Today, you will read about some of the top live casinos worldwide and be able to see what specifically makes these brands the best.
Our overview of this part of the gaming experience comes at a time when there are dozens of high-quality developers.
The sudden increase in the number of suppliers, of course, corresponds directly to the interest in this segment.
Live casino gaming is a purely 21st-century invention, at least in the version we know it today. There is a lot of flexibility to benefit from, and instead of having to drive to an actual casino, you can simply log in and play online.
Many players appreciate this inherent accessibility, the fact they can be part of the casino action with a few clicks, instead of spending hours driving to and from a location.
Live casinos are only going to get bigger, and this feels like the right time to learn all you need to know about them.
Best Live Online Casinos
As always, having fun playing any live game online is a matter of finding the best live casinos. To help yourself with this, you can simply refer to the handy table above that compares some of the top brands.
In this comparison of the top live casinos, a number of factors have been taken to produce an aggregate rating.
First and foremost, each casino is evaluated on its own merit. This means running a few mandatory checks of the brand. Specifically, you need to double-check:
- Licensing agreements (by looking up what available licenses have been signed)
- Reputation (by consulting with other players and reading reviews)
- Safety measures (in the form of HTML5 optimised platform and SSL encryption)
- Game supplier (by check who the game developers featured are)
Live games are, of course, a big part of making a final decision. However, in most cases, live casinos strive to provide players with an intuitive and accessible website.
Live casinos are expensive to maintain, and this is why most brands operating one will always make sure players are happy.
Another boon to having to choose from live casinos is their software can rarely be pirated, adding an additional layer of security.
New Live Casinos
In a quickly developing segment, the top live casinos are usually those to stay on top of the latest trends.
Growing competition in the sector has emerged, which ultimately benefits players. Therefore, keeping an eye out for the latest operator can actually be quite helpful.
These gaming venues offer players a chance to explore new and profitable bonus scenarios, participate in a VIP experience, and even choose from studios and an actual casino floor – more will be explained later
Each operator is trying to introduce slightly different features to the overall live experience, capitalising on the good looks of the hosts and hostesses, fair payouts, and HD resolution.
Similarly, operators try to introduce innovative games such as MONOPOLY Live, Lightning Roulette, Three Card Poker, and others.
Not least of all, the experience has been optimised for mobile devices, thanks to HTML5 technology and players’ high expectations of an omnichannel experience.
Mobile Live Casinos
Mobile casinos allow players to benefit from a detailed live casino experience without being limited to a single location.
Carrying a live casino with you is not an issue. All you need is a compatible platform and any handheld device, including a smartphone or tablet.
The mobile casino hosts and hostesses interact with a player the same way they do on desktop, with the help of an overlay menu.
All things considered, the mobile casino experience is streamlined to perfection and players have no problem connecting from a device with good bandwidth.
Real Money Live Casinos
Live casinos are played exclusively for real money. This means that you can still join any table you wish, but to participate, you need to have deposited into your account first.
The games appeal to a group of players who love to spend a little more or are generally interested in experiencing live casinos.
There are multiple benefits of choosing to go with the top live casinos over any other form of casino play, including:
- Better payouts thanks to higher limits
- No need to travel to a casino
- Ability to play 24/7
- Availability of mobile live games
- Promotions & bonus for real money live players
Players may first come and join the lobby as spectators first and start betting as soon as they feel ready.
The live chat allows patrons to stay in touch with the croupier in real-time.
Low Stake Live Casinos
Live casinos always display the range of bets players can place. This allows everyone to decide whether a specific table is to their taste.t
Most casinos advertise these numbers readily, and you can simply hover over a casino to see what bet limits are available.
However, you need to keep in mind that these ranges may not quite apply to every type of bet in a live game.
Most of Evolution Gaming’s roulette games have decent low limits for certain games, ranging from 0.10, 0.20, 0.50 pence up to £1 (and beyond)
How so? Some games offer different minimum limits for the different types of bets you want to place. So a Straight-Up bet may cost you X amount, but an Outside bet may actually cost you Y.
While confusing, there is good news, nevertheless. You can always see what the minimum limits are.
Some popular versions offering low stakes include NetEnt Low Limit Roulette where the bet starts at 0.10 pence.
