47% of Brits have gambled at least once in the last year. In the United States, it’s 85%. In South Africa, a jaw-dropping 97% (they love their national lottery!). In short, people love to gamble.
It’s, therefore, no surprise that once the first online casinos were launched, people flocked. In 2023, it’s big business. The biggest grower in the industry is the live casino, which is quickly becoming the go-to option for many players.
So, why is it that people love live casino games? Let’s do a deep dive.
It Mimics the In-Person Experience
The sheer selection of games lets the player experience the thrill of a live casino from your laptop, tablet, smartphone, you name it. It mimics the in-person experience so closely, you may feel as if you are in Vegas.
Online live casino games have dealers in HD definition, joking around and giving commentary. You can also talk to fellow players through a chat box. The setting looks just like a casino, it’s not the dealer in a boring room with no background. They’re dressed just like you’d expect at a real casino and have the personality to go to with it.
Live casinos are far closer to going to a land-based establishment compared to those in a virtual environment (although these obviously also have their plus points!). So when people can’t or don’t want to go to an in-person casino, the online live alternative is just as good.
People Trust People (More Than Machines!)
Sure, we’ve all heard rumors of the two-faced dealer. But it’s rare, especially at the big casinos. And at least we can see what they’re doing on a live screen. If something fishy is going on, there are plenty of people watching the same live stream.
When it comes to virtual blackjack or roulette, for example, it’s all computers. It’s just you, so no one else can be a witness to suspicious stuff. It’s easy to get the feeling that it’s easier to trust a person than a machine.
That’s not to say that online casinos will scam you. Quite the opposite, in fact. Good online casinos are vetted and checked by third parties, ensuring all games are fair, whether it’s blackjack, slots, roulette, or craps.
The legit companies are 100% clean, but it’s all down to human nature. Some will just trust people more than computers, for the most part.
Convenience
Live casinos have come such a long way in recent years. With our cell phones now having high-speed internet access, we can even watch an HD casino feed when commuting or out in a park. You get the so-called ‘real-life’ Vegas buzz, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
The 2023 human likes convenience. Stepping outside on a cold, wet day isn’t always very appetizing, either. Why dress to the nines when we can load up our favorite casino sitting comfortably on the couch in casual clothes?
Social Contact
The thing that’s missing from virtual table games and slots is social interaction. And whilst it’s always nice to get away from people and play a round of slots on a lazy Sunday, we do need social interaction every once in a while.
Science shows that interactions with others help us feel happier. Even small talk and short conversations can boost our mood. Yes, even the ultra-introvert will benefit from talking to others.
Online live casinos give you that opportunity. You can interact with the dealer in real time, and usually, they’re quite personable and funny. Most live casinos also offer chat functionality, meaning that you can converse with others playing the same game. It’s essentially the same feeling as sitting next to someone at a blackjack table and chatting about everything (and nothing!).
More Than ‘Just’ Table Games
When people think of live online casino games, they’ve got the classics like roulette and blackjack in mind. Just a couple of years ago, that would have been an accurate assessment.
These days, however, there’s a lot more choice. Companies know that players look for the difference-makers, something that’s unique, exciting, and new. With the level of competition out there, casinos are doing everything they can to offer players something just that little bit different.
Reason’s Simple: It’s Entertainment
Ultimately, it all comes down to this: playing live casino games is just a lot of fun. We don’t necessarily need to dissect the details of the why or the how (ahem, even though we’ve done just that!).
The live casino offers a brand new way of enjoying iGaming online. With tech the way it’s going, we expect VR/AR versions to hit our homes in the not-too-distant future. We’re pretty sure the land-based establishments are quaking in their boots.
