Discover Canada’s best online casinos offering live games in 2021!
Why try a live casino?
At a regular casino site, you play against a machine or graphic depiction of games, and the outcome of each round is determined by formulas and Random Number Generators. Live casinos work quite differently as they feature a real human dealer who stands at a real table, using real chips and cards. You will be able to see everything going on via a livestream, so you can watch and play along in real-time. Players from across the world can join in, experiencing the game together.
This means the outcome of each round will be organically random, rather than determined by machines, just like at a physical casino.
But don’t start thinking about learning to count cards! Most casinos shuffle decks between each round to ensure fair games.
As well as witnessing the action first-hand, you will be able to converse the dealer and your fellow competitors. Typically, this happens via an online live chat panel, but on some live casinos, you will get the option to talk through your microphone.
Though you can see the dealer and the table, you won’t be able to see other players and they won’t be able to see you, so there’s no need to suit up like you’re headed to Vegas—unless you feel like it of course! Some say it helps them get in the zone.
You will be able to hear the spin of the roulette wheel and the flicks of the cards being laid down, all adding to the authentic and immersive gaming experience. The game will be filmed from different angles so you can get the best view of the game, offering a realistic and exciting gaming environment.
In order to bring you the best experience, live casino providers use the latest technologies to ensure the stream is instant, with high-quality graphics, clearly visible cards and minimal lag times. To keep you coming back, providers do all they can to make everything run seamlessly; nobody wants a stream to cut out in the middle of a game.
Many live casinos now offer different themes for games, as well as customizable tables. This means you can tailor the game to suit your preferences and get even more out of the experience!
What games can I play live?
Each site will host slightly different games, but typically as a minimum, they will have a couple of versions of Roulette and Blackjack. Many will also offer Baccarat and Poker, and even less-common games like Casino Hold’em or Punto Banco.
As well as playing the standard variations of these games, many casinos will offer exciting variations on these classic titles. For example, you could enjoy Lightning Roulette, European Roulette, American Roulette, Instant Roulette, Double Ball Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Blitz Blackjack, Power Blackjack, and Ultimate Blackjack to name just a few!
There are also speed versions of these games if you want a more fast-paced experience, in addition to VIP tables. Plenty to get your teeth stuck into!
Depending on the site, you will also find versions of these games in different languages.
Before playing a live casino game, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the rules. Because you have to consider the dealer and other players, you will have to move at the pace that they set rather than moving at your own speed, which could be stressful if you are not fully confident in how to play. Feel free to practice on the non-live versions of games before you branch out!
How do live casinos work?
In terms of rules, live casino games work exactly as you would expect from having played at land-based casinos and regular casino sites. The only difference is that you will be playing via an online stream.
The human dealers on live casinos provide you with added interaction when you play. You can ask the dealer any questions, just as you can in a land-based casino. Studios make sure the live dealers are experienced, calm, and professional, as well as outgoing, to make players feel secure and relaxed.
When playing at a live casino, players are expected to be courteous. Any inappropriate, disrespectful behaviour will cause a player’s account to be reported.
Just like with any normal table in a casino, live casinos only have limited seats available. So, at busy periods, some tables may be full if you try to join them. However, there are sure to be other tables you can join, and some tables will even be open 24 hours a day!
To keep the game moving at a fast, engaging pace, there are often time limits in which you have to place your bet so that nobody’s left waiting for one person to decide their move.
When you play on live casinos you will also be able to choose how much you play with. Different tables will have different bet limits, with some allowing more than others.
Now you’re up to speed, it’s time to get out there and start playing!
