Live dealer roulette has had a big impact on the brick and mortar casinos’ business since it was introduced at online casinos in the latter part of the last decade.
Although both games feature betting on a ball spinning around a wheel, this is where the similarities end between the two roulette games. The presence of a live dealer has added an extra dimension to the virtual roulette offered by online casinos thus bringing it closer to the real experience.
Here is a closer look at the two games from various angles which a roulette player might consider when deciding if playing with a live dealer is a good option.
Are Live Dealer Roulette Games Rigged?
One of the big advantages of live casino roulette is that the players can see all of the action unfolding before their eyes
Having placed a bet you’ll see the dealer/croupier put the ball in motion and watch until the ball comes to rest, sure in the knowledge that the spin is genuine. Many live dealer studios have a TV in the background streaming a popular news channel to reassure players that the spins are not pre-recorded.
Is Online Roulette Rigged?
When playing at a virtual roulette table, although you see the ball spinning around the wheel, many players have a nagging doubt if the game is real or rigged.
“I have just placed a big bet on red… how do I know that the software isn’t rigged so that the ball will land in black?”
On the majority of occasions, these doubts are totally unfounded as sites are tested for randomness. As long as you play in a reputable online casino you should have no doubts that all online games are fair and no cheating is happening there.
Live Dealer Roulette – Atmosphere
A live dealer casino offers the most life like casino experience you can have while at home
You’ll be able to interact with both the dealer and other players through a chat box. The dealer will be able to chat back verbally, other players responding through the text chat. The majority of dealers at online casinos are attractive females in the twenty to thirty age bracket, which is an added incentive to play for many customers.
You’ll also hear genuine noises from the various casino games going on around your own personal game, adding to the overall casino atmosphere, as well as see other games going on in the background.
Live Dealer Roulette – Game Variations
The standard live dealer roulette game is the European Roulette.
The single zero provides a lower house edge to the casino than the US double zero variation. You will also find French Roulette at some studios. This is the same European wheel, though even money bets are returned at 50% when the ball lands on zero which lowers the house edge even more.
Important: If given the option always choose European roulette wheel for real money
Live Speed Roulette
Live Casino Roulette is a game that is usually a little faster than you’ll see at a casino
You’ll generally see around 80 to 100 spins an hour. Some offer slightly faster games at a slingshot table, where you’ll not see a dealer – you’ll simply see a close up of the wheel. You’ll be able to play virtual roulette at a much faster rate.
Once a spin is complete and you’ve placed your bet, you’ll hit spin again. This means that the speed of the table is actually governed by you.
Live Turbo Roulette
Some games even offer a turbo option, where you’ll not actually see the spin, just the final destination of the ball. This can make for an incredibly quick game, with a spin every few seconds.
Of course, a greater speed at a table can be deemed both an advantage and a disadvantage. Action junkies might want the ability to play as many games as possible in a given time; others might want a more relaxed pace where they can enjoy the overall experience.
Live Dealer Roulette – Stakes
Because of the cost of running a live casino, you’ll find generally that there are higher minimum stakes when playing at a brick and mortar casino. Virtual roulette doesn’t feature such overheads, so you’ll be able to play for lower stakes at many sites. The actual limits will depend on the specific casino, with $1 for inside bets and $5 for outside bets a common choice.
Live Dealer Roulette Bonus
Some casino sites will have a bonus structure that encompasses both the live and the virtual casino, meaning playing at both will contribute to the one bonus.
However, some sites will differentiate between the two, having one bonus for the live casino and another for the virtual game. Usually, the bonuses are more lucrative at the virtual casinos. However, this isn’t always the case, so check out the individual sites for details.
Remember:Check out the live dealer roulette deposit bonus rules carefully before signing up
Live Dealer Roulette – Pros & Cons
As you can see, both live dealer and virtual roulette tables have their benefits. If you have yet to experience the new generation of roulette games with a live croupier, then make sure you check them out for yourself soon. You’ll be in a better position to decide which suits your particular needs better.
