Although the first live casino games were launched in the 2000s, they have become popular lately with more and more gambling sites adding them to their portfolio. In the UK market, you will hardly find an operator that does not offer games hosted by real-life dealers. Now, one may feel overwhelmed trying to find a live casino they will sign up with. That’s why we are here to help you search for the best live online casino UK and choose the one that is the perfect fit for you.
History of Live Online Casinos in the UK
Live online casinos bring the glitz and glamour of brick-and-mortar gaming venues to your nearest desktop and mobile devices. Thanks to the technologic advancements, now you can enjoy casino classics hosted by live dealers without leaving the comfort of your home or while on the move. But, have you ever wondered how it all started?
While the first online casino was launched in the 1990s by Microgaming, it took 10+ years for the first live casino game to hit the market. While there have been some attempts before, they were not successful due to slow internet speeds. So, the HD quality of live stream we can enjoy today was not possible without a broadband internet connection.
According to some sources, the first live casino game was launched by Playtech. However, live dealer games have come a long way since then, so today, UK players can choose from dozens of titles, from traditional casino games to live casino shows based on popular TV programmes. They are available 24/7 in most cases and accept all kinds of players, meaning that both players on a budget and high-rollers can try their luck and skills at them.
Today, live casino games are operated by highly professional dealers and croupiers, who will not only make sure that everything goes smoothly but also entertain the players. Games are broadcast from land-based casinos and studios and provide players with the authentic atmosphere while the action takes place under their very eyes. So, now that this form of entertainment is more accessible than ever and players can choose from multiple options, let’s learn how to find the one that’s just perfect for you.
What Makes a Good Live Online Casino UK?
As we have discussed in our other articles, the UK online gaming market is saturated with online casinos. What’s more, most of these gaming establishments are reputable and have outstanding features, which makes the overall process of picking only one even more exhausting. We will now take a closer look at the details that can help you tell which live online casinos are worth your time and money. Keep reading and thank us later!
Licence and Safety
Live casinos are practically the sections on gambling sites where you will find live dealer games, meaning that you won’t find standalone live casinos in the UK market. So, the biggest requirement an online casino needs to meet to operate in the regulated UK market is to obtain a licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission. It is the only guarantee that the operator complies with high industry standards and regulations.
Software and Game Selection
The number of software providers in the live casino niche of the online gaming industry has been increasing, which enables players to choose from a plethora of tables and games hosted by real-life dealers. As we have already mentioned, Playtech was one of the pioneers in this niche. Nowadays, players can enjoy games created by a wide array of suppliers.
At the moment of writing this guide to the best UK live online casinos, Evolution Gaming is one of the leaders in the market. The Latvia-based provider of live casino solutions was established back in 2006 and, according to their Linkedin profile, was inspired by the renowned casino in Monte Carlo. Today, their portfolio consists of innovative takes on casino classics and highly exciting live casino game shows based on popular TV programmes. Besides, they have developed several First Person games, allowing players to easily switch from the RNG to live dealer version of the game.
NetEnt Live is the Net Entertainment division dedicated to live dealer games. The Swedish provider has not only been an established slot developer, but it has also come up with innovations in the world of live casinos, especially when it comes to the mobile arena. NetEnt Live’s portfolio may not be diverse in terms of games, since they offer Live Blackjack and Roulette, but players can choose from a wide range of game variations and enjoy the HD quality of live stream wherever they are.
Other reputable providers of live solutions include Playtech, Authentic Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi, Extreme Live Gaming and more. A good live casino has a portfolio that features games from different companies. It should contain all types of games, from casino classics and their innovative variations to exciting game shows offering some thrilling action.
Blackjack is one of the most popular games at brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Depending on contributing providers, live casino players can enjoy a plethora of its variants today, including those that offer potentially lucrative side bets.
Another popular casino classic has seen many variations at live casinos. Besides European, American and French versions of the game, Roulette enthusiasts can also enjoy game variants offering massive multipliers for added excitement.
Although not many providers offer Poker games, there are still many variants you can enjoy at live tables, like Casino Hold’em, Caribbean Stud Poker or Texas Hold’em. Some Poker games, like those powered by Evolution Gaming, even offer progressive jackpots that can go up to millions of GBP.
Other popular live casino games you should have access to include Live Dealer Baccarat and its variant, Live Sic-Bo, lottery-like games like Super 6, Keno or Mega Ball and live casino games shows. When it comes to game shows, Evolution is the leader in the market with their popular releases based on the Wheel of Fortune, such as Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live and Crazy Time. Playtech’s Live Spin a Win is another take on the same game. In 2020, Evolution launched Live Craps, which will please all the fans of the popular dice game with its fantastic appearance and user-friendly interface. The game is the perfect option for players who are new to Craps and want to learn the ropes.
