Nowadays, many online casinos advertise that they offer ‘live casinos’ too. The vast majority of online casinos now offer some sort of live gambling option. This has led to many people wondering what the difference between the two is. So, we figured, we’d put together a helpful article that should provide you with all the information you need. We’re comparing the two, so you can understand the differences. Chances are, you’ll want to check out them both.
What is an Online Casino?
An online casino is any casino that is accessible via the Internet, i.e. you can play the games online. Pretty simple stuff. If the online casino is accessible through your web browser or a phone app, it is an online casino. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of online casinos nowadays.
What is a Live Casino?
A live casino is still an online casino insofar that it is accessed through the Internet. Many live casinos work as part of a more traditional online casino, and it is rare to find a live casino operating separately. There is a major difference, though.
With a typical online casino game, you’re essentially playing what amounts to a computer game. Everything is digitised. Real money is on the line, but it just appears like a game. A live casino, on the other hand, has everything controlled by a real person. You’re watching them live on camera. They may spin a roulette wheel, or they may deal cards.
The whole idea of a live casino is to give you the illusion that you’re gambling in a real casino. Many live casino set-ups have the lights and sounds of a real casino applied to them. We’ve stumbled across more than a few live casino games that are running in a real casino. It can’t replicate the experience completely, but it comes close.
So, now that’s out of the way, let’s move on to a few of the differences between live casinos and online casinos, shall we? This way, you should, hopefully, know where you should be gambling.
Live Casinos Have Higher Minimum Stakes
Live casinos are operated by real people who run the games, creating a more engaging and authentic experience. While many of these casinos operate in regions with varied salary standards, the staff are skilled professionals who rely on fair wages. The funds from players’ stakes contribute to ensuring that live casinos maintain high-quality service and experienced personnel, making the experience enjoyable and immersive for all.
The result is that live casino games often have a slightly higher minimum stake than your typical online casino game. Some online casino games may let you gamble for as little as a few pence, while live casino games may require you to drop a couple of quid here and there.
Of course, the live dealer will also be encouraging you to drop more money. That’s how they get paid. They’re a ‘salesman’ for the online casino. You don’t have to listen to them, though!
This means that live casinos may be a slightly better option for those who are high rollers. You get the social interaction, plus a way to earn a bit more cash.
Live Casinos Have Fewer Game Options
Not every casino game is suitable for a live casino environment. Most of the time, you’ll only find games like roulette and card games (e.g. Blackjack and Poker). Live casinos are working on ways to introduce new games, but it is quite hard. Still, the live casino market is far better now than it was a few years ago.
The result is that live casino games often have a slightly higher minimum stake than your typical online casino game (see https://talksport.com/betting/1281541/live-casino/ as great examples of this). Some online casino games may let you gamble for as little as a few pence, while live casino games may require you to drop a couple of quid here and there.
Live Casinos are More Social
The whole idea behind a live casino is to introduce a bit more socialness into playing online. They managed to attract a wealth of business during the pandemic for this reason.
Live casinos aren’t a sterile environment. There’s a chat function. The dealer will interact with you and anybody else in that room. It just makes it a much more ‘fun’ experience.
If you played a typical online casino game, you’d get none of that interaction. As we said before, it feels just like you’re playing a computer game. It is fun but, sometimes, you can forget that you’re dropping real money on your bets.
Live Casinos Work Faster
When you play a typical online casino game, you’ve got all the time in the world to make your betting decisions. That game isn’t going to run until you say it is going to run.
You don’t get to do that in a live casino. That game is running whether you’ve made your bet or not. This can make it a bit more stressful. So, if you’re playing at a live casino, chill out a bit. Remember, you don’t need to put down a bet on every deal or spin of the wheel.
Live Casinos Require a Better Internet Connection
Because live casinos are streaming a video, you need a better Internet connection. This means that playing at a live casino may not be the greatest idea in the world if your Internet connection is spotty, or if you’re playing via a mobile connection.
Live Casinos Might Have Limited Opening Hours
Nowadays, this is far less common. However, some of the less common live dealer games may have limited opening hours, those more akin to a Soho pub or bar. Online casinos, on the other hand, are always accessible. You can play them whenever you want without worrying if someone will ring the bell on your fun!
What is Better for You—an Online Casino or a Live Casino?
Both online casinos and live casinos have their merits. Online casinos are a great option for most people. You’ve got the largest selection of games and lower minimum stakes. However, if you’re craving a bit of socialness and you’re a higher roller, live casinos are worth checking out at least once.