Most of Evolution Gaming’s roulette games have decent low limits for certain games, ranging from 0.10, 0.20, 0.50 pence up to £1.
It might take players a little longer to find such low limit tables, however. Live blackjack usually starts at slightly higher limits.
For blackjack, you will need to be prepared and spend around £1 or £2 per single hand. There are great versions introduced by Evolution Gaming to try.
High Roller Live Casinos
High rolling is the juiciest live gaming segment, and all the top live casinos know it. The reason behind it is purely financial
Nearly 80% of a casino’s income comes from the high rollers, who love a big gamble and don’t easily shy away from a live game
High roller live casinos are a very common sight. They aren’t necessarily characterised by a steep lower limit, but you can expect both the lower limit and higher limit to be much higher than what you are used to.
You could potentially stake £5,000 on a single hand. Of course, as a high roller player, you will also have to meet certain regulatory standards.
There are many examples of great high roller live games, too. You can try Playtech’s Soiree Blackjack or Evolution Gaming’s Salon Prive.
Both options are inspired by French, and this already lands them a certain air of exclusivity. In any event, you can bet between £50 and £10,000.
The Salon Prive, on the other, comes with £1,000 in minimum bets. To participate, you need to have a balance of at least £6,000.
This may change from one casino to the next, so make sure to study the conditions yourself.
Live Casino Games
Live casino games have been growing in the past few years. First, there were just a few versions of each, but today things have scaled up nicely.
In a bid to respond to demand, studios have revved up the number of games they put out there.
Better yet, live casinos offer a fantastic range of innovative and speciality games, no other casino can quite muster.
There are multiple versions of traditional games. As such, you will be able to pick from Live Baccarat, Live Blackjack and Live Poker, as well as Live Roulette.
Better yet, live casinos offer a fantastic range of innovative and speciality games, no other casino can quite muster.
This includes such delightful titles as Dragon Tiger Baccarat, Lightning Dice, Dream Catcher, Football Studio, MONOPOLY Live, and even Progressive Jackpots!
Live Blackjack
Blackjack is definitely one of the most popular games at any live casino. The game was brought over from Europe in the 18th century and borrowed its modern name in the United States, after the ‘Jack’ card which almost certainly guaranteed a win to the holder
For centuries, blackjack has been a favourite pastime. It’s no sur
prise that this is one of the most played live games as well.
Most blackjack casinos offer at least a dozen live versions of the game, which is definitely a nice way to top off the analogue experience.
The betting limits will usually vary, but you should usually be prepared to pay at least £1 or £2 for a game of live blackjack.
Higher limits can be quite fun, as they allow players to amass a steadier bankroll – with a bit of luck that is.
Most players love to play in the company of an attractive croupier and benefit from an actual human interaction when playing blackjack.
Live Roulette
Live roulette casinos have a lot to offer. First, this is one of the most popular games, and secondly – all the big names in the industry have an interest in developing a great roulette title. Popular iterations of the game include:
In each case, there are small fluctuations in the theoretical payout rate, which can be quite fun. American Roulette, for example, offers a bit of a challenge.
There is also a Double Ball Roulette for even extra payouts. Immersive Roulette is another absolute must you just have to try, and Evolution Gaming has also developed the so-called Auto-Roulette La Partage.
The La Partage rule allows players to collect half of their bet if the ball lands on 0. This only applies if you haven’t placed a bet on the 0, of course. If you have, then you just win the bet.
It’s a neat little way to make sure that you are playing in the most economical and beneficial player possible.
Live Baccarat
Baccarat is another widely popular parent category of the live gaming experience. Just like most card games, it has a French origin.
In this card game, you only have two types of bets, the Banker and the Player, which surprisingly have nothing to do with you being a player or a banker.
You just need to pick one. There aren’t too many variations of the title, but you will still find a few gems.
For instance, Dragon Tiger is an outstanding title by Evolution Gaming and very popular with Asian players.
Dragon Tiger introduces the so-called suited side bet, which will offer you a better payout if you manage to hit two cards of the same numeric value and suit, hence the name.
Live Poker
Next on the list of popular live games feature poker. This is not the analogue version you usually play at a regular online casino.
