Best online live casinos with human dealers
Live online casinos combine the thrills of a land-based casino with all the perks of playing online. You can play casino games with real dealers at real tables, and with video streamed in HD.
Look out for huge real money bonuses, a brilliant game variety, and professional dealers trained by top casino game studios! Check out our shortlist for our top-rated live casino sites.
Our top recommended live dealer casinos
Unsafe live dealer casinos
If a site makes its way onto our list of sites to avoid, it means it has failed some or all of our 25-step casino review process. We look at things like the variety and fairness of the games, the conditions around bonuses and promos, the banking options, licences and site security.
Best live dealer casinos in players' top categories
Choosing the right live dealer casino can be a maze. We've done the legwork, testing and rating countless options. Now, let's cut to the chase. Experience has taught us what players care about.
So, here are the top scorers in the categories we know matter most to you.
1. ? Gambino Slots: Best live dealer casino
Crushing the competition, Gambino Slots clinches the title by dominating individual category scores, offering the overall best live dealer experience. It's our overall top pick for anyone who wants to play live online casino games for real money.
2. ?? Gambino Slots: Largest live dealer casino bonus
Gambino Slots's welcome offer is unparalleled among other online live casinos. With bonuses on live dealer games normally being somewhat restricted, it's certainly a great choice for most players.
3. ?? Heart Of Vegas: Quickest withdrawal live casino
Zoom to the bank with Heart Of Vegas, boasting rapid payouts often within a few hours. It's the undisputed champion for speedy withdrawals among live dealer casinos.
4. ?? Gambino Slots: Live dealer casino with best payout rate
For the strategists who love getting the most out of their games, Gambino Slots is the casino that statistically offers the best payout rates, based on our data.
What are live casinos?
Live casinos are a type of online casino that offer a real ‘live’ dealer to host the games. Many people find the action at a live casino replicates the experience in a land-based casino best. This makes live casinos popular with those who enjoy offline gambling but aren’t able to make the trip to their local casino. Some just prefer to play in the comfort of their own home.
Do live dealer casinos work differently to regular ones?
Live casinos function similarly to regular online casinos, but the games have a live element. On the player’s end, the interface of a live casino looks very similar, with bets placed by pressing buttons in the usual way. The big difference is that in a live dealer game, a real ‘live’ dealer (using a real roulette wheel, cards etc.) determines the outcome of each round rather than a Random Number Generator. The dealer, who is broadcast video a video stream, can interact with players to create a more social atmosphere.
Live dealer & regular online casino games compared
Typical online games powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs) and live dealer games both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. Your style of play will likely dictate which ends up being your favorite, but if you're unsure where to start, take a look at our comparison below:
| Live dealer games | Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of a brick and mortar casino without leaving your living room. | Play alongside other players from all over the world, enjoying some camaraderie with them and the dealer. | Offers a nice bridge for offline gamblers who are put off by the usual mechanics of web casino games. | Games must be played at the pace dictated by the dealer, which might be faster or slower than a player would otherwise prefer. | The range of games available is often much smaller than that of standard online casino games. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular casino games | A massive range of games available, often in the hundreds, versus just a few live dealer games on offer in typical casinos. | The difference between minimum and maximum possible bets tends to be much higher when playing standard games. | More diverse bonuses and promotions are available to players with standard online casino games. | It's possible to burn through your bankroll in a short space of time if you get caught up in the action and bet too quickly. | The action can feel a bit sterile or artificial when compared with the interactivity of a “real” casino. |
| Live dealer games | Regular casino games |
|---|---|
| Enjoy all of the sights and sounds of a brick and mortar casino without leaving your living room. | A massive range of games available, often in the hundreds, versus just a few live dealer games on offer in typical casinos. |
| Play alongside other players from all over the world, enjoying some camaraderie with them and the dealer. | The difference between minimum and maximum possible bets tends to be much higher when playing standard games. |
| Offers a nice bridge for offline gamblers who are put off by the usual mechanics of web casino games. | More diverse bonuses and promotions are available to players with standard online casino games. |
| Games must be played at the pace dictated by the dealer, which might be faster or slower than a player would otherwise prefer. | It's possible to burn through your bankroll in a short space of time if you get caught up in the action and bet too quickly. |
| The range of games available is often much smaller than that of standard online casino games. | The action can feel a bit sterile or artificial when compared with the interactivity of a “real” casino. |
Should I play on a mobile live dealer site, or an app?
