Table of Contents
- What are Live Casinos?
- The Live Casino Experience
- How Live Dealer Casinos Work
- How to Choose the Best Live Online Casinos
- Live Casino Studios
- Live Casino Games
- Introduction to Live Game Shows
- Live Casinos and Pokies
- Bonuses for Live Dealer Casinos
- Mobile Live Casinos
- Live Dealer Casinos vs. Regular Online Casinos
- Live Dealer Casinos FAQ
What are Live Casinos?
Live casinos are gambling sites that feature live dealer games. The idea of live dealer gaming is that players are faced with human dealers and croupiers rather than just a software algorithm. The action at live casinos replicates the traditional brick-and-mortar experience because games are typically broadcast from casino studios or actual land-based lobbies. At the same time, you enjoy the convenience of playing from your own home. It highlights the best aspects of land-based and online gaming.
The Live Casino Experience
These three aspects best define the live casino experience and what it entails:
Real-Time Interaction with Dealers and Players
The presence of live dealers is the main differentiating factor between a live online casino and a regular online casino. Dealers add a human element that replicates playing in a physical casino. They interact with players, enabling a social environment. The dealer also does the job of the RNG, shuffling and dealing cards, spinning the wheel and throwing dice. Everything is done before your eyes rather than behind the scenes.
High-Quality Video Streaming
Live online casinos use advanced video streaming technology to broadcast games directly to players’ devices, be it a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This involves using multiple high-definition cameras from different angles to capture all the aspects of the game. Video streaming is the reason why you can interact with these games in real time from the comfort of your own home. High-quality video streams will ensure that every detail of the game is visible and clear, contributing to a more immersive and realistic casino experience.
Range of Games Available
The range of games available at a live casino are typically table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc. There are also live game shows, which are a modern addition to live casino sites. Besides the obvious video streaming aspect, live casino games function similarly to regular online casino games. The interface of a live dealer game has the same controls and display of betting options.
How Live Dealer Casinos Work
The technology behind live casinos involves three major elements – HD cameras, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Game Control Unit (GCU).
Live casinos use multiple high-definition cameras to capture every angle of the game, from the dealer’s actions to the cards being dealt or the roulette wheel spinning. Some games even allow players to change the camera angle for a more personalised experience. OCR technology then translates the physical transactions made by the dealer, such as card dealing or roulette spinning, into data that can be displayed on the player’s screen. The Game Control Unit is a small device roughly the size of a shoebox that is attached to every live casino table. It assists the dealer in running the game by encoding the video broadcast and helping in the translation of the game data.
How to play live casino games?
It’s easy to get intimidated by the idea of playing live dealer games, but the sophisticated technology and processes are limited to the back end. On the player end, it’s just as easy as any regular casino game. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sign up with a recommended live casino for New Zealand.
- Make a deposit and claim your bonus.
- Navigate to the live casino section and select a live dealer game you’d like to play.
- Check the paytable to familiarise yourself with the game rules and specifics.
- Join in right away or wait for an available seat. You can watch ongoing game rounds before you bet.
- Place your bet when the betting window opens for a new round.
How to Choose the Best Live Online Casinos
Live casinos used to be a novelty and relatively uncommon, but not anymore. Live dealer games are practically a requisite for top NZ online casinos nowadays, so the best sites will provide a range of live casino titles to play. There’s no scarcity of these live casinos, so the objective is to make sure you’re playing at sites that offer top-class entertainment quality and the best experience. These are the testing criteria our experts use to determine the best live casinos in NZ:
Security
Safe gambling is necessary whenever you play at an online casino. Live online casinos that aim to offer the best value will ensure safety and fair play through licensing, robust encryption protocols, and third-party auditing. They’ll also employ the safest payment methods for transactions.
Range of Games
You’ll want to have a good variety of quality games at any site you choose to play at. There should be several live dealer options to choose from with wagers of all sizes, and they should be from quality software providers, too.
Quality of Video Streaming
A lot of the entertainment value of live casino games is in the video stream quality. The best sites should allow HD streaming with stellar audio and visual experiences.
Bonuses and Promotions
Most casino bonuses are reserved for slot and table games. However, the best live dealer sites should also have bonuses that are playable on live casino games. This will boost your betting power and add value to your experience.
