers help to bridge that gap between traditional land-based casino venues and online games, they offer interaction between player and casino and create a more immersive and intriguing experience. In this post, we take a look at the emergence of these games, how exactly they work and the benefits for both the casino and the end user.

The arrival of live-action dealers

The live casino gaming has been around longer than you might expect. It was the mid-90s when casino game developer Playtech launched the first live blackjack game, it was considered a groundbreaking innovation at the time and allowed live dealers to connect with online players in real-time.

However, it wasn’t until broadband internet became more accessible in the mid to late 2000s that live casino gaming began to take off. To enjoy live streamed games, a secure and reliable internet connection is required and the old dial-up modems failed to offer this continuous connection at speed.

Following the launch of 4G in 2009, the ability to enjoy live casino action on mobile became possible and playing these games on smartphones began to grow in popularity. Today, players can access live casino games from their phone or desktop within minutes, either in-browser or via apps, and observe high-quality visual and audio streaming without disruption.

The mechanisms and technology behind live casino games

In order to offer live casino games, a provider needs a specialised studio setup with the appropriate equipment for capturing and sharing the live game. For example, a high-quality professional-level camera is a basic requirement to capture the action.

There is also the need for software that collects the data and ensures there is consistency in streaming and communication channels. The backdrop the dealer stands in front of is also important, it should emulate a real casino in order to provide an immersive and real-life-like experience.

Not anyone can be a live-action dealer. The casino must be sure to employ someone who is able to really engage with a remote audience and encourage them to make use of the chat feature. Not only for the player’s enjoyment, but to encourage repeat custom and boost profits for the casino.

What are the benefits of live-action dealers for online casinos and their players?

Transparency

When the game is being operated behind the scenes, there can be questions around the legitimacy of the results. While online casinos are regulated and have high standards to adhere to in order to maintain their licence, some players may still question the fairness of games if they hit a losing streak.

When there is a live dealer in front of you shuffling the deck, you are able to observe their actions and pay attention to what they are doing. This can be reassuring for players and eliminate any doubts they might have.

An authentic casino experience

Casino game authenticity is what draws many players to live-action games. No computer program can really replicate the actions of a live dealer. A live dealer is there to shuffle the cards or spin the wheel. Typical online casino games use random number generators or RNGs to determine game outcomes, this isn’t needed in either live or in-person games.

Social interaction

Gaming online can sometimes be an isolating experience, you are usually by yourself and experiencing the highs and lows of the game alone. However, with a live-action dealer the other players at the table are seeing and experiencing the events as they happen and are able to discuss them.

The future of live-action dealers

As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, we can be sure that online casinos will use this to enhance their live games even further. The use of artificial intelligence could help to personalise the experience even further and be used to learn more about player actions and motivations.

Virtual reality is another technology likely to be bought into the live casino gaming space. Using VR headsets, players could stand at the virtual poker table or view the roulette wheel as if it were just a couple of feet in front of them.

Lastly, with the continued rollout of 5G internet, we can be sure that high-speed connections will increase reliability and minimise disruption even further. Live-action dealers are certainly the future of casino gaming and are a huge investment opportunity for