Both are good choices. If you're looking to play on the go, mobile live dealer games offer an amazing gambling experience. So, let's break down the pros and cons of each, to help you decide the right choice for you.
| Mobile web browser | No need to download extra software for instant play | Easy accessibility through the mobile casino's site | Very little setup required | Graphics may be scaled back for a smoother connection | Can be limited by your browser's power rather than just your phone's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live dealer app | Dedicated apps available for Android, iPhone and iPad | Access live casino games directly from the home screen | Power usage not limited by browser | Requires storage space for app download | Can drain battery faster |
| Mobile web browser | Live dealer app |
|---|---|
| No need to download extra software for instant play | Dedicated apps available for Android, iPhone and iPad |
| Easy accessibility through the mobile casino's site | Access live casino games directly from the home screen |
| Very little setup required | Power usage not limited by browser |
| Graphics may be scaled back for a smoother connection | Requires storage space for app download |
| Can be limited by your browser's power rather than just your phone's | Can drain battery faster |
How to play live casino games
Getting started with live dealer games is really easy, even if you’ve never played at an online casino before, and you can be up and running in a matter of minutes:
- Sign up with one of our recommended online casinos and claim your bonus
- Make your first deposit using a safe and secure banking method
- Navigate your way to the live dealer area of the casino and select the game you want to play
- Brush up on the rules and familiarize yourself with the layout of your screen
- Follow the dealer's instructions and start enjoying your first round of live dealer play!
How we rate the best live dealer casinos
A lot of time, dedication, and accuracy goes into our 25-step casino reviews. Live dealer games and the sites that host them must adhere to our strict player needs. Anything we deem substandard sees us pass over recommending a casino. It is this reason why gamblers from around the world trust us. When compiling our lists of recommended casinos and ones to avoid, we put each to the test, measuring their performance against a benchmark of criteria that we believe ensures our users the best online gambling experience.
Online safety
We look at the encryption certificate and software of all the casinos tested to make sure they provide you with air-tight security.
Payout
It’s vital that once you win on a live dealer table you can withdraw your money as quickly as possible and without having to deal with any hassle.
Responsive support
We try out all the different ways to contact a casino’s customer support team, to make sure they’re responding as quickly as they claim to be.
Mobile accessibility
The best live casinos must offer a responsive, bug-free, and secure mobile gaming experience.
Game variety
The best live dealer casinos should provide players with a variety of live table games and at wagers of all sizes.
Different live dealer game types
Typical live dealer casinos offer just a handful of game types, when compared to the multitudes of online casino games that exist in the. What might soften that blow, however, is the knowledge that most have many different variants of those core games available. From online blackjack to roulette, the most common game variants are shown below:
Blackjack
A card game where players aim to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it, competing against the dealer.
Popular variants of live blackjack:
- VIP
- Party
- Common Draw
- Bet Behind
- Perfect Pairs
- Pre-Decision
Roulette
A game of chance where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel with numbered and colored compartments.
Popular variants of live roulette:
- European
- French
- American
- Immersive
- Speed
- Double Ball
- Double Wheel
- Dragonara Slingshot
- Auto
Baccarat
A card game where players bet on the outcome of the game - either player, banker, or a tie - with the goal of having a hand closest to nine.
Popular variants of live baccarat:
- Squeeze
- Control Squeeze
- Speed, Mini
- Punto Banco
Poker
A card game where players compete against each other, aiming to have the best hand or bluff opponents into folding.
