Live Dealer Online Casino Games Catching On Fast

by Devon Chappell, News Staff Writer

February 4, 2009

Live dealer online gambling is thriving these days as more traditional online gaming providers expand their operations and services. Until now, a small handful of software developers and online casino providers, namely those under the Playtech brand, have offered a limited number of live dealer games. But as an increasing number of players begin to get wind of this innovative form of online gambling, more companies are beginning to offer live dealer solutions to their players.

No stranger to live dealer online gambling, MediaLive Casino has recently announced an apparent "first" in the live gaming sector. The Malta-based company says they are now hosting live Texas Hold'em Poker, and broadcasting the table action via webcams from its Malta gaming studio. On show at the recent International Gaming Expo (IGE) in London, MediaLive also announced they are working on developing more live dealer online casino games, including Chemin de Fer and Baccarat.

Also at IGE was the London-based Lucky 8 Ltd., which has apparently secured the first and only license (thus far) from the UK Gambling Commission to offer live dealer games via its website. Broadcasting live video feeds from its Birmingham card room, Lucky8 currently offers Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette, which just so happen to be the three casino games most commonly offered by live dealer online casinos.

Playtech Software, for example, offers live dealer Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette (as well as Sic Bo). Their selection of Baccarat games is especially impressive. In fact, Playtech was the first to offer VIP Baccarat via advanced video streaming technology. Complete with Baccarat score cards, real time game history feeds (on demand video playback and up to 3 shoe histories), Playtech allows Baccarat high rollers to tip the dealer, interact in live chat and "squeeze the cards" as they say. Equally impressive is Playtech's selection of Baccarat variations, including 7 Seat Baccarat, Mini Baccarat, Progressive and Japanese Baccarat. To see them for yourself, OCS recommends the live dealer casino games at Golden Palace Casino.

I suppose its also worth mentioning that all the dealers are young, exotic, beautiful women. Obviously, the live online casino sector is catering to men, not to mention anybody who just doesn't trust software platforms or who wants the closest experience possible to the real thing in the casino. And despite the higher operating costs on the operators end, more live dealer online casinos are going to be seeking larger crowds.

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