The Top Live Dealer Online Gambling Sites
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All you need to enjoy this exciting form of gambling online is a computer or other device with a stable connection to the internet and enough bandwidth to handle streaming video. The gambling sites will mostly have a player built in, so you don’t have to worry about the software. However, it is good to know that the more recent operating software for PCs and mobile devices come with that capability, or you can download free programs like Ustream or RealTimes (previously RealPlayer). Once you have a programme that plays live streaming video, it will also play other video clips.
- The first thing to do is to choose an online gambling site offering real live dealer gambling (baccarat, blackjack, roulette and others). Our recommendations should come in handy in deciding among the many sites out there.
- Choose the game you want to play and then ‘sit down’ at the table. You can then place your bets, just as at a bricks and mortar casino.
- During the game, you can watch all the action on live streaming video and interact with the live dealer and the other players by using the special chat box.
Live dealer games make it feel real – so join the many other players from New Zealand who are already enjoying the exciting world of live dealer gambling online!
How Live Dealer Gaming Works
Originally created as a way to lure sceptical gamers, live dealer gambling uses real cards, wheels, balls and dealers/croupiers as proof that the action isn't rigged. However, this type of game has since become very popular in its own right.
As it stands in 2024, live dealer gambling usually comes in three different forms:
Live dealer baccarat
With real cards and a real dealer, this version of baccarat captures a little more of the pageantry and showmanship associated with playing baccarat in a land-based casino.
Live dealer blackjack
Because a real dealer and other players are involved, this is much closer to the experience of offline blackjack. In many variations, the actions of other players will affect the hand you receive so you'll need to be prepared for an experience that can potentially be frustrating when others don't act as you'd like them to!
Live dealer roulette
Using a real ball, wheel and croupier, live dealer roulette is arguably the closest you can get to offline casino gambling without stepping through your front door. The action goes at the pace dictated by the croupier though, so be sure to get your bets in on time.
How Live Dealer Gaming Differs From Regular Games Online
Live dealer gambling is different to regular online games because players are competing against a real person, no longer just a set of random number generators and algorithms. It looks, feels and sounds more like a land-based casino too – nothing, except perhaps for the neon buzz of slot machines, captures the spirit of an offline venue like the noise of a spinning roulette wheel with a ball bouncing around within it.
In a standard game players have complete control over the pace of the action but, because others are also betting on live dealer gambling, that's something that must be surrendered when you're playing live dealer games. For most players, however, that won't pose any serious issue as games tend to unfold at an agreeable pace.
While the range of games available isn't as impressive as in standard online casino gambling, live dealer games are extremely popular and new iterations continue to impress.
Choosing A Live Dealer Casino
While it's true that we'd love to see more different types of live dealer games – however, it's difficult to think of any obvious candidates – these are still a great option for Kiwi players who fancy something a bit different. They really do make it feel like you're in a land-based casino sometimes...
Live dealer gambling is still, when compared with standard online casino gaming, in its infancy so it's not something that you'll find in every online casino. If you want to give it a try, you can follow the links on this page to find what we believe to be some of the best venues that accept players from New Zealand. Enjoy!
FAQs
How does a live dealer game work?
Rather than generating outcomes via an RNG (random number generator), as in a standard online casino game, players pit their skill against real dealers, using real cards/wheels, who are broadcast to gamblers via webcam.
How do they differ from standard online casino games?
Players must give up some control over the speed of the action, which is now dictated by dealers/croupiers, but other than this the process of placing bets and so on is very similar. The main difference is that the outcome is determined using actual cards/wheels/balls, which makes live dealer gambling feel more "real".
What variations can I try?
Currently, the big three live dealer games are baccarat, blackjack and roulette, but we expect that you may see more games being added – Three Card Poker is one that's starting to appear on a few sites – soon.
When am I able to play?
This depends on the size of the site you're playing with. Some live dealer gambling sites offer 24/7 options, but others may restrict the action to peak time(s) so they don't need to employ so many dealers.
Can I play live dealer games on mobile?
Yes! Although not every live dealer site offers their games on mobile, you will find some that are compatible with tablets and smartphones. Be warned, though, as live dealer gambling can burn through your data allowance.
Is it rigged?
Nope. The action is never rigged when you play at reputable casino sites, but it would actually be even more difficult to rig a live dealer game because players can watch all of the action unfolding in front of them.
Do I need a fast internet connection?
Some sites will automatically adjust the quality of their video feed if your internet connection is a bit sluggish but to get the most out of online casino gambling, live dealer in particular, you'll want to make sure that you have a speedy connection.
