What are Live Casino Games?
Live casino games represent a new and fast-growing category in the online casino industry and boast their own special charm when compared to traditional online casino games. To put it simply, they have real life dealers at real tables shuffling real cards, spinning real roulette wheels and more. At the core of their operations is one of the most popular modern innovations of the internet: livestreaming, which is a video that is simultaneously recorded and broadcast across the internet in real time.
The main difference between a live casino game and any other online casino game is that standard online casino games rely on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to simulate randomness while live casino games are, as the name implies, played live and with real live dealers. It is now well-known that some players prefer the feeling of playing games at land-based casinos and live casino games offer that same authentic experience from the comfort of their own homes.
Aside from that, some players prefer live casino games due to the added sense of realism and the reassurance of having a real person shuffling and dealing the cards. The dealers also work in shifts throughout the day, allowing the tables to stay open 24/7 and the players to play their favourite live casino game at any time of any day regardless of where they are in the world.
Players are able to place bets and take actions just like in any other online casino game and the dealer will be able to see your chosen actions live and respond accordingly. For example, if you choose to 'hit' during a live Blackjack game, you will get to watch as the live dealer deals the new card to you.
In many live casino games, there is a chat function that allows you to talk with fellow players who are also enjoying the same game as you, making it a much more social experience compared to regular online casino games. In some cases, the dealer will be able to read the chat messages and respond in real time, further adding an extra layer of fun and realism. If you have any questions, you will be able to ask the dealer directly and get an answer just like you would if you were in a land-based casino. On top of that, the dealer may even make jokes and interact extensively with the chat, making the game feel more lively and exciting as a result.
How to Play Live Casino Games
Live casino games are played just like their online counterparts with the same gameplay rules; the only difference is that there is a human dealer dealing the cards in real time at a real table as opposed to a pre-programmed random number generator. In live casino games, you are simultaneously playing virtually and physically as you make your selections and bets digitally through your own device while watching a real-time livestream of real cards being drawn or roulette wheels being spun.
All the live dealers are highly trained and will provide the best possible live casino experience to their players. These charismatic croupiers and hosts will keep you entertained as you play and you can rest assured that your live casino experience will be a safe and fun one.
Types of Live Casino Games Available at EmuCasino
EmuCasino offers a wide array of live online casino games that players can play in real time on their desktop, mobile or tablet devices. This includes ever-popular table games such as Live Roulette, Live Blackjack and Live Baccarat as well as other unique live casino games like game shows and wheels of fortune. The following are some of the live casino games available to be played here at EmuCasino:
Blackjack Live Dealer
Blackjack is such an immensely popular card game that is a staple at land-based casinos; as such, it is no wonder that it is widely available as a live casino game. The basic rules of the game are relatively simple: You have to get your hand closer to the number 21 than the dealer without going over it.
At the start of each round, two cards will be dealt to both you and the dealer. Depending on the type of live Blackjack you chose to play, the dealer will have either one or none of their cards face up. Each card has a value as below:
- The number cards retain their corresponding value
- The face cards count as 10
- The Ace can count as either an 11 or a 1
You are able to 'hit' whereupon a random card is dealt and added to your hand in order to help get your hand closer to the desired total of 21. Once you are happy with your hand, you can 'stand' to lock in your decision. The dealer will then make their own moves although all their actions are dependent on specific criteria and rules. If your hand is closer to the number 21 than the dealer's and you haven’t gone bust – the Blackjack term for going over 21 – then you win! If the first two cards dealt to you already equal 21 – this happens when you have an Ace and a card with a value of 10 such as a Jack – then it is a Blackjack hand and you win automatically.
Just like its real life and purely digital counterparts, Live Blackjack is the perfect game for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Baccarat Live Dealer
Baccarat is another famous casino card game that can easily be found at any land-based casino all around the world as well as in online casinos. With the advent of livestreaming technology, you can now play Live Baccarat with a real dealer without having to step foot into a physical casino and enjoy the best of both worlds!
