How do live dealer casino games work?

Where do US live dealer games come from?

US live dealer games are streamed from dedicated studios in the licensed states, because state rules tie them to the market they serve. Evolution launched its third US studio in Michigan on July 22, 2021, after approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, following studios in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Playtech has also opened studios in Michigan and New Jersey. These reports are from 2021 to 2023, so the list may have grown.

How are live dealer games regulated?

Michigan's rules are the ones we have read in full. An operator needs written board approval to run live games, the live game provider must be approved, and the studio must be in Michigan in an approved location unless the board agrees otherwise in writing. Rules differ in other states. See how licensed games are tested.

How is live dealer different from digital casino games?

Pace and bet size are the main differences you will notice.

General comparison. Details differ by game and casino.

Do live dealer games have a higher house edge?

Not because of the format itself. The rules set the edge, so compare them game by game. Wizard of Odds lists Evolution's Infinite Blackjack at 0.45%, close to other online blackjack games in its survey. Trade guides quoting one figure for "live" and another for "digital" disagree with each other, so read the rules panel rather than a headline number.

What should you check before joining a live table?

Check these before you bet:

• The table minimum, which may be higher than in a digital game.
• The wheel or the blackjack payout, such as 3:2 or 6:5.
• Whether a bonus counts toward wagering on live games. Terms may limit this.
• That the casino is on your state regulator's list.
• Your connection, since a dropped stream can affect how a bet is handled. Read the rules on disconnection.