There have been quite a few trends over the last year, in the online casino world. Big shifts in behaviour that come to mind include the rise of mobile casinos as more and more people buy and surf the net on their smartphones, and ever faster broadband speeds which is improving the overall gaming experience, not just in Casino World, but in the world of gaming generally.

An another big trend that has taken off this year in a big way (in no small because of the factors mentioned above) is the rise and rise of the Live Casino online.

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“Live Casino”. What does that term mean exactly, and how does it differ from your RNG powered online or virtual casino? And which is better?

Well, we are primarily talking about table games here- so roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps (you can’t really play live slots, well- you could have a webcam feed of someone else pushing the slots buttons, I suppose, but it would be a bit silly).

OK, so slots players look away now- this discussion doesn’t concern you. Oh, and video poker players- off you go too.

Right. So we are comparing virtual roulette and blackjack (the 2 biggest games) with live roulette and live blackjack.

In live roulette, you play on a real table. All the action is beamed to your pc or smartphone via a webcam. Similarly, in blackjack, real dealers cut real decks of cards and you see the action unfold in front of you.

There are pros and cons to each, of course. We set them out below.

Live Casino Games. Advantages

• The game most closely resembles the experience of playing in a real casino.
• You can card count without anyone noticing!
• You play with other players- its more social.
• If you believe you can get an edge on an imperfect roulette wheel, you’ll only be able to do it playing live roulette.
• You can chat to the dealers.
• The experience is more authentic.
• If you are at all worried that the casinos rig their casino software, you might feel more comfortable playing with real wheels and real cards.
• Sometimes the table limits are higher

Live Casino Games. Disadvantages

• The action is slower. You can’t speed play or auto play.
• If you are worried that the casino rigs its virtual games, what’s to say thay haven’t riggged the webcam feed (like showing you a recording of a wheel spinning around for example).
• You are restricted to playing when the croupiers are there. At busy times it can be difficult to get a seat.
• You might be watching a feed from the Phillipines or the Costa Rica…hardly “local”

So which are better? Virtual Casinos or Live Casinos?

Well, as always, it depends. If you are worried about the casino rigging the software, then just remember that they could also theoretically rig the live games. Make sure you play with a trusted casino. There is no reason for them to rig the games- the house has an edge anyay, and the risk of them losing all of their goodwill in one go is too big a risk for these companies, many of which are listed on the stock exchange and have shareholders, who expect them , nay demand them to operate in an ethical way- ie within the rules of the game.

• If you like to play fast- play at an online casino virtual (RNG).
• If you like to chat play Live
• If you like bigger bonuses, play at an online casino- the bonus offers are generally higher.
• Above all, whether you play at a live casino, or a virtual casino- play responsibly. Only bet with money that you can afford to lose.