The live online casino industry has taken off in a big way over the past few years. With advances in technology, players no longer need to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to enjoy their favourite casino games live. In this post, we take a look at the processes and technology behind live casino games.
What are Live Casino Games?
Live online casino games first came about in the 1990s, but they looked very different back then. In the early days, the live casino was comprised of limited games, available on very few platforms, streamed only at certain times of the day. The online gambling industry has changed beyond recognition since then. Players now have a vast choice of venues and games, available 24/7 and accessible from mobile devices.
Live online casino games are the middle ground between visiting a brick-and-mortar casino and playing against a computer online. These games imitate the in-person casino experience, but from the comfort of your own home. Live casino games stream in real-time over the internet, where players can place bets and chat with live dealers for an authentic casino experience.
Why are Live Casino Games So Popular?
There are several reasons why live casino games are so popular. Firstly, the payback percentage with these games is typically higher compared with standard online casino games. As a result, the players have better odds of winning, which is what gambling is all about, right?
Secondly, live casino games give players a more interactive and fun experience. Playing virtual games solo can be a lonely experience that quickly becomes dull. With live games, players can chat to other players and the (often lively) dealers for an exciting, social experience.
Thirdly, live online casinos offer a vast range of games so players can easily find their favourites or try something new. Reputable online gambling operators, such as LeoVegas, use industry-leading software from NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Microgaming, Novomatic, and more for a thrilling live casino experience in Canada and across the world.
Another reason why live casino games are so popular is that they can now be accessed on a wide range of mobile devices, making casino gaming more accessible and convenient than ever before. Experts predict the mobile casino industry will boom in 2021 and beyond due to players having switched to online live casino games during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Technology Behind Live Casino Games
Now you know part of the history of the rise of live casino games, let’s look at how they work.
Players participate in live casino games via a console on their computer or handheld device, where they can see the chat stream and what’s happening in the live game. Such features are made possible by Optical Character Recognition technology, responsible for translating the dealer’s moves into data and transmitting it instantly to players.
Online casinos use potent cameras to capture every moment of the game. There will typically be several cameras to capture different angles of the game. For example, there might be a camera capturing a bird’s eye view in a roulette game, one capturing a table view and wheel, and another providing a picture-to-picture display.
Live casinos depend on a Game Control Unit fitted to each table. The device in question is small, and it encodes the video data broadcasted in live games. It works with sensors on the table and magnetic strips on the cards, which it scans to keep track of which player has which card.
Every dealer has a monitor in front of them, which provides them with the information they need to run the game and offer a friendly service smoothly. The monitor displays the number of players at a table and the player nicknames, chats, and the bets placed.
A lot of people are required to make live casino games run smoothly. Online casinos must employ a pit boss, croupiers, IT staff, and camera operators.
The technology behind live casino games is fascinating. The industry has come on leaps and bounds since the early days. A lot goes into providing the authentic experience of live casino games. With technology advancing rapidly, the future of this industry looks exciting for players and platforms alike.
