A live casino is a gaming establishment that broadcasts games in real-time, using a live stream. It features a real dealer who operates in the same manner as those seen at land-based casinos and can interact with players via chat functions, making for a second-to-none experience. Players can access these casinos from a computer, tablet or mobile device by visiting the website and scrolling through their list of available live tables.
Aside from providing a more personal and social experience, the live dealers also add an extra level of excitement to online gambling. This is achieved by allowing players to make decisions in real-time, something that hasn’t always been possible with virtual casino games. When it comes to table games, such as blackjack and poker, the dealer will take into account your decisions by reciting your bets out loud and reacting accordingly. In addition, many live casino games have a certain period of time in which bets can be placed, giving players the thrill of hearing a bell ring when the moment to act arrives.
The most popular table game at any live casino is undoubtedly blackjack. The rules are very similar to those found in traditional casino tables and include a maximum payout of nine-points, a split and double-down option and the ability to gamble with the dealer. Players can also place side bets on the outcome of a hand, which adds another dimension to the game. The best hand is a blackjack, which is made up of an ace and any ten or picture card. This pays out at a much higher rate than other hand combinations, such as a pair of jacks or two pairs of threes.
In order to run a live casino, the game control unit (GCU) must be installed in each live dealer’s table. This is a small box-like device, no bigger than a shoebox, that encrypts the video that is broadcast. Without it, the games could not be run live.
Aside from the GCU, a live casino will typically have a number of other essential pieces of technology, such as cameras, screens and a microphone. These are all used to ensure that the games can be conducted in a professional and enjoyable fashion. The games are then streamed to the player’s computer or mobile device via a high-quality live video stream.
To play a live casino game, the player must be above their state’s legal age for online gambling, which varies from 18 to 21. They should also have a reliable internet connection that is capable of streaming HD quality video. The player will then be able to select their desired game from the live casino lobby, which is displayed in the same way as they would scope out the games on the floor of an actual casino.
Players can use the same betting interface that they use to play regular online casino games to make their bets on a live casino game, meaning they can control the size of their bankroll with ease. They can also use the live casino chat function to discuss the game with other players and the dealer in a more social environment.