The objective of the game is to guess whether the player's hand or the banker's hand is closer to the number 9. In this game, all the face cards and the number 10 cards count as 0 while the Aces count as 1. If the total of two cards is over 9, only the last digit is used for consideration. (For example, 8 + 9 = 17 but in Baccarat the hand’s value is considered as 7.) Bets are placed before the cards are dealt and players can bet on whether the player's hand or banker's hand will be closer to the number 9. Alternatively, they can bet on whether the hands will be tied by having the exact same value.
Every game of Baccarat begins with two cards being dealt to both the player and the banker hands; additional cards are then dealt based on a predetermined set of rules. Live Baccarat is an invigorating game of chance that will have you on the edge of your seat, making it a thrilling choice for both new and regular players.
Playing Live Roulette
Roulette is another casino staple that has naturally made its way into the online casino world both in purely digital and live casino form. Unsurprisingly, live roulette works almost exactly like a roulette table in a land-based casino; the obvious difference is you place your bets digitally instead of crowding around a busy wheel and table so you can enjoy a much more relaxed gaming experience.
To play live roulette, you place your bets on whether the roulette ball will land in a roulette wheel pocket with a specific number or colour. Alternatively, you can also bet on whether the number of the pocket that the ball lands in falls within a certain predetermined range.
Once the bets have been placed, the professional live croupier will spin the roulette wheel and you will be able to watch in real time as the ball goes round and round the wheel before landing in one of the numbered pockets. It is a game that is all about chance, making it perfect for players of any experience level.
There are various different live roulette options to be played such as:
- Speed Roulette, a higher-paced version of standard roulette
- French roulette which follows La Partage rules
- The incredibly popular European roulette
- A selection of native-speaking roulette options which allows you to play with a live dealer that speaks your preferred language
For a unique and exciting live roulette experience, you can take a look at Lightning Roulette where random 'lightning numbers' are selected on each spin and boosted with multipliers that range from 50x to 500x.
Playing Live Poker
Poker doesn't have to be played in a dimly lit room surrounded by well-dressed, serious-looking individuals with impenetrable poker faces because you can enjoy it from anywhere in the world with Live Poker at EmuCasino!
It is a popular game of luck, strategy and skill where the goal is to end the game with a stronger hand than your opponents in order to take home the prize pot. Whether you have a Royal Flush or a Four of a Kind, part of the game is convincing the other players that you have a stronger hand with your bet choices. Poker is, in many cases a chip management game, and the strategy involved makes it an exhilarating game for professionals to play.
In Live Poker, players play against the dealer instead of other players. There are a few different Poker game options available including Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker, Extreme Texas Hold'em and Caribbean Stud Poker. You can even play Teen Patti which some have called 'Indian Poker'. Each poker variation has its own set of rule, but they will all provide the same fun experience of playing against a real life dealer in real time over the internet.
Craps Live Table
With craps being one of the most popular and legendary casino games played globally, it makes sense that Live Craps was developed to give players the opportunity to enjoy authentic craps with live dealers without needing to leave the house.
Simply put, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll of a pair of six-sided dice. Players have to make the right bet or mix of bets when predicting the outcome in order to win. Craps is split into two stages which are the Come Out roll followed by the Point roll. Some bets are resolved with one roll while others may last several rolls, making the game even more exhilarating.
The live chat function gives Live Craps the same level of group excitement that one may find at a real life craps table. With it, you have the opportunity to make a pass line bet and holler in excitement or groan in despair as you and other players win or lose together. It's the perfect social game, allowing you to connect with all sorts of players from all over the world.
Live Craps is perfect for beginners or players looking to improve their craps strategy as there is a built-in interactive tutorial that will take you through what you need to know. You can even play the game on 'Easy mode' which offers a version of the game with the simpler craps bets.
Live Game Shows
If you have ever watched a game show on television and wanted to be a part of it, then you have come to the right place. Now you can indulge in a variety of uniquely themed game shows complete with charismatic and professional hosts that will keep you entertained.
Many of these live game shows feature giant wheels that the hosts will spin; players then have to bet where the wheel will stop. This live money wheel concept was pioneered by Evolution in the incredibly successful Dream Catcher and tis success allowed for even more unique live game show options to be developed. One of these developments is the introduction of additional bonus game features that add an extra layer of excitement as the wins begin to stack up. If you are not a fan of spinning giant wheels, don't fret, as there are game shows that use bingo mechanics or slot game mechanics.
