Live dealer games are the closest you'll get to a real casino experience without leaving your house. Here's everything you need to know about playing live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more.
I used to think live dealer games were just a gimmick. Why play with a real dealer when you can play RNG (random number generator) games faster? But after trying them properly, I'm converted. There's something about watching a real person deal cards or spin a roulette wheel that makes the experience feel more authentic.
Here's my complete guide to live dealer games for Australian players.
What Are Live Dealer Games?
Live dealer games are exactly what they sound like — casino games streamed live from a studio or real casino, with a real human dealer. You place bets through your computer or phone, and the dealer carries out the game in real time.
The games are streamed in HD (sometimes 4K) from professional studios. You can see the cards being dealt, the roulette wheel spinning, or the baccarat cards being flipped. You can even chat with the dealer and other players through a chat function.
It's not quite the same as being in a real casino — you can't feel the cards or hear the wheel — but it's the next best thing.
How Live Dealer Games Work
Here's the basic setup:
- Studio: Games are streamed from professional studios (usually in Europe or Asia) or real casinos
- Dealer: A real, trained dealer runs the game
- Streaming: Multiple camera angles stream the game in HD to your device
- Interface: You place bets through a digital interface overlaid on the video
- Chat: You can chat with the dealer and sometimes other players
- Results: Results are determined by physical actions (cards dealt, wheel spun), not RNG
The games run 24/7, so you can play whenever you want. Some popular tables can get busy, but there are usually multiple tables for each game type.
Best Live Dealer Games
Live Blackjack
RTP: 99.5%+ with basic strategy
Live blackjack is the most popular live dealer game. You play against a real dealer, trying to get to 21 without going bust. The rules are the same as regular blackjack, but you're watching real cards being dealt.
Why it's great: The social aspect. You can chat with the dealer, and some tables let you chat with other players. It feels more engaging than RNG blackjack.
Tip: Learn basic strategy before you play. The house edge is only 0.5% with perfect strategy, but most players give back 2-4% by making mistakes.
Live Roulette
RTP: 97.3% (European) or 94.7% (American)
Live roulette is exactly what it sounds like — a real roulette wheel spun by a real dealer. You place bets on where the ball will land.
European vs American: Always play European roulette if you can. It has one zero instead of two, which gives you better odds. American roulette has a house edge of 5.26%, while European is 2.7%.
Tip: Stick to outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) if you want consistent small wins. Inside bets (specific numbers) pay more but hit less often.
Live Baccarat
RTP: 98.9% (banker bet) or 98.5% (player bet)
Baccarat is a simple card game where you bet on whether the player or banker will have a hand closer to 9. It's one of the easiest games to learn, and the banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino.
Why it's great: Baccarat is fast-paced and easy to follow. The rules are simple, and you don't need to make any decisions during the game — just place your bet and watch.
Tip: Always bet on the banker. Yes, there's a 5% commission on banker wins, but the odds are still better than the player bet.
Live Poker Variants
There are several live poker variants available:
- Casino Hold'em: You play against the dealer, not other players. Simple Texas Hold'em rules.
- Three Card Poker: Fast-paced game with simple rules. Good for beginners.
- Caribbean Stud: Similar to Casino Hold'em but with different payouts.
Tip: These games have higher house edges than blackjack or baccarat (usually 2-3%). Play them for fun, not for serious profit.
Game Shows
Live game shows are a newer category that's become really popular:
- Crazy Time: A big wheel game with bonus rounds. High volatility, big potential wins.
- Monopoly Live: Based on the board game, with a live host and bonus features.
- Dream Catcher: Simple wheel game, easy to understand.
Tip: These are entertainment games, not serious gambling. The RTP is usually lower (94-96%), but they're fun to play.
Best Casinos for Live Dealer Games
Not all casinos have good live dealer sections. Here are the ones I recommend for Aussie players:
- LiveDealer Pro: Over 50 live tables, excellent streaming quality, fast withdrawals
- CrownPlay Casino: Good selection of live games, reliable streaming
- SkyCity Online: Trusted brand, solid live dealer section
Check my casino reviews for more details on each.
Tips for Playing Live Dealer Games
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Live dealer games stream video in real time. If your connection drops, you could miss bets or get disconnected mid-game. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before you start playing.
Tip: Use WiFi instead of mobile data if possible. It's more stable and you won't use up your data allowance.
2. Start with Low Stakes
Live dealer games can be intimidating if you're new to them. Start with low-stakes tables ($1-5 minimum bets) until you're comfortable with the format.
Tip: Most live tables have minimum bets of $5-10. Some have VIP tables with $100+ minimums. Stick to the low-stakes tables until you know what you're doing.
3. Learn the Rules First
Don't jump into a live game without knowing the rules. Each game has slightly different rules and payouts. Take a few minutes to read up before you play.
Tip: Most casinos have free RNG versions of their games. Play those first to learn the rules before you play with real money in a live game.
4. Manage Your Bankroll
Live dealer games can be fast-paced, especially roulette and baccarat. It's easy to lose track of how much you're betting. Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
Tip: Use the same bankroll management principles as with any other casino game. Set loss limits and win limits, and stick to them.
5. Be Respectful
Live dealer games are social. You're interacting with a real person. Be respectful to the dealer and other players. Don't be rude if you lose — the dealer isn't responsible for the outcome.
Tip: Dealers appreciate tips. If you're winning, consider tipping the dealer. It's not required, but it's a nice gesture.
Live Dealer vs RNG Games
Should you play live dealer or RNG games? Here's the comparison:
Live Dealer Pros:
- More authentic casino experience
- Social interaction with dealer and players
- Results determined by physical actions, not software
- More engaging and entertaining
Live Dealer Cons:
- Slower pace (fewer hands per hour)
- Higher minimum bets
- Requires stable internet connection
- Fewer game variations
RNG Game Pros:
- Faster pace (more hands per hour)
- Lower minimum bets
- Play anytime, even with poor internet
- More game variations
RNG Game Cons:
- Less authentic experience
- No social interaction
- Results determined by software (some players don't trust this)
- Can feel repetitive
My recommendation: Mix it up. Play live dealer games when you want a more social, authentic experience. Play RNG games when you want to play fast or with low stakes.
The Bottom Line
Live dealer games are a great option for Australian players who want a more authentic casino experience. They're not for everyone — if you prefer fast-paced play or low stakes, RNG games might be better. But if you want to feel like you're in a real casino without leaving your house, live dealer games are worth trying.
Just remember to play responsibly. Set limits, stick to them, and don't chase losses. Live dealer games should be fun, not stressful.
If you're new to live dealer games, start with blackjack or baccarat. They're easy to learn and have good RTP. Avoid the game shows until you're comfortable — they're fun but have lower RTP.
Good luck, and enjoy the experience!
Cheers,
Alex