Mobile Accessibility
Players shouldn’t be limited to the desktop display when playing live dealer games. Just as the best online casinos are mobile, a complete live casino experience includes mobile accessibility.
Live Casino Studios
Live casino studios are the providers responsible for the range of games players in NZ can enjoy on these sites. When assessing the best live casinos, we typically look out for companies known for providing the best live casino titles. Evolution Gaming is the most recognised live casino provider and also boasts the largest repertoire of live games. Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Playtech, Ezugi, Authentic Gaming, Microgaming, BetGames, and Extreme Live Gaming are some of the other live software providers with quality games. Let’s introduce some of them:
Evolution
As the market leader for live casino games, Evolution boasts dozens of titles broadcast from more than 8 dedicated studios worldwide. Evolution powered live dealer casinos are hands down the best destinations for authentic gaming as the developer delivers top-quality HD streams, elegant and professional dealers, and fair games. They’ve also been consistent award winners since launching in 2006.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is another big name in the live casino scene. They’ve started out as slot developers and have seamlessly transitioned to table games, bingo, sports, and live dealer games. The Pragmatic Play Live unit offers innovative live games across table games and live game shows. They have their state-of-the-art studio in Bucharest, Romania, and provide many branded, exclusive gaming environments.
NetEnt
When innovation comes calling, NetEnt is always ready to answer. Arguably the most innovative game company in the industry, NetEnt has revolutionised the slot scene with hits like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. They maintain the same quality standard with their venture into the live casino realm. They’ve got a relatively small library, but their games boast stellar features like chat option with fellow players, super intuitive UI, smooth playability, and more.
Playtech
Playtech is a stellar mobile game developer that brings some of the best mobile live casino experiences. Many of the top live casino games are courtesy of this provider, and they have a variety of tables with accommodating bet ranges for both low and high rollers. Several Playtech live dealer games are also supported in multiple languages, solidifying their position as a global leader.
Ezugi
Ezugi is an exclusive developer of live casino games founded in 2013. Now a subsidiary of Evolution, the company maintains its unique image with an enviable range of games. They were one of the first to provide live games in the US market and are just as widespread across the globe, including at top NZ live dealer casinos. Their library spans a range of live table games to live keno and the lottery-style Live Bet on Numbers.
Live Casino Games
The games available at live casinos in New Zealand are plenty. Although live dealer games were limited to just blackjack and roulette at the start, many different casino games are now available in a live format. So far, there are live dealer options for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, craps, sic bo, keno, etc. Let’s introduce the most popular ones below:
Live Blackjack
Live dealer blackjack is about the most popular game you can play. It follows the standard blackjack rules of beating the dealer’s hand without going over 21. At the live casino, there are lots of variants, including those with side bets or without side bets, limited or unlimited sitting, and even jackpot prizes.
| Live Dealer Blackjack Game | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Blackjack | Evolution | – Up to 25x multipliers – Unlimited seats |
| MultiPlay Blackjack Live | Authentic Gaming | – Early cashout – Seven side bets |
| Live Blitz Blackjack | NetEnt | – Dedicated tables – Unlimited players |
| Free Bet Blackjack | Evolution | – Free Doubles and Splits on some totals – Side bets |
| Speed Blackjack | Pragmatic Play | – Fast gameplay – Bet behind |
Live Roulette
This exciting classic wheel game has seamlessly transitioned to the live casino. The fast-paced and simple gameplay that players love is even more thrilling within an authentic environment. Roulette is already popular for having multiple variants in American, European, and French Roulette. Live roulette takes it to a whole new level with the addition of some of the most innovative elements, such as multipliers, jackpots, and even more betting options.
| Live Dealer Roulette Game | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Roulette | Evolution | – Lucky numbers – Multipliers up to 500x |
| Double Ball Roulette | Evolution | – 1200: 1 jackpot prize – Doubled payouts on outside bets |
| Age of the Gods Bonus Roulette | Playtech | – 4 progressive jackpots – RNG bonus round |
| Speed Roulette | Evolution | – Super-fast game rounds of 25 secs – Betting occurs during spin |
| Quantum Roulette | Playtech | – Multipliers up to 500x on straight-up bets – European roulette wheel |
Live Baccarat
The elegant game of baccarat is another popular option at live online casinos. Live baccarat rules may seem confusing if you haven’t played before, but it’s actually quite simple. You should be able to view the game rules using an appropriate icon on the user interface. Baccarat is all about betting on which hand gets a closer total to 9 between the Banker and Player, and a live casino setting with a human dealer and fellow players allows you to enjoy the social camaraderie that comes with a winning hand (or a losing one).
