Online gambling websites appeared as soon as Internet technology allowed. However, in the early days, the games were rudimentary. Still, with the fast development of technology in recent years, we now have advanced game mechanics, great visuals, and new game varieties like a live casino.
The global iGaming industry is worth over $300 billion, and such a lucrative niche is continuously evolving, adopting new technologies. Lately, live casinos have been one of the most popular segments of the iGaming industry.
What is a live casino?
The most significant advantages of online casinos compared to traditional physical places are convenience and a broader choice of games. You can play games whenever and wherever you want. In addition, slots, table, and other games are available on mobile phones while commuting to work on a coffee break.
Live casino games are innovative concepts that connect traditional interactions from brick ‘n mortar casinos and the convenience of online casinos. You can communicate with a live dealer and other players. Unlike traditional casinos, most live casino games are available 0/24 and can accommodate many more players.
The technology behind the live casino
To make live casino games possible, we had to wait for technological advancement on a couple of fronts. First, live video games require more bandwidth than traditional slot or table games. With faster 4G and currently deploying 5G mobile networks, iGaming operators have the infrastructure to push live casino games over the web.
The second important pillar was client devices. With more than 6 billion smartphone users globally, that front is covered. So naturally, you can play on other devices like tablets, laptops, and personal computers, as long as you have a decent broadband data connection.
How live casino technology works
Online casino providers also need a few things to make the live casino a reality. First, to ensure smooth gameplay and a seamless gaming experience, casino providers need cameras. Most providers use high-definition cameras up to 4k. Another essential feature of those cameras is the high frame rate so that users can have a great experience regardless of screen and resolution.
Usually, websites use multiple cameras, focusing on the table, live dealers’ close-ups, and other essential details around the table.
The game control unit is an essential part of a live dealer. It is on the game table and helps the dealer control the game’s flow. It allows the dealer to see what players bet on and when all bets are placed so that that dealer can proceed with the next move. The game control unit is also the device crucial for data encryption and security of the live stream.
On top of the hardware in the game room, websites use the unique Optimal Character Recognition Software. While the cameras capture the cards, dice, and other gaming items, the stream doesn’t rely on live streaming alone. Instead, the OCR software recognizes the different cards, and players can see the graphics with the current cards, numbers, or other vital information during the gameplay.
It is beneficial for players on a smaller smartphone so that they don’t have to rely on looking at small card images from the cameras. Instead, the games are tracked with OCR software, and each game step has an electronic trace.
Each live dealer table is equipped with a display monitor where they can see players’ moves in real-time and all the chat messages. Monitors are invaluable to live dealers for interaction with players, welcoming new users, and creating the impression of live casinos similar to those at traditional casinos.
There are a few other technologies in live casinos like RNG or random number generator. Still, it is also an inclusive part of all other online casino games, so it’s not exclusive to the live casino games.
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