The live casino is a real-time online gaming service that provides gamers with the opportunity to interact with a human dealer in the comfort of their own home. The games are hosted by specialist companies and designed with the latest technology in mind. This allows the games to run across a wide range of devices and home internet connections. It also means that the video quality is as high as possible for those playing on their laptops or tablets.

The game is controlled by the casino software which sends a video feed of the dealer to the player’s computer. This is then interpreted by the player and the dealer using a digital interface which looks similar to an online slot machine. For example, the player uses buttons to communicate their actions such as drawing cards or spinning the roulette wheel. In order to make the game as realistic as possible, many online casinos use real casino equipment.

These pieces of equipment include a camera that captures the table, a video transmitter to send the footage to the players’ computers, and a special device known as the Game Control Unit. The GCU is a small box that is attached to each live casino table and encodes the video for transmission. The dealer then communicates with the gaming software through the GCU and this translates the bets into digital signals which are interpreted by the gaming engine.

Depending on the game, the gaming engine may have its own special rules that need to be followed. For example, in blackjack the dealers must adhere to standard rules including drawing to 16 and standing on 17. There are also multiple side bets available which can provide extra payouts for specific hand combinations such as pairs or runs. In addition, baccarat games must be played to the same rules as their land-based counterparts.

A live casino can also be used to promote a VIP scheme for players that can meet certain wagering thresholds. This can be an excellent way to attract players and increase the overall size of the gaming platform. However, it is best to reserve a small portion of live casino games for this segment and have the rest open to all. This would allow the casino to appeal to both market segments while increasing loyalty.

In order to play live casino, a player must be above their state’s legal age for gambling. This varies from state to state, but is usually 18 or 21. They must also be a resident of the country in which they are playing to be eligible for the plethora of bonuses that these casinos offer. Some of these bonuses have time limits, so players should check the terms and conditions to avoid missing out on the free money they could be entitled to. Regardless, there are plenty of fantastic bonuses to choose from. These can be used to boost a player’s bankroll and allow them to win even more cash.