A live casino is a real-time online gaming platform that recreates the excitement of land-based casinos. It features a real dealer, real tables and equipment, all of which are streamed from a dedicated studio to players’ devices worldwide. The technology that underpins live casino has evolved significantly, allowing players to enjoy a real-life experience without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Unlike simulated games, which are programmed by computer algorithms and use random number generators to determine results, live dealers in a live casino are real people who make decisions based on the rules of each game. This human element is the key differentiator between virtual and live casino games. In addition, the social aspect of playing in a brick-and-mortar casino is replicated through live chat functions that allow players to communicate with each other and with the dealers.
The live casino experience is provided by a variety of providers, each with its own unique offering. The most common is the golden trio of classic table games (blackjack, roulette and baccarat), although some solutions offer additional table options and custom games. Some providers have their own dedicated studios, while others work in conjunction with brick-and-mortar casinos and use the equipment of their partners.
Most live casino games are conducted in special studios that are specifically designed to be able to broadcast high-quality video over the internet. These studios are usually located at brick-and-mortar casinos, but can also be hosted in private spaces that have been adapted for this purpose. The video streams are transmitted via the internet, meaning that players can access them from their computers and mobile devices at any time of day.
In order to ensure that the quality of live streaming is consistent, each casino will have their own dedicated team that oversees the technical aspect of this service. This includes the production and recording of the games, as well as the maintenance of the technology that is used for this purpose. This team is also responsible for ensuring that the studio and software perform as expected at all times.
A specialised piece of hardware called the GCU is used in each live casino studio. This is a small device that is about the size of a shoe box and is responsible for converting all physical transactions into data that can be sent over the internet. This is an essential part of the live casino experience and every single live casino game would not be possible without it.
Other important pieces of equipment are the cameras that are used to capture the action and the monitors that show the number of gamblers playing. The presence of these monitors urges the dealer to take action when needed and helps them keep track of bets that can be placed and those that have been closed. In addition, the monitors help the dealers to interact with the gamblers and encourage them to participate in the live chat feature of each game.
