The advantages live casino games have over online casino games

The casino industry has evolved massively since the turn of the century, with advancements in technology generating a seismic shift in the way people play their favourite games.

It was once the case that people had to visit land-based venues to play casino games, but the launch of the internet sparked a dramatic change in the landscape.

Improvements in iGaming software and Wi-Fi connectivity have been primary drivers for growth in an industry that is showing little signs of slowing down.

Digital variants of games such blackjack and slots helped to attract a new demographic of players to the online casino sector, helping it become a multi-billion-dollar business.

However, arguably the biggest development in recent times has been the addition of ‘live online casino’ games into the mix.

These allow people to play live roulette games and other casino games in a digital environment, whenever they want and wherever they are in the world.

These replicate the experience of playing in a brick-and-mortar venue, but without any of the hassle or additional expense involved in travelling to such establishments.

With many casino operators reporting that live games are outstripping their digital variants in terms of revenue, we look at why they are so popular with players.

A background to live casinos

It is fair to say that when online casinos first arrived on the scene, they benefited massively from the novelty factor.

People had traditionally been forced to travel to land-based casinos to play games such as roulette, but online sites opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

In essence, online casinos featured digital variants of the games you could find in traditional casinos, but without one crucial element – the human factor.

Playing roulette in a land-based casino involves going head-to-head with a croupier. You place bets, they spin the ball around the wheel and everyone awaits the outcome.

However, online roulette is powered by a random number generator (RNG), thus removing that all-important human interaction from the equation.

To address this issue, gambling operators have expertly leveraged improvements in live streaming technology to create a new online phenomenon.

How live casinos work

Live online casinos are a combination of traditional casinos and online casinos. They effectively provide the thrills of Las Vegas via a digital device.

Many leading casino operators have built studios which are designed to recreate the gameplay experience of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino.

Table games such as roulette are central to the live casino experience, with the games hosted by a human croupier rather than being powered by an RNG.

The games are filmed and broadcast live using the latest streaming technology to devices such as personal computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

The player can communicate with the croupier via instant messaging software, thus replicating much of what happens in a land-based casino.

A camera technician is on hand to ensure that there are no issues with the equipment to ensure that all of the games run seamlessly.

Online casinos vs live casinos

Live online casino games closely replicate traditional casinos – Image via Pexels

While online casinos have proved to be hugely popular with newbies and experienced players alike, the removal of the human element is a negative.

For most players, the thrill of playing gambling games such as roulette is feeling that you are in some way in control of your own destiny. By their very nature, an RNG cannot generate this.

Removing the croupier from the equation also has the knock-on effect of reducing the skill element from games such as roulette.

Strategies such as the Martingale System are much harder to implement at online casinos, making it more difficult for players to make a profit.

Live casinos have brought the human and skill elements of casino games back to the fore, which allows players to feel like they are in control again.

While online casino games still have a place in the industry, playing live casino games is unquestionably a far more rewarding experience.

Live casinos in the future

It can be argued that online casinos have reached the peak of what they can achieve, but the same cannot be said for live casino games.

While many operators have invested significant resources into their live offering, there is still plenty of scope for growth in this area.

Finding suitable facilities to build casino studios will be a challenge that operators must overcome to keep pace with their competitors.

The range of games available is also something that will need to be addressed, with roulette and blackjack currently dominating the live casino landscape.

Finding ways to expand the game categories on offer at live casinos will be crucial if they are to maintain their current rate of growth.

Virtual reality (VR) technology could play a key role over the coming years, with the supporting hardware now proving it can deliver the goods in the casino industry.

The successful launch of a live slots-style game by developers Evolution Gaming in 2021 highlighted the potential in this area.

Some developers have already dabbled with VR roulette and it is not unreasonable to believe these could become more commonplace over the next few years.

As the last couple of decades have shown, the casino industry is in a hugely transformational period at the moment. Quite how things will look in another ten years is anyone’s guess!