When you play live casino online you get the experience of visiting a land-based casino paired with all the benefits of playing in the comfort of your own home. The games are played on actual tables using real cards and professional human dealers who are streamed to your computer or mobile device in HD. This gives you a Las Vegas vibe and allows you to interact with the dealer, other players and claim bonuses just as you would in a normal casino.
The technology behind live casino online is surprisingly complex and the cameras used have specialised lenses to help focus in on individual people or specific parts of the table. There is also special software that records all the actions taken by the dealer and translates them into data which can be displayed on your screen. It can also tell which players have won or lost and deduct or award winnings immediately. It is possible to win large sums from the games which are run by professional dealers and there are even live casinos that offer a chance to take part in tournaments where you can compete with other players.
In order to play live casino online you must be over the legal age for gambling in your state. This varies from 18 to 21 in most states and the best online casinos will display this information prominently on their websites. You will also need to have a good internet connection and a reliable mobile phone, as the live games are streamed in high definition and may not work well on older phones.
Most online casinos that host live games use specialist studios which have been designed to be able to transmit video over the internet in the highest quality. This means that most modern internet connections and mobile data services should be able to cope with the games but it is important to check that your home connection is suitable before you start playing. If you have a slow connection then it may be better to choose an online casino that offers downloadable games instead of live dealer games.
When choosing a live casino online you should also look at the range of games that are available and whether they include popular classics such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker. You should also check that the casino is licensed in your jurisdiction and uses secure payment methods to protect your money. If you are unsure then it is always worth checking with your state gaming commission to see what their requirements are.
The top live casinos will also have a number of different betting limits so that you can find one to suit your budget. You should also make sure that the casino has seat availability when you want to play – it can be frustrating when you walk up to your favourite table only to find it full. If you are a new player then it is worth checking that the site has a welcome bonus available, and that this welcome bonus suits your budget.