The Difference Between Live And Regular Online Casino Games

When it comes to casino games, the internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. No longer do you have to dress up and leave your home to enjoy your favourite casino games because you can now sit back with a drink of your choice in hand and play without the distraction of the crowds, noisy slot machines and long queues for the tables.

But, just because you're not in a traditional casino, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the atmosphere and buzz of a live game. This guide will help you understand the difference between a live and regular casino game and how to get involved.

What is a regular casino game?

A regular casino game is a form of gambling done on either a computer or a mobile device that's connected to the internet. The games are similar to the ones that you would find in a traditional brick and mortar casino, so you're likely to find a good range of games such as slots and poker in an online casino.

Online casinos are regulated in the same way as traditional casinos so that they remain fair for players. Plus, the odds that are offered on the games are often the same.

Online casino games use a system called a "Random Number Generator" or RNG for short. This technology is designed to generate a sequence that doesn't have any pattern and therefore guarantees that all results are completely random.

This system means that every spin is independent of the last game and doesn't take into account the winnings or losses from your previous games. There's no such thing as a 'hot slot'. 

What is a live game?

Despite online casino games being as exciting as their traditional counterpart, some players can feel disconnected from the game and crave a real casino experience.

A live casino game works by using an audio and video communication system allowing players to see and hear the dealer as they shuffle, deal and manage the entire casino game.

This means that rather than the game working on a random number generator system, you get to see the cards being shuffled and the roulette wheel being spun, as you would in a traditional casino.

These video feeds are completely live which means that you can interact with the dealer via the chat function. So, if you want to ask any questions or socialise, the dealer is always on hand to help.

One thing to note about the live games is that there are only so many "seats" at the table. Unlike the regular online versions that can accept an unlimited amount of players, you may find you lose your seat at the table if you have been inactive or not placed a bet in two or more consecutive games. Of course, you'll be able to take any other available seat if you want to rejoin the game.

Are live games fair?

We mentioned that the use of random number generators in online casino games is a technology used to ensure that the games are safe and fair for the players, but what about live games?

Live games are managed similarly to real casinos, online casinos in the UK are regulated by the Gambling Commission and operate under strict Fair Play and Responsible Gambling policies.

The only difference is that when you're playing a casino game with a live dealer, you're at the heart of the action and not playing against a machine.

What games are on offer at a live casino?

The games on offer depend on the individual site that you're visiting. The most popular games are baccarat, poker, blackjack, and roulette.

What about connection issues?

Live casino games are played in real time so unlike their virtual counterparts, it's impossible to resume a broken game in the event of a connection issue.

That doesn't mean that you'll lose your bet though. In the event of an issue with your broadband connection, most sites will automatically direct you to the virtual version of the game you are playing. You'll then be able to make the same bet and use the site's random number generator for the result.

Although, this may change if your connection issue occurs when the game outcome is known. In this case, all bets placed will be settled and the results will appear in your games history as settled bets.

Top Tip: If you suffer from a buggy internet connection then it may be best to stick to the online version of the game until it's fixed. This way you avoid the frustration of your games being interrupted, especially if you're on a winning streak!

How online casinos are overtaking land-based casinos

According to figures published by the UK Gambling Commission, the UK’s overall gambling business is worth a remarkable £13.6 billion each year. With online gaming making up £4.9 billion of that revenue. Which means it has a 35% share of the UK’s gambling market. 

When you consider that remote gaming is still a relatively new phenomenon, it’s clear to see that the online gaming industry will soon overtake all land-based operators.