When you play at a live casino online real money, you connect in real time to a physical dealer operating from a dedicated studio in your state. You will use a digital interface to communicate what action you wish to take in blackjack or roulette, but the outcomes of the game are decided by real casino equipment as a dealer deals cards or a croupier spins a wheel.
The best live casinos use multiple studios, often in different cities, to host the games. They also have staff in the control room monitoring the games to look out for any issues and to ensure the technical platform is working as it should be. The dealers themselves operate from a separate room and are trained to deal with all manner of player queries.
In addition to the standard rules of blackjack, which require players to hit on 16 or stand on 17, most live casino sites offer a variety of side bets that can pay out at various rates depending on the outcome of the hand. Some of the most popular side bets are suited or unsuited cards, pairs and runs. Players can also place bets on the dealer’s ace, which pays out at 3:2 if it beats the player’s hand.
Choosing a live casino provider is a crucial step in finding the best online experience, but you should bear in mind that each software supplier will differ in terms of the games and playing rules on offer. For example, some will not have the popular baccarat game on offer, but others may offer multiple variations of it. Also, a handful of providers have exclusive titles that you won’t find anywhere else, which can give them a unique edge.
A good sign to look out for is whether a live casino has been licensed by the relevant authorities. It is important to do this because a number of unlicensed casinos have been found to be rigged, and you don’t want to risk your money with them.
Most of the top-rated live casinos will accept a wide range of payment methods. You can make deposits using debit or credit cards, e-wallets like Neteller and PayPal, or even cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Some live casinos also feature video poker and game shows, which can add to the entertainment factor of your experience.
To begin playing at a live casino, head to the cashier part of your account and select ‘Live Casino’ or ‘Live Dealer’ from the dropdown menu. You will then be prompted to upload documents as proof of identity, which is an important requirement for all online gambling. Once you’ve completed this process, you can start placing bets and winning.
The most reputable live casinos will offer secure connections, user-friendly software and reliable payouts. They will also be backed by the appropriate authorities. These include the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Michigan Division of Gaming Enforcement and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.