Online casino gambling was first introduced in the late 1990s. Through the years, technology and innovation have constantly been changing the way online casino players interact with online casino sites. It is because of this ongoing innovation that adults, hundreds of millions, have been flocking to the internet to play online casino games of chance.
One of the key innovations to pop up in recent years has been the advent and progression of live casino or live dealer online gambling. It has opened the door to a new generation of online casino players who are more interested in getting involved with a realistic casino gambling experience.
To be clear, it’s very rare for an online casino to operate solely as a live casino. Most sites offer both options. Since both live and traditional table game options are now available on almost every online casino site, let’s compare and contrast the two options.
What is Live Casino Online Gambling?
Before getting started, it seems prudent to describe how live online casinos work. Yes, it does include game control being handled by a live dealer or croupier.
The idea first came to light about 10 years ago because of software innovators at companies like Netent and Evolution Gaming. What these innovators did was develop software that could be integrated with visual technology to create a live casino “table game” experience online.
The live casinos are placed in strategically located studios. As live dealers initiate the gambling action for their respective table games, the available technology allows online gamblers to take seats at a table. They can place bets and play real hands in front of a live dealer/croupier while the action is being streamed. It’s that simple.
Comparing Live Online Casinos and Traditional Online Casinos
The best way to compare and contrast live online casinos and traditional online casinos is to run through the similarities and differences. Let’s do that.
The Similarities
When comparing these two online casino gambling options, it becomes very clear that similarities are few but come in key areas. For instance, the same types and versions of games are typically available through either platform. Also, the rules for most table games like baccarat and blackjack are the same either way. Other similarities include the ability to play for real cash and the betting limits are often the same. That’s about where the similarities stop.
The Differences
It’s the differences between these two options that serve to create contrasting online gambling experiences. Here is a list of key differences.
Speed of the Game – Live table games tend to be a little slower than traditional games to allow dealers and players time to interact with one another.
Personal Interactions – In more recent software iterations, live dealers and customers have gained the ability to interact with one another. Of course, traditional online casino gambling does not allow for interactions beyond chatting with customer service.
Initially, the interactions were limited to chat functions. More recently, visual technology has been added, allowing players and dealers to see and talk directly to one another. The addition of visual technology brought about another great benefit. Some live casino platforms allow players to interact with one another, creating a more friendly playing environment.
Bonus Restrictions – When players receive bonus funds, there are many instances where these funds can be used to play traditional casino table games but not live dealer games.
As an example, new customers can use Casino Extreme no deposit bonus codes to play most if not all traditional table games at Casino Extreme. There are limitations to using those funds to play live casino table games.
Sights and Sounds – Traditional online casino gaming offers a very sterile environmental experience. Players see nothing but the game in front of them.
In recent years, Evolution Gaming has moved some of its game streaming from isolated studious into real casinos located throughout Europe. This has effectively added another layer of realism to the live casino game-playing experience. How?
While players are “seated” at their respective tables, they can see and hear what is taking place in the background. If someone in the near vicinity of a live casino streaming table hits a slot jackpot, the online players actually get to experience the celebrations in real time. If things get any more realistic, online live casino game players will be able to order drinks.
The Future
There is evidence that online casino players are moving fast in the direction of live casino gaming. This move has been prompted by the addition of more games and game versions (craps, Pai Gow) being created for live dealer environments.
Given the progress that has been made in the last three years, it will be interesting to see what software developers are planning for the future.
