Live Dealer Vs. Virtual Casino Games: Which Is Better?

Online casinos offer players the same gambling experiences that they would enjoy at a brick-and-mortar establishment, with the added convenience that games can be played at home. These platforms host hundreds of games, from slot varieties to table games and bingo.

Many reputable sites also offer live dealer games, which differ from virtual games since the player gets to see a dealer in real time.

Many table game players often wonder which is best: live dealer games or virtual versions of their preferred game. Although this comes down to personal preference, there are some pros and cons to consider for each type of game.

What Are Virtual Casino Games?

Virtual casino games are software-generated games that have no real-world aspect. They make use of algorithms and random number generators to ensure random game options. Although slot games are the most popular virtual casino games, there are also virtual table game options available, like virtual poker or blackjack where the dealer and other players are computer-generated.

Pros

The advantages of virtual games include:

• Fast gameplay: These types of games are faster than live dealer games as you don’t have to wait for the dealer or other players to make a move. Virtual games are specifically designed to allow players to get in several rounds in a shorter timeframe; and when you play at an instant withdrawal casino site, gameplay isn’t the only thing that’s fast; at such platforms, players also enjoy quick payouts and simpler registration procedures.
• Wider game variety: You’re able to select from a wider range of games and variety of a specific game types.
• You control the game: If there are no other players or live dealers, you’re able to set the pace of gameplay. You can take a break when you want or take time to place your bets, without feeling pressure from other players.
• Lower stakes: Many virtual games have smaller minimum bets than live games, making them much more accessible to various players.
• Can play any time of day: There’s no need to wait for a game to start, as virtual games are available 24/7.

Cons

Virtual games are not without their downsides:

• Games are decided by algorithms: Digital games make use of random number generators to determine the outcome. Although RNGs are designed to be fair and ensure trust, not all players enjoy this style of gambling, especially if the platform is not regularly audited independently.
• No social interaction: Virtual games don’t have the same engagement and interaction as live dealer games and can be an isolating gambling experience.

What Are Live Dealer Casino Games?

Live dealer games are table games that are played online, but they’re streamed from a real casino or studio space. This allows players to enjoy an authentic casino experience at home. Players can interact with one another and the dealer, just like they would if they were sitting in a physical casino.

Although you can interact with the game through an online interface, the rest of the game - whether it be poker, roulette, or blackjack - follows the old-school rules. This is one of the best ways to experience a traditional casino game at home.

Pros

Here are the advantages of live dealer games:

• Realistic gambling experience: This is the closest real casino experience you can have at home. You can see the dealer, cards (or roulette wheel), and chat with the dealer or other players at the table.
• Increased trust: You’re able to see the dealer handing out cards or spinning the wheel, which means you can trust that there is no fraud occurring. The game does not make use of a random number generator (RNG) or complicated computer algorithms to determine outcomes.
• Better social experience: Since you’re able to chat with other players and the dealer, there is a real-world social aspect to the game. This can make a game much more enjoyable, as you can engage from home and celebrate wins with other players at the table.

Cons

There are several disadvantages to live dealer games, too:

• Requires a stable internet connection: You will require a fast and reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions or lags.
• Slower play: Since real people are involved, these games are much slower than virtual games, especially if the table is full. You also have to allow time for the dealer to shuffle and deal cards, or drop the ball in the wheel, which you don’t have to do in virtual games.
• The game is controlled by the dealer: You don’t have the option to pause, take a break, or step away in the middle of the game. Live dealer games have a time limit on most actions to keep the game running.

Conclusion: Which Is Better?

Neither type of game is better than the other, it all comes down to the preference of the player. Players who enjoy interaction and high-pressure situations will benefit from live dealer games, while those looking for a more laid-back experience should opt for virtual table games.

The good news is that reputable online casinos will offer both types of games, giving players the option to try out both and see which they enjoy the most.