Online casinos are a great alternative for those that don’t or maybe can’t make it to a land-based casino, and of course, playing online has its advantages. However, one thing that was significantly lacking from the experience in its early stages was the atmosphere of an actual casino, seen as one of the perks for most people. That was until live casinos were introduced. Over the past decade, live casinos have really taken off and with its increase in popularity, it’s advanced somewhat too. From the humble beginnings of one dealer and one game, live blackjack, you can now play a wide variety of live games including roulette, poker and baccarat, and even side games while you’re waiting for your particular live game to start. It truly is a 24 hour a day, seven days a week business.
Key Elements of a Live Casino
- A live studio, where the games are filmed (this could be either location-based or a live casino studio)
- A software area, where all the game’s technicalities are handled
- An analyst’s area
The Technology Involved
Webcams
Webcams play a vital role in the delivery of a live casino experience since they are used to capture all of the action. Even the cameras have developed over time, from big cameras that streamed the feed, to smaller cameras today which capture every aspect of the game. Of course, multiple cameras are used to catch different angles and courtesy of Optical Camera Recognition Technology, players can follow every bit of action of the game, as well as all elements of the studio.
Live dealer
The use of a real-life dealer helps to enhance the casino atmosphere, which is lacking from ordinary online games. But advances in technology also mean that the dealer’s every move is tracked, so that players can be sure that games are fair and in accordance with the rules. In addition, some live casinos offer games which use live dealers that speak different languages, allowing players to enjoy their favorite game in their native language.
However, the advances in technology have also allowed for the live dealer to be substituted with an automated one. Some companies use this for faster and more accurate gameplay; while others may offer a choice of live and automated dealers so that the players can choose their preferred version.
Wheel and table
The majority of games that you’ll find at live casinos are table games, so the table is a key component in the gambling experience and it needs to be replicated in the live environment. Similarly, if you are playing roulette, a wheel is needed. Both tables and wheels are fitted with sensors that convert the results into data for the players to see. The Game Control Unit is the most important aspect of a live casino and the device is used to encode the video being broadcast. In short, without it, there would be no action.
Monitors
The dealer uses the monitor to see how has joined the game, who and how many people are in the lobby, and who the winner is in each game. The monitors also aid the dealer in knowing when to make a move, or when to wait if the players are wagering.