No, the games you can access at live poker casinos are the traditional versions – well, almost. You will play against the house instead of fellow players.
There are multiple exciting versions, one of which is Live Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker. In this version, there is no betting after the River card.
Most top online casinos make absolutely sure to feature this version of the game. Not least of all, there is a Jackpot Programme to spice the gameplay up.
Another iteration of poker to check for yourself is certainly the 2 Hand Casino Hold’em by Evolution Gaming.
This specific game offers an AA Bonus Round as a side bet for those of you who want to liven up the overall experience.
Another exciting version is Live Casino Hold’em, which features the Jumbo 7 Jackpot side bet for some extra profit.
Monopoly Live
MONOPOLY Live is one of the most delightful wheel-of-fortune titles currently available on any market.
The live casino experience started by focusing on the most familiar segments – table and card games that have been available for centuries.
Then, amid the rapid growth of the sector, completely new experiences appeared. Live Football Studio, Lighting Dice and MONOPOLY Live are some of the absolute best games you will ever play in a live casino
MONOPOLY is a game of chance where the players place bets on a wheel of fortune and hope to get the bet correct.
The payouts are equal to the number you bet on, i.e. 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and so on. Plus, there is an actual MONOPOLY-themed bonus level where you draw chance cards, hop from one property to the next and so on.
Caribbean Stud
Live Caribbean Stud casinos must necessarily have teamed up with Evolution Gaming, as this is the only supplier that has developed the version
Probably not for long, as rivals as Authentic Gaming are already expanding rapidly across the land-based casino market, broadcasting games to online players
In any event, Evolution Gaming’s version of Caribbean Stud is what you need. It offers massive multiplayer scalability and 5+1 Bonus Bet designed to add excitement.
Only the top live casinos purchase this version of the game as it’s designed for connoisseurs. Meanwhile, to make the experience more entertaining, the game also features a progressive jackpot.
Three Card Poker
Another gem by Evolution Gaming, Three Card Poker definitely comes as a distinct variation of other live poker games.
For starters, you have an adaptable game offering a mild learning curve along with a chance for well-seasoned veterans to shine.
Once again, this card game is scalable enough to accommodate dozens of players, but the best part is the Ante Bonus along with the Pair Plus and Six Card Bonus for extra profits.
In theory, you can land a massive 1000 to 1 payday if you get Six Card Bonus Bet or a Pair Plus Bonus Bet.
Bet on Poker
Why bet on poker, though? Live games have engaging versions that aren’t quite as nerve-wracking as traditional Texas Hold’em at a World Series of Poker (WSOP) final table.
Evolution Gaming and other developers focusing on live poker have emphasised on creating the experience entertaining, and they have succeeded.
The variety of side bets makes for some pretty entertaining outcomes you can’t always predict, but this is just what makes live poker tables so much fun.
The payouts are often generous and table limits accommodating. Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em can start at £1 and progress to £1,000 and more. Some casinos set the bar lower at 0.50 pence.
2 Hand Casino Hold’em usually comes with a £0.50 pence and £3,000 limit. Once again, your choice of a specific casino and live products provider will partly determine these limits.
Live Money Wheel
The live money wheel casinos usually feature Evolution Gaming’s Dream Catcher. So far as the live casino segment goes, this is the most popular wheel of fortune game you will ever find
Interestingly enough Dream Catcher is, in fact, a predecessor of MONOPOLY Live, who won yet another distinction by EGR in 2019.
Dream Catcher asks participants to bet on various numbers all across the wheel. The denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20.
And the best part? There are two multipliers worth 2x and 7x respectively, to push your winnings even further up.
Lightning Roulette
Lightning Roulette has an interesting feature allowing you to benefit from a 50x to 500x multiplier on Straight-Up bets.
The game will randomly light up five Lucky Numbers and offer you even more solid payouts in the end.
Lucky Numbers are difficult to hit, because you cannot use a combination of bets, but have to bet on single numbers.
Even then, the winning conditions seem tempting enough to some players who don’t mind taking a chance on a big payout.
Live Casino Providers
Providers play a crucial part in the choice of a live casino. Evolution Gaming loyalist would much rather stick with their favourite brand, whereas Playtech fans could have other preferences.
