The phenomenal growth of online casinos over the last two decades is well documented. Experiencing the thrill of the casino in the comfort of our homes has proved to be an incredibly popular pastime.
It started with basic, offline PC-based gaming before the advent of the internet allowed us to connect and play socially. Computer technology steadily improved, allowing for more complex and immersive gaming, but a new change was on the horizon.
Mobile gaming and wireless internet access have allowed online casino to be played anywhere, at any time, by anyone. Today, every single one of us is just a few finger swipes away from a roulette wheel or card table.
The history of live casino gaming, however, has been slightly different to that of its on-demand cousins. Even though platforms quickly recognized the potential benefits of bringing live dealers online, it took some time to implement.
History of live casino
The first attempts at recreating a live casino experience online were made in the mid-1990s. Though limited technology severely restricted what could be achieved, and how many people could be reached, it enjoyed some success.
In essence, these games would involve a video feed from a real land-based casino, with players placing their wagers online. Full interaction was difficult but, where connectivity was reliable enough, a rudimentary form of live multiplayer roulette could be achieved.
By the mid-2000s, the experience was beginning to improve as better technology and more reliable internet allowed more gaming possibilities. Still, the bandwidth required and generally poor experience meant live casino could not keep up with better-performing iGaming options.
For a time, it looked as though live casino might be left behind as it was too complex to facilitate. Eventually, however, technology caught up and players were able to enjoy a genuinely immersive live casino experience online.
Today, we can join a multitude of casino games with live dealers and fellow players at any time. Roulette, poker, blackjack, craps, and many more can be enjoyed through quality live casino platforms such as Virgin Games.
The experience
So what is live casino gaming and what makes it stand out against other options?
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The dealers
The fundamental difference between live and non-live online casino is the presence of a real human dealer. While some platforms may offer AI or animated variations, it is human dealers that makes live casino the real deal.
This shifts control from the player to the dealer, increasing the intensity and better replicating the land-based casino experience. Though playing online does offer some increased flexibility for walking away, a live dealer makes it a truly interactive experience.
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Social play
While many online casino games offer social interaction through chat rooms or voice communication, live casino is a step up. When you sit at a virtual table, you engage in a shared experience with both the dealer and other players.
Most games offer complete control over how, and how much, you communicate with the group or specific individuals. You can choose to simply play the game, or to embrace immersive social interaction, just like in a land-based casino.
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Immediate assistance
Though most dealers will not be able to see or hear players, you can interact with them directly by chat. This means you can ask for information or voice queries and receive answers in real-time as you play.
This can be a great help for new players, so long as they are not disruptive to others. It also helps develop feelings of trust and togetherness which can be reassuring for many people.
Essentially, a live casino is the perfect blend of the traditional land-based experience and modern online gaming. It provides the thrill of being in the moment and among like-minded people, without compromising on safety, comfort, or convenience.
Live casino can also be personalized and filtered to each player’s individual needs. It could be completely immersive, through an advanced multi-screen PC setup, or enjoyed in a simpler, more casual mobile form.
The future
Ultra-fast internet, 5G, and advanced smartphone and PC technologies have created live casino experiences beyond what was once imagined possible. Gaming never stands still, however, and the next generation of innovations is just around the corner.
Virtual and augmented reality, in combination with AI, could soon blur the lines between online and in-person experiences completely. At the touch of a button, you could be playing anywhere from Las Vegas to the surface of the moon.
You could play with friends who are scattered around the globe or make new ones from all walks of life. The remaining restrictions on bringing the full experience of in-person casino to online players are being steadily removed every day.
So, is it time you tried out the exciting and interactive world of live online casino for yourself?
