Advancements in technology have sparked a boom in the popularity of ‘live’ casino games, which mirror the experience of playing in a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Their additional ranks in the online casino sector have triggered a shake-up in how people engage with popular games such as blackjack and roulette.
While the digital variants of those iconic casino games contributed massively to the growth of iGaming, they lacked the personal element delivered by land-based casinos.
However, online live casino platforms have filled the void by effectively replicating the experience of playing in a physical casino but in a digital environment.
High-definition cameras stream every moment of the action in live casino games directly to the player’s chosen digital device.
This effectively brings the casino into your living room or even into the palm of your hand if you are using your mobile device to access your favorite games.
The social interactivity provided by live games is one of their primary attractions. Much like visiting a Las Vegas casino, you can interact with the dealer in a live casino.
This humanizes the entire experience, taking it to levels that are not achievable with the digital variants most commonly associated with online casinos.
Improvements in smartphone technology and Wi-Fi connectivity have undoubtedly played a major role in the growth of live casino games.
The statistics show just how dominant the technology has become, with mobile casino gameplay accounting for over 50 percent of total iGaming revenue worldwide.
This figure is even greater in established iGaming jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, highlighting just how popular smartphones have become.
The global rollout of 5G Wi-Fi technology is playing an increasingly major role in the live casino game boom. It delivers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity than ever before.
High-definition streaming, improved virtual reality (VR) experiences and seamless live dealer interactions are becoming the norm due to 5G.
Regulatory restrictions in some jurisdictions remain a hurdle for iGaming operators, particularly those which have a footprint in numerous international markets.
However, Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology helps users circumvent restrictions and enables them to enjoy their favorite live casino games anywhere in the world.
The technology encrypts internet traffic to ensure that data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server remains secure and private.
By using VPN apps to connect to a server in a different location, casino players can mask their geographical location and bypass any regional restrictions.
The increased prevalence of digital payment options has also helped casino operators attract a new generation of players to their live casino games.
While some players use traditional debit cards to fund their live dealer gaming sessions, many others prefer the additional security offered by digital payment solutions.
Digital wallets such as PayPal provide a fast and secure way to fund live dealer games without sharing personal bank details with the operator.
They also facilitate withdrawals much faster than traditional financial institutions, which makes them an attractive proposition for anyone lucky enough to win big at the casino.
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have also increased in popularity with casino players over the past couple of years.
These provide safe and secure transactions and come with a notable degree of anonymity attached to them. However, a lack of regulation in some countries has slowed their widespread adoption.