What is live dealer casino?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
Casino games streamed in real time from a studio, with a human dealer running the action. You play through your browser or app, placing bets on screen while watching the game live.
What live dealer means
Live dealer games bridge the gap between playing at a physical casino and standard online casino games. A human dealer, operating from a purpose-built studio, runs the game in real time. You watch via a video stream and place bets on screen. The cards are real, the roulette wheel is physical, and the outcomes are determined by the dealer's actions, not a random number generator.
The main providers of live casino software are Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, and a handful of others. Most online casinos source their live dealer games from one or more of these studios. What differs between casinos is which table limits are available and whether any tables carry that casino's own branding.
What games are available
The standard live dealer library covers blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants. Evolution in particular has expanded the format to include game show-style titles such as Crazy Time and Deal or No Deal, which sit somewhere between a slot and a live dealer game and carry their own volatility and house edge.
What to consider as a Canadian player
Live dealer games are data-heavy because of the video stream. A stable internet connection makes a meaningful difference to the experience. Table limits vary considerably: some live blackjack tables accept bets from $1, while VIP tables may have minimums of $100 or more. Be aware that live casino games typically contribute less than 100% toward bonus wagering requirements.