What Is a Live Casino?

A live casino is a real-time game that is streamed from a studio or land-based location to your computer, tablet, or mobile device. These games are run by a real dealer and use physical cards and chips, just like they would in a traditional casino. This adds a level of realism that cannot be replicated by a computer-generated game. The best online casinos offer a variety of live games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

The dealers in a live casino are human, and they must undergo rigorous training to ensure that they understand the rules of the games they are dealing. They must also be able to keep the players focused and entertained. In addition, they must know how to read and understand the various hand signals that are used in different games. The dealers will usually be able to communicate with the players through the live chat feature on their website.

When a player signs up for an account at a live casino, they must provide some personal information to verify their identity. Often, the live casino will ask for scans of official documents to prevent fraudulent activity. Once they have verified their identity, they can make an initial deposit and begin playing the games. They may be asked to upload additional documents later on, but this will only happen if they have committed fraud or made a large loss.

To ensure that the casino’s live games are fair, the gaming operators must be licensed and regulated by a government agency. They must also be audited regularly to demonstrate that they are operating in compliance with the law and have a good reputation. A reputable live casino will have a Game Control Unit (GCU) that encrypts the video broadcast. This is a small box that is placed next to the dealer’s monitor and is responsible for translating data into a format that can be displayed on the screen.

In addition to live casino games, many sites also offer a range of virtual table games. These include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more. Most of these games are played with a virtual card deck and wheel, but some sites have actual physical cards and chips. Some of the top-rated live casino sites offer these games in multiple languages, making them accessible to people from all over the world.

While blackjack is a popular option at live casino, some players prefer to play other table games. The most popular options include baccarat, roulette, and craps. Some of the best live casino sites also offer a variety of table poker variants, including high-roller tables. Some of these sites also have game shows, such as Dream Catcher and Football Studio, that give players the chance to win big. While these are not as immersive as the croupiers in a live casino, they add a social element that is not always present in online gambling.