Popular variants of live poker:
- Three Card Poker
- Omaha
- Seven Card Stud
- Five Card Draw
- Caribbean Stud Poker
Hold’em
A popular poker variant where players are dealt two private cards and combine them with five community cards to make the best hand.
Popular variants of live Hold 'em:
- Casino Hold ‘Em
- Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em
- Live Hold ‘Em Pro
Live casino game shows
Gambling-based takes on the popular TV game genre, many are based on popular titles you may recognise from channels all across the world.
Popular variants of live game shows:
- Dream Catcher
- Monopoly Live
- Deal or No Deal Live
- Crazy Time
Live slots
A physical casino slot machine is placed before a live studio, and a human dealer pulls the lever and spins the reels. You bet on the results. They're not seen often, so it's usually only super-famous titles.
Popular variants of live slots:
- Buffalo Blitz
- Gonzo's Quest
Bonus types for live casino sites
Live dealer casino bonuses can help you extend your bankroll and offer some exciting opportunities. However, purpose-built live casino bonuses are rare when compared to bonuses on more traditional games like slots.
That being said, most casinos are happy to allow their standard casino welcome bonuses to be redeemed on live dealer games, albeit with certain restrictions. They usually have higher wagering requirements on live dealer games, since the house edge is lower.
With that in mind, there are plenty of bonus types that are redeemable on live dealer games. Some of the most common include:
-
Weclome bonuses
The standard bonus at any online live casino. You get it when signing up or making your first deposit. It's most commonly a match deposit bonus, but can take many forms.
-
Deposit bonuses
Deposit bonuses match the amount of money you deposit on your early deposits. Between live casinos, the maximum amount of matched money can change, though $1,000 is pretty normal. Most match at a rate of 100%, though some double or triple your money with bonus funds.
-
Reload bonuses
Reload bonuses are similar to deposit bonuses, but can occur at any time, rather than as a welcome bonus. If you find a live dealer online casino you really enjoy, this is one type of bonus you can keep claiming.
-
Live dealer cashback bonuses
Some casinos will award you with bonus funds or cash funds proportional to your losses on live dealer games during the promotional period. The rate is usually 100% up to a maximum when it's a live dealer welcome bonus.
-
Live dealer tournaments
You can enrol in live dealer tournaments, usually for free or for a small fee. For players who perform well, bonuses and cash rewards are up for grabs. Just don't get caught card-counting!
-
No deposit bonuses
Sometimes, casinos give you a small bonus simply for signing up. When this takes the form of bonus funds, it often qualifies as a live dealer bonus, and you can use it on live blackjack, baccarat, or roulette.
-
Free spins
Honestly, free spins that are redeemable at online live casinos are pretty rare, since free spins are normally a slots bonus. However, some live casinos do offer live dealer slots, and you can occasionally find a casino offering a nominal free spins bonus.
-
High roller bonuses
For the players who can afford to risk large amounts of money, casinos usually offer bonuses and perks, such as higher table limits, special promotions, and even personalised rewards.
Popular deposit methods for online live casinos
Every casino accepts multiple payment options, and there are thousands of live casinos out there. That means there are a plethora of options to deposit and withdraw with.
These are ones you can find at tons of top live dealer casinos:
- Mastercard: Widely accepted and provides quick and secure transactions, offering convenient deposits for easy live dealer gaming.
- Visa: Similar to Mastercard, Visa offers broad acceptance, so you can deposit or withdraw from live dealer sessions with minimal hassle.
- PayPal: Known for its security, PayPal adds an extra layer of protection to financial transactions, making it a wise choice for live casino enthusiasts.
- Bitcoin: Offers enhanced privacy and decentralization, allowing users to experience live dealer games with some degree of anonymity.
- Skrill: An e-wallet with quick and easy transactions, Skrill is an excellent choice for live dealer gaming, especially in regions where PayPal isn't available.