Yet, there is very little that differentiates companies, and most top live casinos will try to secure at least two live providers for their casinos these days.
You can see all sorts of combinations, including Evolution Gaming and Authentic Gaming, NetEnt and Playtech, Extreme Live and Microgaming Live.
Quite honestly, there is no one winning formula. As long as a casino features a respected and trusted brand with an established reputation, players may rest assured they have made the right choice.
Playtech
One of the pioneers in live iGaming, Playtech, has a lot to offer. The company is responsible for the omnichannel experience, i.e. the ability to save your progress and play from multiple devices.
Other than offering stellar HD streaming, Playtech’s live product is provably fair, fine-tuned for maximum fun and diverse.
The company has multiple unique titles, such as:
- Baccarat Squeeze
- Single Zero Roulette
- Prestige Roulette Lite
- Baccarat 7 Seats
- Mini Baccarat
In addition, there are language variants of popular table games.
To top it all off, Playtech is focused on developing an unprecedented live segment relying on augmented reality for extra gaming thrill.
Many of Playtech’s products are featured in most high rolling online casinos.
Netent Live
NetEnt Live is the brand’s latest frontier of expansion. Traditionally known for its slots, NetEnt has taken a shot at developing some of the most entertaining live games.
It has been successful. The company has capitalised on technological savvy to provide players with a seamless design, customisable promotions, and intuitive interface.
There are unique games to most live games available, and you can play from a number of devices.
NetEnt’s Live Perfect Blackjack comes with 99% in return to player (RTP) rate. Common Draw Blackjack is another gem you can access from a handheld and desktop device.
To top things off, NetEnt Live also offers a special loyalty program as NetEnt Live Rewards providing casinos with an opportunity to create awesome player-focused promotions.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is the absolute leader among live casino suppliers. The company was created with the sole purpose to cater to players eager to play live but not really go to a casino.
In 2019, the company was chosen as the Live Casino Supplier of the Year by the EGR B2B Awards. A distinction Evolution has won for several years now.
The studio offers some of the most refined and innovative products, including the speciality games we have touched upon already here such as Dream Catcher, MONOPOLY Live, Football Studio, and others.
You may also want to consider trying the following titles:
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Live Three Card Poker
- Dragon Tiger
- 2 Hand Casino Hold’em
- Lightning Roulette
These are just some of the other exceptional products to have defined the developer’s portfolio throughout the years.
Evolution Gaming remains the absolute leader when it comes to innovation in live casinos.
Authentic Gaming
‘It isn’t realistic – it’s real,’ this is what Authentic Gaming tells casinos and players from the first moment.
Is this just a marketing ploy? Hardly so – Authentic Gaming actually focuses on delivering you live action from a physical casino floor. The company specialises in both online and land-based gaming.
Authentic Gaming is a preferred choice for many high-profile companies, including Kindred Group, LeoVegas, NYX Gaming Group, EveryMatrix, Greentube, Mr Green & Hatrick Sports Group.
The flagship land-based products include Authentic Roulette, Intra Resort, and Casino Floor Studio.
So far as online gaming goes, the company helps brands create unique promotions players can enjoy exclusively at partner locations.
Extreme Live Gaming
Extreme Live Gaming is another company with a big appetite. Recognised by various companies worldwide, Xtreme brings a unique selection of live products to the table.
The company has been licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), so there is a clear focus on Europe and the United Kingdom.
All live casino products run smoothly on both desktop and handheld devices, such as tablets and smartphones.
Extreme focuses on several main verticals, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live box – a live feed from an actual land-based casino.
Connecting land-based casinos with online live games is becoming more popular, and some consider it will define the segment.
Extreme Live Gaming has decided to stay up with current events.
Microgaming Live
Similar to NetEnt, Microgaming is mostly known for its love and attention on the slot segment. However, it’s a competitive market out there.
And this is precisely why Microgaming Live has emerged to provide an alternative. Approved by multiple licensing companies and eCOGRA, Microgaming is perhaps the most famous for its Playboy Live studio.
Presently, Microgaming Live is used by over 100 live casinos worldwide, providing a unique opportunity for players to experience something different.
