Live casino is a version of online gambling where players connect to a real dealer using a live video feed. The dealers use real cards, chips and roulette wheels while the player uses software to make bets and wagers. The games are streamed from a studio or land-based venue and can be played on desktop computers, mobile devices and tablets. They are a great way to get the feel of playing in a real casino without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
The most popular games offered at a live casino include blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Depending on the casino, they may also offer a variety of other table games such as poker and sic bo. The best part is that you can play these games with the same account as you would use for regular online casinos. This gives you total control over your bankroll.
A live casino experience is different from a regular online game as the dealer and players can interact via a chat feature. This allows players to ask questions and give feedback to the dealer. It also allows the dealers to keep track of the number of players and their bets. This makes the live casino experience more realistic and exciting than a standard online game.
Most live casinos are operated by a reputable company that employs trained croupiers and camera operators. These people are often based in a state-of-the-art studio in Asia or Europe and have the latest technology to deliver a quality gaming experience to their customers. The croupiers undergo rigorous training and are tested for their knowledge of the rules of various games before they are hired. In addition, the croupiers are required to speak clearly and professionally in order to convey their knowledge to the players.
One of the most important parts of a live casino is the GCU (Game Control Unit). The GCU is a small piece of hardware that is placed on the table and encodes the video for transmission. It is similar to a computer chip and ensures that the games are broadcast in high quality. In addition, the GCU provides a buffer for any issues that might arise during a game.
Despite the costs involved in operating a live casino, it is still more cost effective than building an actual casino. Having said that, the setup is expensive and most online casinos only offer a limited number of live casino games. This is because a typical live casino requires a studio, a camera operator, a croupier and an information manager as well as a pit boss. Moreover, the croupiers are often required to travel to various locations in order to provide their services. This can lead to inconsistencies in gameplay, which can have an impact on the overall experience.