Live Dealer Casino Games
In a live casino game, a human dealer runs the game in real
time from a casino gaming table, which can be seen via a live streaming video
link. Players can make betting decisions through a console on their computer
screen, and can communicate with the dealer using a text chat function.
The results of the physical transactions by the dealer, such
as outcome of the roulette wheel spin or the dealing of cards, are translated
into data that can be utilized by the software by means of optical character
recognition technology. This enables the player to interact with the game in
much the same way as they would with a virtual casino game, except for the fact
that the results are determined by real life actions rather than automated
processes.
These games are a lot more expensive for website to host, as
they involve a heavier investment in technology and staffing. A live casino
studio typically employs one or more cameramen, several croupiers running the
various games, an IT manager to ensure that any technical hitches are deal with
swiftly, and a pit boss that acts as an adjudicator in case of disputes between
players and croupiers.
In most cases, this requires at least a three room setup,
comprising a live studio, a server/software room, and an analyst’s room. The configuration
of these rooms varies from casino to casino, with some having several gaming
tables in one room, and some having a single table in each room.
The high running costs involved with operating live dealer
games is the reason why online casinos only tend to offer a handful of the most
popular games in this format, such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and sic bo.
In comparison, the running costs associated with virtual games are very low,
and it is not uncommon for online casinos to offer hundreds of different
virtual casino games to players on their site.
Online casinos vary in their approach to the hosting of live
games, with some providing live games via their own television channel, and
others offering the games exclusively via their website. In the case of
televised games, players can often use their mobile phone or television remote
controls to place bets instead of doing so via a computer connected to the
internet.