Similar to other live casino games, the live game show hosts can read messages sent through the live chat and may respond or interact with them. This can really help you to feel like you are a part of the action as the host builds a rapport with you and the other players between rounds.
If you are a fan of 80s disco, you can take a look at Funky Time, Evolution's biggest live game show that features a revolutionary augmented reality digital wheel as well a 4 different bonus game options. It's the perfect game to get your groove on. If you are partial to online slot games, you can search for hidden treasure in Gonzo's Treasure Hunt which brings more interactive fun to the fan favourite NetEnt slot game with an engaging host and prize drops. It is also the first live slot game show that was playable in VR (Virtual Reality) mode, allowing players to feel as if they had been transported right into the ruins of El Dorado itself.
Playing Monopoly Live
One of the most popular and unique live casino games available on EmuCasino is Monopoly Live which is based on the famous and enduring board game of the same name. Instead of battling family members over buying property around the game board, Monopoly Live features a large wheel of fortune with different segments that include 1, 2, 5, 10, 2 rolls, 4 rolls and Chance.
To play, you have to place your bet on which of the options the spinning wheel will land on with the rarer options offering higher payouts. A live host interacts with and entertains the audience between spins in a Monopoly-themed augmented reality set where you may even see Mr Monopoly join in on the fun!
Monopoly Live is a marvel of modern technology and innovation as well as an incredibly fun casino game. If the wheel lands on 2 rolls or 5 rolls, players will be transported to a 3D Monopoly game board where, just like the original board game, Mr Monopoly will make his way across the board based on the results of a dice roll. He will pick up extra multipliers at every stop he makes and will continue to do so until there are no more dice rolls and normal gameplay resumes.
Due to the success of Monopoly Live, Evolution launched Monopoly Big Baller which replaces the wheel with a bingo-style live game. Random multipliers may be applied to different bingo win lines, upping the excitement of each round as you watch each new ball's numbers collect in your cards. It is unique game show experience that takes the board game to a whole new level!
Playing Live Dealer Table Games
EmuCasino also features a selection of less common live table games that you can try your hand at such as Super Andar Bahar, Bac Bo, Fan Tan and Dead or Alive: Saloon. We offer a taste of the more unique and diverse live casino games that you may not have the opportunity to try in your local land-based casino.
If you are a fan of Baccarat, you may enjoy the dice variant Bac Bo which replaces the cards with six-sided dice. As in Baccarat, two are for the player and two are for the banker. The goal is to predict which of the two pairs of dice will have the higher total or if they will end in a tie. This simple game of chance is sure to generate great excitement as you watch the dice rattle around in real time before coming to a stop.
For players looking for something very different from your standard dice or card games, you need to look no further than Fan Tan, an ancient Chinese gambling game that is still popular to this day. This game involves a large pile of beads that you will be able to see clearly and at the start of each round, the dealer will use a metal cup to collect a random number of these beads. The dealer will then begin sorting the selected beads into lines of four using a special Fan Tan stick and any remaining beads will be placed in a line at the centre of the table to create the final result: 1, 2, 3 or 4. The goal is to guess and bet on how many beads will remain at the end of the round.
You may also try your hand at Dead or Alive: Saloon which will transport you back to the Wild West in this deceptively simple card-guessing game. The game features 52 regular playing cards and 52 bonus cards, and the goal is to predict which of the regular playing cards will be randomly drawn first. Along the way, the win multipliers from any bonus cards that are pulled from the deck will slowly accumulate. The dealer may even draw the Bounty Hunt card which will allow players to partake in a fun bonus game and potentially boost their multipliers!
Claim Your Live Casino Welcome Bonus
There are hundreds of online casino game options for our new players to sink their teeth into but EmuCasino has a special Live Casino Welcome Bonus for those who prefer the experience of playing with a real dealer. This special promotion can be used on all our live casino games including Blackjack, Roulette and Live Game Shows. EmuCasino offers a plethora of bonuses to its loyal players so keep your eye out for future promotions that are applicable for our live casino games.
