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Perhaps the most obvious difference lies in the presentation. The classic, old-school RNG games are very limited in terms of graphics and sound effects. They’ll always have their fans, due to the nostalgic charm and familiar feel. But they simply cannot compete with the HD streams of live roulette games.
How to Play Live Dealer Roulette: a Comprehensive Guide
For many, live dealer casinos are considered the perfect way to play roulette and other classic games. Only available at fully licensed casinos, they offer an immersive experience beamed directly into your home. But there are many other reasons why live dealer roulette is so popular, which we’ll discuss in this article.
From the many available game formats, to the difference between live dealer roulette and RNG software, our guide leaves no stone unturned. We’ll share etiquette tips, compare the leading live roulette suppliers and explain exactly how to play live roulette online.
What Makes Live Dealer Roulette Different from Other Online Options?
Although older games powered by RNG software certainly have their merits, many players prefer the live casino experience. There are some similarities between the two, of course. Both can be played on desktop and mobile, for instance, while the basic rules remain the same. So what exactly is different? Let’s find out.
1
Immersive Nature
2
More Sociable
One of the most attractive features of live casino games is undoubtedly the human element. Playing RNG titles can be a solitary experience. And while that is enjoyable at times, we often want to chat, laugh and joke with other people. Live dealer roulette online offers interaction with witty and charming hosts, as well as other players.
3
Game Speed
Live dealer roulette tables run on a fixed cycle, with a spin every few minutes. They must allow time for players to place bets, as well as for the dealer to set the ball in motion. One advantage of RNG roulette games is that you are in control. If you want to speed up or slow down, it’s all in your hands.
4
Trust Factor
Although every casino game is independently certified by third-party testing labs, some players just don’t trust RNG software. Of course, the games are just as fair as live roulette products. But if you don’t feel comfortable, a real dealer and a physical wheel offers that extra reassurance that things are on the level.
How Live Dealer Roulette Works
In essence, live dealer roulette works just the same as a real wheel in a brick-and-mortar casino. However, there are a few technical tricks employed to bring the game to your computer, smartphone or tablet device.
HD cameras are used to stream the action, while Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is used to capture playing cards as they are dealt. All of the information is fed into a live gaming console, allowing you to place your bets remotely.
Most live dealer games are filmed in a purpose-built studio. But some providers, such as Ezugi, place cameras over the tables in famous casinos from around the world. This allows you to play alongside real gamblers, in real venues, without leaving the house. Studios are run exactly like a real casino, with a pit boss, multiple tables and an entire team of dealers.
How to Play Live Dealer Roulette
Ready to play but don’t know where to begin? Then allow us to explain how to play live roulette with the following step-by-step guide.
1
Find a Casino
First of all, it’s crucial to pick a trustworthy online casino, with the right license and certifiably fair games. You’ll also want to see a range of convenient, quick and secure payment methods, as well as reliable customer support. Then you should complete the registration form and deposit some funds.
2
Select a Game
Next you’ll need to peruse the game library to find the right game for you. The best live casinos offer dozens of weird and wonderful roulette games, with all kinds of funky features. However, if you’re new to this, we’d suggest starting out with a standard European Roulette wheel, such as Evolution’s Immersive Roulette. This game offers the lowest house edge and the least complex rules.
3
Choose a Table
Once you’re happy with the game format, think about your specific table. For instance, if you’re a casual player, you’ll want to find a seat somewhere that lets you play lower stakes games. On the other hand, live roulette games with VIP in the title tend to offer restrictive minimum bets, since they are designed for high-rollers. You may also want to follow your favorite dealer around the tables.
4
Observe the Action
If you lack experience, the next step is to simply watch what’s going on. Unlike RNG casino games, you cannot play live dealer roulette online in demonstration mode. So a period of observation to understand the flow of the game makes sense. You’ll have a small amount of time after taking your seat in which you don’t have to bet. Use this to read the rules and take note of how everything works.
5
Place Your Bet
Once you’re feeling comfortable with everything, it’s time to make your first bet. Place the virtual chips found at the bottom of your screen onto the main betting layout. Or alternatively, make use of the racetrack to wager on combinations of numbers. Once betting time ends, sit back, cross your fingers and await the result. Good luck!
What Kind of Live Dealer Roulette Games Are There?
There have always been a few well-known variations of this classic casino game to pick from. But thanks to the appearance of live casinos, players have more choice than ever before. Let’s cast an eye over some of the most popular live roulette games.
European Roulette
The most prevalent form of the game outside of the USA, European Roulette is famous for having just one green zero pocket. This reduces the casino’s advantage to just 2.70%.
French Roulette
Also played on a single-zero wheel, French Roulette is essentially the same as the classic European version. The key difference is what happens to even money bets when the result is zero. The La Partage rule means only half the wager is lost.
American Roulette
The most common form of live dealer roulette in the USA, the order of the numbers is different to that of a European wheel. But crucially, there’s also a 00 pocket, which raises the house edge to 5.26%.
Auto Roulette
No humans are present in live Auto Roulette games. Instead, the ball is fired onto a real roulette wheel by an automated slingshot device or mechanical arm.
Speed Roulette
As the name implies, this is just a rapid fire version of an online live dealer roulette game. It’s usually played on a single zero European wheel, with fewer than 30 seconds from the start of a game round to completion.
Dual Play
Some live roulette games aren’t filmed in a studio. Instead, cameras are situated above real tables in world-famous casino venues. There are varying names for this among live casino suppliers, such as Dual Play or OTT.
Double Ball Roulette
Yes, you read that correctly. Imagine two balls firing around the wheel at once. Double the excitement and twice the opportunity to win.
Lightning Roulette
This electrifying live roulette game offers random multipliers of up to 500x your bet. Its sequel, XXXtreme Lightning Roulette, kicks things up a notch further – if luck is on your side, you can secure 2,000x your stake.
Live Dealer Roulette Etiquette
Unlike RNG software, live games involve interaction with real people. So it’s important to understand how to behave when sitting at a live dealer roulette table. Here’s a quick crash course in the dos and don’ts.
- Be polite. First and foremost, be polite to the dealers and don’t berate them. It’s not their fault if you lose or when there’s a technical problem. They’re just trying to do a job, so be nice.
- Know the rules. Fully understanding how the game works will increase your own enjoyment if nothing else. But placing bets efficiently will help to keep games moving quickly.
- Stay sober. It’s important to relax and have fun when playing live dealer roulette, but don’t over-indulge. Nobody likes a loud and annoying drunk, so please don’t be “that” guy.
- Respect people’s privacy. The chat window is a public forum. Don’t push people, especially not the live roulette dealer, to reveal personal information like their contact details or full name. Be respectful.
Live Dealer Roulette Games Compared
Below is a handy comparison of the four major live dealer suppliers and the roulette games they offer.
| Developer | Evolution | Ezugi | Playtech | Pragmatic Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| American | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | French | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | La Partage | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Auto | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Random Multipliers | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Dual Play | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Betting Time | 15 seconds | 35 seconds | 25 seconds | 25 seconds |
Discover Live Casino Roulette
There are some major differences between classic RNG roulette games and their live casino counterparts, as we’ve explained in this article. Most people consider live roulette games to be the superior option, due to their immersive nature. But not everyone feels the same way.
Of course, there’s only one way to find out whether live dealer roulette is best for you. So why not jump right in and find out? Please remember to gamble responsibly and only play with funds you can afford to lose.
