How to Choose Between Virtual and Live Casino Games
During the 2010s, one of the most significant developments in the casino industry occurred. The roll-out of live dealer technology changed the face of the online sector forever, and, as a result, it also posed a challenge to the land-based casino sector. While online casinos had always attempted to mimic what went on in ‘real’ casinos, they could never claim to offer the same ‘social’ experience, given you were always going to be playing virtual games. But that changed in the 2010s, as the online live dealer revolution got underway.
Regardless of its impact on the casino resort industry, having the live dealer option means that casino sites are effectively split into two sections, one comprising of virtual games and the other of live games. But how do you choose between the two? Which is better in terms of entertainment? And which offers the better odds? The answers are not as simple as you might think.
Games are built to match real-world outcomes
First, it’s important to recognise that live casino games and virtual casino games have both been developed to ensure that the odds reflect real-world probability. So, if you are playing software-based blackjack, the house edge will be the same as it is when playing a dealer with a real deck of cards. However, you should always check this beforehand by having a look at the game rules.
When it comes to entertainment, some might say it is a matter of choice between wanting to be social (live games) and wanting to play the session on your own. That’s usually a good rule of thumb, as while you are not obliged to chat in live games, they are geared towards interacting with the dealer and others.
Another important point about live games is that they have, in fact, gone beyond what was traditionally offered in the casino. Sure, you can find poker, roulette and blackjack, but technology has also allowed developers to create games like Spin A Win Live and The Money Drop Live, which have loosely been called “Game Show” casino games.
A richer experience for players
The point, as such, is that the live casino now offers more than just an in-person version of classic casino games. It’s a much broader – and richer – experience for players, and it might surprise you how much production value goes into some of these new games. The term “game shows” feels apt, not just because some are based on television formats, but due to the fact the croupiers act more like hosts than traditional dealers.
Of course, technology can also help the virtual side of the online casino too. And, many of the new games there look and play more like video games. A good example is Playtech’s sweeping slots series, Kingdoms Rise. This series of slots covers an interconnected world that has more in common with games like Warcraft than traditional slots. It would be hard to replicate that kind of experience in the live casino, but who knows what they can do in the future?
In the end, it all comes down to personal choice. But if we were to offer some advice, it is that you should always read up fully on the game rules and payouts before you play. Most casino games are designed so that they mimic real-world probability, but not all of them do. Sometimes, for example, the house edge is raised in order to facilitate bigger jackpots. The information is readily available on the sites, however, and a little reading beforehand will help you make the best choice for you.
