In the modern world, more and more people are enjoying digital forms of entertainment to relax. This was particularly relevant in 2020, with so many individuals stuck at home and looking for ways to pass the time.
But as the global situation shows signs of abating, the fascination with online entertainment has remained. Online casino games have reached a whole new audience, especially live dealer games.
There are many different types of casino games, but live dealer games are the closest thing to a real-life experience. With the chance to interact, chat and participate in a community, it's like playing in a land casino but without having to leave your own home.
If you’re new to the world of live gaming, there’s a lot to explore and discover. To get you started, here are five facts about this type of play.
#1: Wide Choice of Studios and Games
Live games started to appear in the mid-late 1990s, building on the success of the first online casinos. It started out with poker, and the experience was less than optimal due to the slower internet speeds.
However, as technology improved, more studios started to release live gaming, creating an environment that became much closer to the real deal. Fast forward to the current day, and there are now countless studios offering a wide variety of games.
Casinos are available 24/7, so it doesn't matter where you are in the world or whether you work shifts - it's always possible to play games with other players.
Although the principles are similar, each studio offers its own interpretation of live gaming. For example, the selection of PartyCasino’s live dealer games is extensive, giving players the choice of everything from roulette to blackjack, baccarat, slots, game shows and poker. These are available from multiple studios, so if you've got a favorite, just check out their selection to see what they produce.
#2: Companies Regularly Get Bought Out
In the casino industry, there are lots of big names out there. If you play regularly, you'll quickly start to recognize the studios that have the most prominent presence in the market.
However, if you dig a bit deeper, you might be surprised to discover that many of the largest studios are linked. The industry is highly competitive, and there's an appetite to get rid of rivals by simply buying them out! However, rather than obliterating their name, once purchased, they are often allowed to continue producing content making it seem as if there are more independent studios than there really are.
It's not just live casino brands that team-up. For example, Evolution is one of the top live gaming studios, but the group also includes names such as Red Tiger Gaming and NetEnt, two brands that have among the best online slots selection. There's an excellent chance that you wouldn't realize they're all part of the same company!
#3: Revenue Has Rocketed
The global state of affairs meant that many people turned to online entertainment due to physical venues being closed and lockdown conditions imposed. Online casinos and live gaming benefitted from a surge in interest, with many people discovering the delights of playing for the first time.
Despite many industries posting dismal profits and revenue for 2020, this hasn’t been the case for online brands. Companies such as Entain, the parent company of PartyCasino, and Evolution have reported big jumps in earnings for 2020.
However, what’s particularly interesting is that the new wave of interest in online play shows no signs of abating, even though venues have now reopened. Many players have sustained their new hobbies, making the live gaming arena even more popular than it was before.
#4: Honest, Secure Gameplay
Although playing in a live casino environment is fun, the chance to win money is a big incentive. It’s therefore essential to make sure you’re playing at a site that you can trust.
You may have heard whispers about dodgy casinos who rig the results, but if you register with an online casino that is licensed and regulated, this isn't the case. Regulators like the UK Gambling Commission are extremely tough and only issue licenses to companies that conform to the highest possible standards. This includes keeping your data secure and ensuring that there is nothing "rigged" in the gameplay.
Live gaming can be reassuring in this respect because everything is done in front of you. You’re not reliant on a computer simulation and random number generator; the host will deal out real cards, or you’ll get to see a real roulette wheel spin.
Whether you’re playing interactive casino games or online slots, the most important thing is to ensure you’re at a service that you can trust. When the casino is regulated and licensed, you can have confidence that all the games they offer will be legitimate and fair.
#5: The First Live Casino VR Game Has Been Launched
The massive swell of interest in live gaming has meant there's a real appetite to develop new, exciting content. The large market is good news for enthusiastic gamers, as it means there's likely to be even more great titles being released.
Gonzo's Treasure Hunt from Evolution Gaming is an excellent example of innovative new online play. It's the first live casino game that offers virtual reality mode, combining slots-style play with a live host environment.
The game is inspired by NetEnt’s popular Gonzo’s Quest series, which Evolution have brought into the world of live casino play. Using VR technology, the player joins the host and other players in the search for hidden treasure within the giant wall of stones.
This new release reinvents how players experience this gaming genre, giving them more control over the outcome and strategy. Exciting and interactive, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt helps to redefine what’s possible with live casino gaming online.