- Neteller: Similar to Skrill, Neteller provides a fast and secure e-wallet option, making it ideal for live casino enthusiasts who love efficient payments.
- Bank transfer: Suitable for larger transactions, bank transfers are direct and secure, catering to high-stakes live game players. They are often slower than other methods.
- Paysafecard: Ideal for those who prioritize financial safety, Paysafecard allows users to make deposits without sharing card information, making it one of the safest options at live dealer casinos.
Software providers
Live dealer games are provided by various different software providers, each of which has different strengths and weaknesses. Any one of the options listed here represents a safe and enjoyable option for newbies and experienced players alike, but we hope that the information below will help you figure out which is the best live casino software for you.
If you opt for the best software providers in the industry, you’ll be assured of excellent graphics, with slick, speedy gameplay. Alongside getting a fun, exciting game, you’ll know that what you’re playing is fair and completely random. Whether it’s the reputation of Evolution, NetEnt’s beautiful graphics or even the unique quirks of Microgaming that appeal the most, our at-a-glance guide is sure to point you in the right direction.
| Provider | Hits | Misses |
|---|---|---|
Evolution Gaming |
| -Strong reputation could lead to complacency! |
NetEnt Live |
| -Only online blackjack and roulette variants available |
Playtech |
| -Still regarded as second to Evolution Gaming |
Ezugi |
| -UX isn’t anything out of the ordinary |
Extreme Live Gaming |
| -Many of their titles are just roulette variants |
Authentic Gaming |
| -Only English-speaking dealers available |
Microgaming |
| -Only English-speaking dealers available |
Realtime Gaming |
| -Live dealer games are licensed from third party |
Top tips for choosing a live dealer casino
Not all live casinos are created equal, so you should think hard before you pick the venue where you’re going to play. Where best suits you will depend on a range of factors, such as:
1. Games available
It may be that you’re intending to play just one particular live dealer game or it may be that you want to try as many as possible. Clearly, the number of games a site offers (and the reputation of each one) will have a big impact on how suitable the live online casino experience is for you.
2. Software appearance
There is lots to think about here: how the UX looks, how appealing the background behind the tables are and even how friendly the dealers are! How the software looks, and plays, will inevitably affect whether you want to play there. Above all, you’ll want to make sure that a site is completely safe to use, so look for trusted software providers.
3. Minimum and maximum bets
Most sites offer live dealer games with bets ranging from $5-100. Some providers allow smaller bets, and some allow much larger wagers, but those are few and far between. Even so, it would be a big shame to fall in love with a live gambling site only to find out that you can’t afford to wager there (or want to bet much more).
4. Device compatibility
Think about how you’re going to play when you settle on a live dealer casino – will you be on desktop or maybe on a smartphone or tablet? Certain sites have a better reputation among different platform users, so make sure you always check.
5. Live dealer professionalism
A casino that's trying to offer a truly quality experience will invest in good people and good dealers to run the live casino. Look for casinos that employ experienced and courteous dealers who create a welcoming atmosphere. Professional, friendly dealers who create a fun atmosphere around the game can make a real difference, and they're worth it.
6. Live chat options
Good live dealer casinos will have a live chat function implemented, allowing you to chat with your table mates and the human dealer. While online does lack the full social punch of a brick-and-mortar casino, a well-implemented live chat can provide a satisfying-enough alternative, and far outclasses online casinos that make no effort in this regard.
7. Tech features and quality
Consider the technical features offered by the live dealer platform. The casino should provide a stable and secure connection to avoid disruptions. If your wi-fi is good, but the connection isn't, you may want to look for another casino. Other features to watch out for include the ability to adjust streaming quality, so you have some control over any connection issues. Don't be afraid to judge the overall tech infrastructure of the live dealer casino - if something looks off, it probably is.
How do live dealer casinos work? A peek behind the screen
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at live dealer casinos? Let's take a look at some of the processes that bring live games to your screen.