The Modern History of Live Casino
Live casino was slowly introduced after online casinos became well established in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Once online casinos had perfected their framework thanks to advancements in technology as well as the internet being better and more accessible, the industry decided to merge the facilities of online casinos with the experience of physical casinos. 2003 saw the first introduction of live casino games into the online casino market and it has only grown more popular and elaborate since then.
Today, live casino games are not limited solely to desktops and can be played on mobile or tablet devices, giving fans even more freedom in how and where they can play their favourite games. Online livestreaming capabilities have continued to improve over the years and players can now enjoy their games with barely any delay to such an extent that they can feel like they are truly in the midst of the action.
You no longer have to drive to a land-based casino to experience the thrill of playing with a real dealer thanks to the accessibility of live casino games here on EmuCasino.
The Advantages of Live Casinos
Playing casino games with a live dealer is a unique experience especially when you can actually interact with the dealer using the live chat function. This feature gives you the opportunity to have social interactions which other virtual online casino games are missing. The live chat function also allows you to talk to fellow players, thus helping both parties to build a unique camaraderie over a shared gaming experience.
Another major advantage is that while some of the games such as roulette and craps are multiplayer-oriented, all wagers are independent and kept private from the other players playing at the same live dealer table.
Furthermore, live casino offers an unparalleled level of flexibility compared to land-based casinos. For starters, you won't have to get stuck in traffic or suffer through packed trains to make it to your favourite casino as all you need is a stable internet connection and either a mobile or desktop device! You won't even need to dress up since you can stay comfortable in your cosiest set of pyjamas as you settle down for a session of Live Blackjack in your living room without worrying about having any judgemental gazes being thrown your way. Live casino is the perfect gaming option for players who enjoy the human element of playing with live dealers but without the hassle or stresses that come from playing in a land-based casino.
The Requirements for Live Casino
While the prospect of playing online casinos live is very alluring, there are few basic requirements that players need to fulfil. First and foremost, players need to be logged in to play live casino online. Although EmuCasino allows players to play almost all of their online casino games for free through demo play, this function has not yet been introduced in Live Casinos. This means that players can only play live casino games with real money. However, it should be noted that a player can observe any ongoing live casino game they are interested in for free without making any real money bets as long as they are logged in.
Another requirement is a strong and stable internet connection. Most online casino games have a smooth framework but since live casinos are streamed in real time, players need a reasonably good connection to ensure that the streams aren’t broken and your gameplay is not stalled in any manner. Once these basic requirements are fulfilled, players can enjoy live casino games at EmuCasino to their hearts’ content.
Frequently Asked Questions about Live Casino Games
What is the difference between online casino games and live casino games?
The main difference between online casino games and live casino games played online is that live casino games feature real life dealers. Traditional online casino games utilise Random Number Generators (RNGs) to retain the required randomness when drawing cards or spinning wheels whereas live casino games depend on human dealers to shuffle and deal the cards as they would in land-based casinos.
Who are the live dealers?
The live dealers in live casino games are all professionally trained croupiers. Many of the dealers have experience working in land-based casinos which means that they have the expertise required to manage live casino games.
Can I play live casino games on mobile?
Yes, you can play live casino games on your mobile device thanks to EmuCasino's responsive web browser site. This means you do not need to download any additional apps or data to be able to play your favourite live casino games on the go!
Can I talk to the dealer or other players while playing live casino games?
Yes, most live casino games have a live chat feature that allows you to type and send messages that can be read by other players and the dealer in real time. The dealer can respond verbally while other players can respond using the same live chat.
The live chats are monitored so players are expected to behave politely and with respect towards both each other as well as the dealer. Players who exhibit rude or inappropriate behaviour may receive a warning or have their game session closed. Have fun but keep it polite!
Can the dealer see or hear me during live casino games?
No, the dealer cannot see or hear you during any live casino game session. You will be able to see the game table and the live dealer in real time as well as interact with other players and the dealer using the live chat system. You do not need to enable video or microphone access to enjoy these live casino games.
What types of casino games can I play live?
There are a wide variety of casino games that can be enjoyed live including popular table games like Blackjack, craps and Baccarat as well as a variety of live game shows and new, unique combinations of live game shows and slot games.