| Live Dealer Baccarat Game | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Baccarat Squeeze | Evolution | – Standard baccarat gameplay – Dealer squeezes on cards during the reveal |
| Lightning Baccarat | Evolution | – Up to 8x card multipliers – Stunning user interface |
| No Commission Baccarat | Evolution | – No 5% commission on Banker bet – Offers Super 6 side bet |
| Progressive Baccarat | Playtech | – Progressive jackpot side bet |
| Bet on Baccarat | BetGames | – Side bets available – Plenty of prop wagers |
Live Poker
Poker comes in different kinds, from Casino Hold ’em to Texas Hold ’em, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, etc. The live casino has them all. Poker is the one casino game originally designed to be played against other players rather than against the dealer; in this regard, it’s probably the best live casino game. Nowadays, adjusted rules on several variants like Three Card Poker and Casino Hold ’em will see you face off against the dealer. Skill, jackpots and the occasional bluff are all part of the excitement when you play live casino poker.
| Live Dealer Poker Game | Developer | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Hold’em | Evolution, Playtech, Ezugi | – Five card poker gameplay – Optional side bets |
| Live Caribbean Stud Poker | Evolution | – Unlimited number of players – Bonus side bet |
| Live Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker | Evolution | – Bonus side bet – Progressive jackpot side bet |
| Live 3 Card Poker | Evolution | – Played with 3 card hand – Side bets available |
Introduction to Live Game Shows
Live game shows are a category of games taking the live casino scene by storm. They combine elements of traditional game shows with online gambling, providing alternative live casino entertainment. They feature live hosts or presenters who run the game and interact with players in real time via a video stream. Live hosts often add an element of fun and excitement to the proceedings.
Visually, live game shows are always a fantastic time. They are produced in professional studios with high-quality sets, lighting, and sound, creating a polished and immersive experience that replicates the feel of a real TV game show.
A wide variety of live game shows are available, from classic game show formats like “Wheel of Fortune” or “Deal or No Deal” to innovative new options designed specifically for online casinos. Many live game shows feature a giant prize wheel which awards real money prizes and immersive bonus rounds with augmented reality. These games are often predominantly chance-based but also allow a bit of strategy, making them appealing to a wide range of players.
Here are some of the most popular live game shows you can try in New Zealand casinos:
- Live Dream Catcher
- Monopoly Live
- Live Deal or No Deal
- Mega Wheel
- Crazy Time
- Boom City
- Mega Ball
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Live Casinos and Pokies
So far, slots are the only games unavailable in a live format. However, some innovative games like Crazy Coin Flip include a slot element in the gameplay. This evolution title features a segment with a 3×3 reel slot that boasts special symbols and multipliers.
Pokies, by design, are electronic gaming machines based on RNG software. So, we don’t expect them to become available in live dealer formats. However, most live online casinos also have regular casino games as well, so you’ll find plenty of real money pokies available to play at these sites.
Bonuses for Live Dealer Casinos
Many players look towards bonus offers when signing up at new online casinos. The benefits of bonuses range from boosting your gameplay time to increasing your chances to win, plus players simply love free stuff. As long as there are reasonable wagering requirements and other terms, a bonus is a must-have. Unfortunately, live casino bonuses aren’t a given at many sites. Bonuses are typically available for pokies and regular table games, and it’s often expressly indicated in the bonus terms that live casino gameplay is not valid.
On the bright side, the best live casinos, like the ones we recommend here at casinos.win, will have bonuses playable on the live casino. For new customers, there may be a regular welcome bonus you can use on live casino games or a special deal dedicated to the live casino. Because live dealer games are always only available for real money, you’ll hardly find no deposit bonuses for the live casino. If you do stumble across one, it’s a real gem, and you should take advantage after going through the terms and conditions.
That said, these are the most common live casino bonuses:
Deposit Match
A deposit match bonus will typically reward you with a portion or the entirety of your deposit as bonus funds. For example, a 100% deposit match of up to $100. This means if you deposit $100, you receive an additional $100 in bonus funds. You then have $200 in total to play with.
