Live casino online is a form of real-time gaming that brings the experience of a traditional brick-and-mortar casino to players’ computers and smartphones. The game is streamed in high-definition video from a studio or land-based casino, and players can interact with the dealer via a chat feature.
Live casinos are becoming more popular than ever, thanks to advances in technology and the ability to provide a truly authentic casino experience from anywhere in the world. In addition, they are more fun than regular online games because players can play them with real people and receive feedback from the dealers.
In most cases, the games are played in a similar fashion to those found at brick-and-mortar casinos, with players choosing the amount they wish to bet and letting the dealer deal the cards or spin the roulette wheel. Once the bets are placed, players can watch the results on their computer screen and use a chat function to communicate with the dealer and other players.
The most common live casino games include blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Some sites also offer video poker and other table games, such as keno and craps. When playing a live casino game, players should only bet money they can afford to lose and should never place bets they are not sure of. Unlike virtual casino games, live dealer games require a fast connection, so players should check their broadband bandwidth before playing.
When deciding on which live casino site to visit, look for a mobile-friendly website and app that supports iOS and Android devices. Make sure your device has an updated operating system and a strong WiFi signal to avoid dropping out during gameplay. Also, be sure to use only a secure WiFi network when playing because if you are using public Wi-Fi, your personal details could be exposed.
Another important aspect of any live casino online is the quality of the video streaming. The lower the latency, the faster the games can be played, and the more rounds can be completed in a session. Most iGaming providers strive to have sub-second latency.
The games are streamed to your computer in real time by a special camera called a GCU (Global Computing Unit). This small device encodes data details from the live game and transmits them to your browser, which then displays it on your screen. The GCU also lets you interact with the dealer and other players through a chat window, which works in much the same way as social network chat windows.
Live games are available at a number of online casinos, though not all states have legalized them yet. As more state legislatures review online gambling laws, the availability of these games will likely increase.
In addition to offering classic blackjack, roulette and baccarat, the best live casino sites provide unique variations on these games. For example, some offer specialized games like the popular Side Bet City and Casino Hold’em. Some even offer specialty tables, such as a dedicated table for the game show reality TV show, Wheel of Fortune.