Live casino is one of the fastest growing sections of the online gambling industry. The technology behind it offers a level of Vegas-style realism that is hard to match with other gaming options. It also allows players to interact with a real dealer and play at any time of the day. It’s a unique experience that is available from many different online casinos and can be enjoyed on desktop or mobile devices.
When online casinos first came onto the scene they were pretty primitive but over the years operators have spared no expense in making their offerings as close to a bricks and mortar casino experience as possible. This has led to the creation of live casino which uses a mix of video and audio feeds to create a realistic gaming experience.
Unlike traditional online casinos which use random number generators to determine the outcome of their games, live casino uses real dealers and physical cards to conduct the game. The results of the game are determined by a human rather than an algorithm and it’s this element that makes live casino so appealing to many players.
To deliver the best possible gaming experience, live casinos use cameras to film the action and then send it back to the player in real-time. The images are digitised using a piece of hardware called a Game Control Unit (GCU). It’s the size of a shoe box and is what powers all the action that happens at a live table. It uses the same sort of optical character recognition that car parks use to capture license plates and can identify specific playing cards.
Once the GCU has digitised the information it’s passed to a video feed where it’s displayed on the screen of the players’ choice. This is usually a computer monitor but can be a smartphone or tablet. Players can interact with the dealer and other players through a chat function. This feature isn’t essential but it adds to the realism of the gaming experience and can be fun.
The games that are available at a live casino vary by establishment but typically include poker, blackjack, roulette and other popular table games. In addition, some sites offer baccarat and other classics which aren’t always found at online casinos.
While the games themselves are identical to their counterparts at a bricks and mortar casino, the atmosphere is far more relaxing. There’s no need to dress up or follow a strict dress code and you can even enjoy the experience while in bed. The dealers work in shifts so you can play at any time of the day or night.
Many live casinos also offer a variety of bonuses and promotions for their players. This can range from free spins to cashback and more. These can be a great way to boost your bankroll and help you increase your chances of winning. However, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of any bonus before you sign up.