Live casino games are arguably one of the best advancements in online gambling from recent years. These titles have transformed online casinos from a solitary pastime to an immersive interactive experience that’s as close as one can get to sitting at a roulette or blackjack table without stepping into an actual brick and mortar location. You’re not just watching a video feed here, as you’re still making all decisions the game demands while communicating with the dealer and even the other players through live chat features.
We’re all used to video streaming these days, meaning we forget how much a technological marvel it actually is. Add all the necessary interactive features and live casino gaming is nothing short of a miracle. With this in mind we’ve decided to take a closer look at the technology powering our favourite live casino games. Are you as curious as we are? Then join us on this in-depth look into all the details!
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What are Live Casino Games?
Your looking into this article means you’re probably familiar with live casino games, but that’s actually not the case we’re going to provide you with a quick refresher. Live casino games are interactive online versions of classic titles such as blackjack, roulette, and poker that are based around video streaming. This means they are streamed live, typically from a studio or an actual casino, and run by a human dealer. You interact with the game as you would with any other online casino title, namely by deciding on the value of your bets before placing them, and all your decisions will be seamlessly transmitted to the dealer.
The technology behind live casino games can be split into a number of categories. First there is the tech behind the studio itself, such as the multiple cameras used to shoot the action. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) “reads” the numbers and cards held by the dealer and translates them into digital data for the game’s user interface. A Game Control Unit (GC) encodes the video stream, synchronises it with the game interface, and takes care of all game logic. Then there is the streaming, which pushes video to all the players. And that’s not all, so let’s take a closer look at each component behind the live casino experience.
Live Studio Tech
Live Studio Tech
A live casino game studio is very much like a TV studio, only one that’s dedicated to running casino games. Some providers shoot their games from real-life casino floors, but many prefer using purpose-built studios for the video and audio consistency they provide.A typical studio features professional-grade casino equipment such as tables, wheels, and cards, together with multiple HD or 4K cameras covering the action from all angles.
Controlled lighting ensures the maximum clarity for the video stream, while sound dampening materials prevent interference from noise. Some providers place a green screen behind the dealer to allow for custom background visuals or a virtual set, but others prefer to keep it simple and place their focus solely on the game and dealer.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
The magic of live casino gaming is how the dealer’s actions are translated into the game’s interface. This is thanks to OCR technology, which does things such as read the number and suits of cards, the number of a roulette wheel, or the results of a dice roll. These values are then pushed into the game’s graphics, letting you know clearly what’s happening during the session.
The Game Control Unit (GCU)
The GCU is nothing less than the backbone of a successful live casino setup. This is a box the size of a shoebox that encodes the video stream from the cameras, synchronises the dealer’s actions with the game interface, and processes game logic in real time. It also ensures the security and fairness of each round of the game. In other words a live casino game without a GCU is little more than a video stream.
Random Number Generators (RNG))
While the classic casino games like blackjack and roulette are based around actual, physical cards and wheels, many modern live casino titles are enhanced by digital game elements. In these cases the randomness - and as such fairness - of these games is handled by an RNG. These are especially key in game show titles that are based around minigames that are run purely through digital means.
Augmented Reality and CGI Overlays
Many modern live casino games feature eye-catching visuals, with their presenters and dealers interacting with striking digital overlays. These overlays provide the player with useful information, and look great as they do. Such overlays can include game interface grids, multiplier graphics, player chat windows, and statistics windows. Many providers employ augmented reality to merge these overlays with the physical table or replace the backgrounds with entire virtual sets.
Secure Betting Platforms
Secure Betting Platforms
Games require robust back-end solutions to handle the less glamorous aspects of online casino gaming. These are what take care of the payments going back and forth between players and casino. Payments are more complex than you imagine - after all, thousands of players may be on the same game at a time, and their payments need to be validated as bets are closed and results determined and displayed. Meanwhile all communications are encrypted to ensure all player data remains secure.
Multi-Platform Support
Modern live casino games can be played on all platforms, from desktop and laptop PCs to smartphones and tablets. Some of these titles can even be enjoyed on smart TVs! This is all thanks to the HTML5 framework, which allows providers to build casino games that can run on anything that can handle a modern internet browser. No additional downloads are required, as instead you can log into your casino account and start playing from wherever and whenever you are.
Looking Towards the Future of Live Casino Games
By this point live casino games are a mature and established staple of any online casino. They run as intended as they provide us with an unmatched gaming experience. However providers are not standing on their laurels, as they are working on the next generation of live casino titles. Think games enhanced with AI integration, allowing for adaptive player support, smarter camera switching or personalised games, or live casino experiences in full-on VR. The sky’s the limit when it comes to live casino! So look forward to continue enjoying these games and, as always, do play responsibly.