- 1
Game studio and dealer setup
The live casino game is hosted in a specialized studio equipped with gaming tables, cards, wheels, and other necessary equipment. Sometimes, games may be streamed directly from a brick-and-mortar casino too. The dealer, who is usually trained in both dealing cards and engaging with online players, operates the game.
- 2
Video, audio, and game control
The game studio is equipped with high-quality cameras and microphones to ensure clear video and audio streaming. Behind the scenes, there's a control room where technicians and operators manage the live stream, monitor technical aspects, and make sure the game operates smoothly. They adjust camera angles, handle technical issues, and moderate the live chat feature.
- 3
Software integration
The live casino software integrates with the casino platform's infrastructure to handle player registrations, account balances, and other essential functions. This allows players to sync up their account balance and bets to a real game happening on physical tables.
- 4
Betting phase begins
The live dealer announces the start of a new betting round. Players are given a designated period to place their bets. During this time, players use the virtual interface on their screens to select chips and make bets. They can hit 'confirm' to get signal they're ready.
- 5
The game takes place
The dealer announces the end of the betting phase, and kickstarts the action, whether it's spinning a wheel, dealing cards, or rolling dice. After the game action is completed, the live dealer announces the outcome of any cards, spins, or dice. Winners are paid out in accordance with the bets they made.
Play at a live dealer casino
Our reviewers have searched high and low to find sites offering the latest and greatest live dealer casino games. No matter what your game and platform of choice, you're sure to find something to suit you, so check out our top online casinos with live games and see for yourself!
The #1 live dealer casino
Frequently Asked Questions
What are live dealer games?
Live dealer games are versions of online casino games that allow the player to connect to a real human dealer via a live video feed. They are available at the most top casino websites and they can be accessed from a computer, mobile, or tablet. Real cards, chips, and roulette wheels are used on the croupier’s end while software to make wagers and bets are used on the player’s end. The live chat options brings a social element to the game. It’s the most realistic casino experience outside of a land-based casino.
What table games will I find at live casinos?
You will find lots of table games at live casinos, namely blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Caribbean Stud, three card poker, Hold'em, and more. Live dealer games are always being added. If you’re looking for an online way to enjoy your favorite table games, live casinos are the place to play.
Which live dealer games are the most popular?
Online blackjack and roulette are the most popular live dealer games for a variety of reasons, and chief amongst these is their simplicity. Both are really easy to learn and even a beginner can pick up the key elements in no time. Another reason is the small house edge, which means players can get a lot of play for their money. You can spend a great deal of time enjoying interactions with a real-life dealer, for a minimal outlay.
Can I try live dealer games for free first?
Yes, a growing number of sites offer free demos of live casino games. They are still quite rare, but you can find casinos that have the option. Even on sites without real dealer demos, you can play automated versions of the same casino games for free, as a way to try before you buy. That being said, regular free online casino games are far more common.
Are live games rigged?
No, you’ll be glad to know live games are not rigged. The games are tested by independent bodies to ensure everything is fair and above board, as is the case with all other online casino games at reputable sites. Any good online casino will display their accreditation on-site, so you can see it has willingly subjected itself to independent testing under the terms of its online gaming licence.
Are there live dealer options for mobile & tablet users?
Yes, a growing number of sites have brought live dealer casino games to their mobile and tablet versions. Not every live dealer game you see on a casino site may be compatible with the device, but this is quickly changing thanks to player demand. Currently live blackjack, roulette, and 3 card poker are the most popular mobile variations. Keep in mind that screen size can be more important to the live dealer experience than on regular casino games, if you can't see the dealer then you won't get the full experience.
Written by Hannah Cutajar
Semi professional athlete turned online casino enthusiast, Hannah Cutajar is no newcomer to the gaming industry. With over 5 years of experience, she now leads our team of casino experts at Casino.org and is considered the go-to gaming specialist across several markets including the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Her number one goal is to ensure players get the best experience online through world class content.