Table Limits
Live dealer games are available in real-money mode only, that’s why it is important to pay attention to how much you bet. The good news is that live tables come with bet limits that suit all kinds of players. However, you should bear in mind that minimum stakes may be a bit higher than those you can make at RNG-operated games due to higher costs of production and maintenance.
In most cases, you can enjoy live casino games for as little as £0.50 while the maximum stake goes to thousands of GBP. Live casinos also offer exclusive or VIP tables with higher bet limits. The maximum wager at these tables can go up to £150,000 or even more. Before you join a live dealer table or live casino game show, make sure to check whether its betting range suits your bankroll.
Banking Methods
Live casinos UK should allow you to make transactions in GBP via safe and convenient banking methods. Quick deposits and withdrawals should be enabled through debit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets, mobile billing and other payment solutions. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your credit card to play live dealer or any other casino games on UK gambling sites.
There is no difference in banking at online and live casinos, so you want to be provided with fast service that won’t cost you a lot. The operator should not charge any fees on deposits and withdrawals whatsoever. Typically, e-wallets guarantee the fastest cashouts that are completed within 24 hours. If you are a high-roller, check the maximum deposit and cashout limits and choose the banking method that suits you best based on them.
Customer Support
Live dealer games come with the built-in live chat feature. Still, if you have any issue with the gaming establishment itself, you will need to contact the casino customer support team. The best live casinos available in the UK market provide their customers with 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Some of them even provide assistance through a toll-free phone line.
Live Online Casino UK Bonuses and Promotions
If you have ever visited a UK-facing online casino, you know that players are spoilt for choice when it comes to bonuses and promotions that can make use of. However, when it comes to live casino bonuses, you won’t be able to find them at many gaming venues. Live casino enthusiasts can claim welcome bonuses and packages to play their favourite games, though.
As for dedicated live casino bonuses, they may include cashback offers and free chips, enabling you to get a portion of your net losses back and play live casino games for free. At some live casinos, you can take part in live casino tournaments for a chance to win a share of a prize pool. These tournaments are held on selected live dealer games and mostly require a minimum deposit to qualify.
All casino bonuses and promotions come with terms and conditions attached, and those available to live casino players are not an exception. What you should pay attention to is how high wagering conditions are and whether you can fulfil them by betting real money on live dealer games.
We have to warn you that in most cases, these games are excluded or wagers on them contribute to the playthrough at a lower rate, like 10% or 20%. It simply means that if you want to complete the playthrough by playing live casino games, you will have to wager 5x or even 10x more money. Add this to wagering requirements set at between 30x and 60x the bonus, and you will see why live casino games should not be the option when you want to turn your bonus into real cash.
Things to Keep in Mind When Playing Live Casino Games
Now that we have introduced you to the best live online casinos UK, we want to share with you a few things that may come in handy. First of all, live casino games are always played in real-time, so you need to pay attention to the timeframe you have to place your bet. If you fail to do it within the given time, you must wait for another round.
Also, these games are available for real money only. Make sure to calculate how much you can wager per round and set your win and loss limits. Mastering the art of bankroll management is key to online casino success.
Why Join Best Live Online Casino UK?
The best UK live casinos will allow you to access the library of top-notch games hosted by professional and friendly live dealers in a safe and fair environment. Also, they will enable you to use bonuses designed with live casino players in mind, thus making the overall gaming experience more rewarding. Choose the best live casinos in the UK market from our list of carefully curated gambling sites or search for them yourself paying attention to all the details we have listed above.
Live Online Casino UK FAQs
What is a live online casino?
A live online casino is a section of a gambling site where you can play table games and game shows hosted by live dealers with the action streamed in real-time from brick-and-mortar studios and casinos.
Is it legal to play live dealer games in the UK?
Yes, this form of entertainment is legal in the UK, where legitimate operators hold a UKGC licence as a guarantee that their services meet rigorous requirements.
Can I play live casino games for free?
No, live casino games cannot be played for free.
Can I use bonuses to play live casino games?
While they are rare, some of the best UK gambling sites offer bonuses and promotions created with live casino players in mind.
Where to find the best live online casino UK?
If you don’t want to search for them yourself, you can find trusted UK live casinos on our gaming portal.
Best Live Casinos July, 2024
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