The main focus is once again on traditional casino games, such as roulette, baccarat, blackjack, sic bo, and casino hold’em.
Furthermore, the company offers detailed player stats, as well as multiplayer options to ensure what players have come looking for, is precisely what they will receive.
Ezugi Live
Ezugi is one of the newer entrants in the casino industry, and specifically in the live segment. With just 18 games, they have quickly become a recognisable name.
Ezugi runs its own gaming studio from which it broadcast a number of excellent titles, combining both innovation and tradition.
You can experience Unlimited 21 Blackjack, OTT Roulette, Bet on Number, Knockout Baccarat, and Baccarat Super 6, among others.
To respond to the latest trends and bridge the gap between land-based and live casinos, Ezugi offers the so-called Ezugi360 solution designed to help retail brands broadcast online.
Players can join and play the brand’s games in multiple high-profile venues across the world, making for a generous choice.
Live Casinos: Do Some Countries Play More than Others?
Exact numbers for how many players participate in online casino games are usually more difficult to furnish than how many people attend Las Vegas yearly, for example.
However, based on existing data from regulators, it can be inferred where such casinos are the most popular.
The United Kingdom presently has the most liberal casino gambling market – extending to both online and offline casinos.
Other jurisdictions have slightly restricted markets, which are subject to multiple regulations as well as regional limitations. With this in mind, here is a clarification on live casino gaming by country.
Live Casinos in the UK
Without any doubt, the United Kingdom is godsent for those players who love to play online. In operation since the 2000s, the live gambling market has had a lot to offer.
Today, you can play baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker, and various innovative games, such as Deal or No Deal, Dream Catcher, and many more titles that have been already mentioned.
The UK is the largest legal online casino market in the world generating $14.5 billion gross gambling yield (GGY), as per UK Gambling Commission data.
In addition, the UKGC also has some of the highest standards when it comes to the top live casinos in the country. They are all subject regulatory checks & practices such as:
- AML
- KYC
- Responsible gambling
- Taxes
Ultimately, it’s safe to say that the UK plays the most online live games to date – until such a time, other markets begin legalising their industries.
Live Casinos Canada
Canadians certainly do love to gamble life online. The venues accessible to such players, however, are determined by the exact province a player lives in.
As of 2019, there is no restriction on players to participate in ‘offshore live gambling,’ but this can sometimes come across certain challenges when it comes to transferring money.
Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped Canadian players from seeking out online venues offering live casino games.
Some British brands have been kind enough to begin accepting Canadian players legally, offering a viable option for players to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the rest of the live casinos to cater to Canadians usually hold a Costa Rica license. In terms of game variety, participants can expect to find just about every live casino game available elsewhere in the world.
Live Casinos Australia
Australia is one of the strictest gambling markets, even though 6.8 million people in the country participate actively in various gambling contests. Yet, regulators haven’t given carte blanche to just anyone to run casino products unchecked.
In general, finding a place to deposit in the local currency is easy. There are multiple payment options tailored specifically for Australians, allowing everyone to bank safely and quickly.
So far as games variety is concerned, Australia friendly casinos will feature a number of high-profile titles, including the classic and innovative versions of roulette, blackjack, baccarat, speciality games, and a handful of other options.
Australian players are privy to HD streaming and state-of-the-art studios allowing for some delightful moments online. Table limits are also distributed to accommodate both budget players and high rollers.
German Live Casinos
German live casinos are another popular gaming destination. With the industry in the country undergoing its own legal shifts, there is a substantial number of venues where Germans can play in the company of live hosts and hostesses.
Some of the top live casinos based in Europe and holding a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license also cater to the German market.
As a result, players in the country have access to some outstanding titles. One is Deutsches Live Roulette, a game specifically tailored for the needs of German speakers. The roulette has a limit ranging from EUR 2 to EUR 5,000.
German players will similarly find other excellent versions of roulette, blackjack and baccarat. Dice games are also featured, and so are the different versions of poker – Three-Card, Stud and Texas Hold’em.
Live Casinos New Zealand
New Zealand is another popular market where fans of the live gaming segment will definitely have a chance to enjoy multiple gaming options.
Legally, there aren’t any officially recognised online casinos, but this is not an issue for players.