Cashback
Cashback bonuses refund a percentage of losses incurred over a specific period or on a particular game. Imagine a 10% cashback on live roulette losses over the weekend. If you lose $50 playing live roulette during that period, you will receive $5 back as a cashback bonus. This helps cushion the blow of losing and gives you an incentive to try out games or continue playing.
Cash Drops and Leaderboard Tournaments
Cash drops are random bonuses awarded to players. A casino might decide to drop a certain amount of cash into player accounts randomly, giving players a pleasant surprise when they log in. Leaderboard tournaments, on the other hand, rank players based on specific criteria, often their wins or wagers on certain games over a defined period. Players climb the leaderboard by meeting these criteria, and those at the top by the end of the tournament period receive prizes. The Pragmatic Play Live Casino Tournament is a perfect example. These incentives encourage regular play and add a competitive element to the live gaming experience.
It’s worth noting that clearing a bonus is much easier to do with slots than with live dealer games, owing to the latter’s lower game contribution percentage. So, even with a live dealer bonus, you’d be better off playing pokies in order to complete the wagering requirements.
Mobile Live Casinos
The best live dealer casinos are mobile, so you should be able to access your favourite games on your smartphone or tablet and get the same quality experience as you would on a desktop. Players can enjoy live dealer games directly on-site using a mobile web browser or via dedicated apps. In New Zealand, mobile browser gaming is prevalent as many operators are choosing to optimise their web offerings rather than invest in app development. An optimised website is just as convenient as app gameplay, with the added benefit that you don’t have to download any software.
Some casinos do still provide a dedicated app. The advantage of an app is that you don’t have to sign out and back in every time. It also enables push notifications about casino updates such as new bonuses, new games, etc.
Live Dealer Casinos vs. Regular Online Casinos
| Feature/Aspect | Live Dealer Casinos | Regular Online Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Experience | Real-time interaction with live dealers | Games are powered by RNG (Random Number Generator) without human interaction |
| Atmosphere | Closest to a real casino with a human touch, ambient sounds, and real-time chat | More solitary experience, often with computer-generated graphics and sounds |
| Game Speed | Determined by the live dealer’s pace and real-time gameplay | Typically faster and can be controlled by the player in many games |
| Game Variety | Mostly limited to popular table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and some game shows | Vast variety including slots, video poker, scratch cards, and table games |
| Interactivity | Players can chat with the dealer and sometimes with other players | Interaction is typically limited to the game interface itself |
| Trust Factor | Players can see the game unfold in real-time, often perceived as more trustworthy | Trust is placed in the RNG and software, certified by third-party agencies |
| Technical Requirements | Requires a stable and faster internet connection due to video streaming | Generally less demanding on bandwidth |
| Accessibility | Most modern devices support live dealer games, but the experience might be better on larger screens | Available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets |
| Bonuses | Specific bonuses tailored for live dealer games | Wide variety of bonuses across all games |
Live Dealer Casinos FAQ
Where are live dealer games streamed from?
Live dealer games are streamed either from dedicated game studios or directly from land-based casino lobbies. Top providers like Evolution and Pragmatic Play have proprietary studios of their own. Others, like Authentic Gaming, use third-party studios or stream from land-based establishments.
Can I play live dealer games for free?
Live dealer games are typically reserved for real money bets because the presence of human dealers and physical locations makes it more cost-intensive. This is why you’ll hardly find no deposit bonuses for the live casino. You can try the RNG versions of live table games for free to familiarise yourself with the gameplay.
Are live casinos available on mobile?
Yes, live casinos are mobile-compatible. You can play your favourite games using your mobile web browser or via mobile apps where available.
Are live dealer games safe?
Live dealer games are safe and secure, especially at licensed NZ casinos. Besides being powered by state-of-the-art technology, they play out in real time. You don’t have to blindly trust the casino’s integrity because you can see how the game progresses with your own eyes.
Are table games available at the live casino?
Almost all table games have live casino variants. These include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, sic bo, casino hold ’em, Caribbean stud, and more.
Are live casinos legal in New Zealand?
Although it is illegal for gambling sites to operate from within New Zealand, it is legal to play at foreign online casinos. Kiwis can play at any live casinos that accept NZ players. We recommend you only stick to licensed and regulated live casinos, like the ones we’ve highlighted, for the best experience.