Are live or RNG casino games more popular worldwide?

Casino operators saw an unusual trend rising in South Korea during the pandemic that had streaming technology advance to new heights. However, South Korea saw one of the greatest surges in favor of live casino games versus random number generators (RNGs), with an increasing number of South Koreans opting for live dealer games. 

Still, the trend wasn’t limited to one country. A quiet game of tug-of-war has occurred across the world, with a showdown between RNG-based games and live dealers. The trends by country reveal as much about their cultures as it does about their technology preferences. Discover whether live or RNG casino games are more popular worldwide.

South Korea doesn’t allow its locals to gamble in many physical casinos, with some exceptions in the government-regulated resort in the Kangwon Land mountains. The rise of offshore casino sites during the pandemic gave South Koreans a chance to take a chance, pun intended. Industry expert Park Jeong-min explains that live dealer casinos, like those listed here, better mimic physical casino games. These offshore casinos that offer a wide range of live dealer games, fast payouts, and generous bonuses like welcome rewards, cashback offers, and VIP perks feel closer to the real thing available at offline casinos. Meanwhile, the language localization features and real-time human interactions solidified the game type in Korean culture, where they value face-to-face services and trust. 

Many live dealer games still double as a social concept, with real-time chat rooms that allow players to interact with each other, not just the dealer. They share jokes and discuss game results. The social layer, combined with the mirror effect of true offline casino experiences, is what made sure South Korea adopted favoritism for live casino games. Social factors matter more than the West, with some minor streamers having become celebrities by playing poker or baccarat for AfreecaTV or YouTube audiences from South Korea. 

South Korea has valid reasons for preferring live casino games. However, random number generator games like digital slots and auto-dealer blackjack dominate in many places. These games are fast, offer low latency, and players can remain anonymous. Canadians and Germans prefer RNG games thanks largely to the convenience and mobile accessibility. 

Meanwhile, the popularity of live casino games has climbed in other regions. Live baccarat, blackjack, poker, and roulette games are broadcast in real-time and have professional dealers to appeal to players who enjoy the interactive element. Many players prefer the realism and pace of live tables compared to the clinical effectiveness of RNG games.

Human psychology drives most of the preferences. Watching dealers shuffle cards or spin wheels live can create a sense of security and trust. Meanwhile, RNG software has improved a lot and has become favored in the Middle East and Asia, where seeing is believing.

Most of Southeast Asia enjoys live casino games, with the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam showing sharp increases in live dealer and casino use, which is mainly driven by mobile accessibility and expanding broadband coverage. It’s also likely due to the countries not having many offline casinos available on a whim. 

While Thailand may have beautiful heritage sites and temples, it falls short on legal physical casinos due to strict laws and regulations. Thailand shares a reason with South Korea for preferring live casino games: locals can enjoy a replica of the real experience. 

Meanwhile, local operators in the Philippines often run licensed live dealer studios for domestic and international audiences. The studios stream 24/7 using multiple languages, including Tagalog, Thai, and Mandarin. It allows these dealers to reach a global audience.

Still, RNG games are popular among mobile-savvy generations who prefer quick rounds on the move. There’s little doubt that live formats will also become more accessible across the region as smartphone cameras and 5G coverage improve, meaning it will remain competitive against RNG-based gaming.

Countries across the MENA region see growing interest in live and RNG formats, despite the strict regulations in most countries with varied enforcement processes. Unique cultural spaces dabble with RNG games discreetly from mobile devices, while some locals and expats enjoy live casino games by accessing offshore platforms or discreet local offerings.

Live dealers who speak Arabic drive the widespread adoption in places like Lebanon and the UAE, which is a relatively new development but notable. Middle Eastern players are slightly different from Western users, with a keen focus on hospitality, familiarity, and respect. They prefer games that enable their values, while Western players prefer greater game volumes.

Hence, the split runs down the middle in the Middle East and North Africa. Some locals play live games that respect their values and enjoy discreet mobile RNGs, while expats also have varying preferences dependent on their original country. 

Ultimately, live games like blackjack and roulette that are presented by culturally aware hosts are dominating the scene due to the powerful influence of common Middle Eastern values. For example, operators who target the Arab gaming market must guarantee cultural relevance and appreciation, which comes across better in live games. 

Many Europeans prefer RNG games for their speed and convenience, especially in Germany and Scandinavia. RNG gaming allows players to access hundreds of hands in one hour if they choose. Seasoned players who love chasing odds or value in video poker or blackjack find it more appealing than waiting for an actual dealer to shuffle cards.

Still, live formats have grown around Europe. Players between 25 and 34 are drawn to the live dealer format, not out of the desire to hit high returns but rather to gain more experience. For instance, many players in the Netherlands now actively engage with live casino games, even if the online gambling format was only legalized in 2021. 

Operators are taking notes, and companies like Playtech and Evolution Gaming are investing heavily in infrastructure across Europe. It will simplify how operators host live tables in different languages. The changes show a narrowing culture gap between those who enjoy the speed and volume of games from the RNG format and those who want dealer-hosted sessions for greater immersion.

The United States regulates online gambling state-by-state, with the details on state gambling laws complicating which states can access which games. States like Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have mature online gambling markets with high turnovers from slot machines, automated tables, and other RNG-based gaming. Not all operators can handle the bandwidth required under stricter regulatory oversight regarding live games. 

However, a growing awareness of live casino formats has become evident, particularly among players and streamers on YouTube and Twitch. Americans also often express a lack of trust in RNG formats, particularly those with longer losing streaks. 

RNG algorithms are audited and certified, but distrust is ripe among Americans who prefer watching actual dealers shuffling cards. Trust is the major consideration in North America. Many players feel more confident when they can watch the game unfold in real-time, showing a changing trend toward live casino games in a country that once preferred RNGs.

The worldwide casino industry isn’t linear. There is no clear divide between RNG and live games. It’s a patchwork of interests and preferences influenced by culture, trust, speed, and access. Live casino games grow avidly in places like the Middle East, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The key drivers are social interaction, value appreciation, and visual credibility. 

Meanwhile, RNG games hold the bigger market piece in Northern Europe and the US, where speed and convenience are the preferred values. Ultimately, both platforms are enjoyed by countless gamblers; it just depends on a player's preference.

This article was written in cooperation with BAZOOM