In fact, players can play at multiple trustworthy overseas venues. These specific websites accept live casino enthusiasts and offer them various gaming options, plus the local currency.
In other words, anyone in the country can deposit at a live foreign casino and find all titles they are interested in.
This includes all Evolution Gaming and Authentic Gaming flagship titles across roulette, baccarat, blackjack and speciality ones.
Naturally, you will need to double-check what specific suppliers and games are available as per casino.
You can expect to find Dragon Tiger, Dream Catcher, Sic Bo, and many others.
Safety & Security
Live casinos are some of the safest casino gameplay you can ever have. You may think that just because the action is streamed from hundreds, and sometimes thousands of kilometres away from you, you should be wary.
Thankfully, an international community of regulators, developers and auditors have worked together to make the online live gaming safe.
Each live game is verified as provably fair. Developers need to go through a certification process, and they have to undergo inspections regularly so that the fairness of the contest is always ensuring.
Naturally, some disputes can occur between live casinos and players, and this is why every live casino has a pit boss.
You may think they are there to do the casino’s bidding, but a pit boss usually has their own license, which means they must make a fair and objective decision.
Failing that, there adjudication authorities and regulators who are willing to accept and examine complaints and come up with an objective ruling.
Apart from these fail-safes, there are also purely technical dimensions of the offer, such as the website itself, which is encrypted to prevent third-parties from accessing sensitive information.
Live Casinos Customer Support
The level of customer service is just as important to a player as are the security measures. Most players confirm they would think twice before signing up for a casino if it doesn’t offer sufficient customer support options.
This is why the best live casinos will always try to commit as many resources as is necessary to provide a smooth experience for participants.
Therefore, there are various options allowing casino and player to communicate freely and without delays, including:
Don’t forget that live casinos are far more connected than any form of gaming, as you can use a separate live chat in each game to talk to the host or hostess.
Connectivity matters, and it’s an important aspect of the experience.
Conclusion
The live casino is one of the most exciting formats you can enjoy today. Players don’t have to go to a casino any more and can instead play from home. There are multiple upsides of choosing this way of gaming as well.
For starters, the top live casinos will provide you with access to promotions you can not enjoy otherwise. There are sign-up bonuses, VIP perks, and even the ability to play with bigger table limits.
As to the games themselves, you can play 24/7 as there will always be someone fresh waiting for you, regardless of your time zone. Plus, you can find the specific game you want, even if it takes some looking at first.
Variety is also an important factor and an opportunity for online live casinos to outshine and land-based counterpart.
No need to roam around a casino’s floor or wait on players as the action at the best live casinos will never stop!
FAQs
How can I play at online live casinos?
To play live online casinos, you need to create an account at the specific websites that offer such products. You also need to deposit into your account, as live games can only be played in exchange for real money.
Are online live casino legitimate?
Yes. Live casinos cost suppliers and developers a pretty penny, therefore it’s in their best interest to make sure these casinos are fully licensed and legitimate.
How can I win at live casinos?
You can win by focusing on games you understand and you have fun playing. In addition, you can pick a specific live casino bonus to help you start with more money and make bigger bets.
What live casino games are there?
All table games have been adapted for live casinos. This includes roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack. In addition, there are specific wheel-of-fortune live games as well as other titles that feature progressive jackpots.
Do live games pay better than others?
Live games have great payouts and how much you can end up winning depends on the size of your bet and the maximum allowable win per different game.
Can I play live games for free?
No. Unfortunately, you can only play live games with real money. However, you can still join a lobby to watch others playing - much like at a real casino!
Are mobile live games available?
Yes. All live casino games are optimised for mobile, allowing you to play remotely from any point in the world so long as you have a stable Internet connection.
Do I need to download live casino software?
Mostly no - all live casinos are available in instant play, which means you can access them from a device browser. There may still be some casinos that offer you to download a client and play this way, but this is not necessary.
Is Internet connection important when playing live casino games?
Yes, live casinos will need you to have a good Internet connection so as not to get disconnected during important plays or have a grainy picture instead of a smooth HD experience.
Where to play live casino games?
Check a reviewing service which has listed a number of available live casinos and see why some venues are better than others.
