The very popular casino roulette has seen the birth of its online version before it existed in its “live” form, i.e. live from a real gaming table with a dealer.
Typically these games are broadcast from casinos in Eastern Europe, the Philippines or even Costa Rica. These can be real casinos open to the public, or professional studios set up specifically for live games. Three Irish land-based casinos – Penthouse Casino, Fitzwilliam Casino and Expo Casino, are equipped with a facility that allows online players from all over the world to play live roulette – both traditional and electronic versions, at the same time as players who are physically present on site. In effect, it will be playing roulette online for real money, but not on a video game, but on a real wheel that has been filmed.
Specialised software for playing live roulette
There are many software developers who specialise in this reality-based feature, including Evolution Gaming, Vivo Gaming, Vig, LuckyStreak, Netent, Playtech, Microgaming, Ezugy and Authentic Gaming. These names, whose reputation is well established, all offer more or less powerful and complete versions. Their quality will depend on the quality of the broadcast image, the fluidity of the live streaming as well as other technical parameters and the software infrastructure. Then there are considerations such as the language and service of the dealers or the ergonomics of the game interface. However, there is another parameter that will be crucial in this remote real-life experience – the geographical location where the game takes place. Some land-based casinos have a dedicated area for virtual games, with cameras strategically placed to broadcast both the game and show the faces of other participants and the dealer in place.
Differences between online and live roulette
While all new online casinos offer online roulette games, fewer also have a live roulette option – although increasingly, online gaming sites are embracing the ‘live dealer’ feature which appeals to players who want a real-life experience… and pretty dealers. While online roulette offers tables that look more or less the same from one game to the next – the software throws the ball, stops it and the winning number is displayed, in the live roulette version you witness the real game of a human dealer throwing the ball in front of the cameras.
The main difference between the Live option and regular online roulette is the size of the bets – these will be a little higher in live roulette but so will the return! And last but not least – the ‘special roulette’ bonus. These are of course bigger with online games but you will have to meet the wagering requirements, whereas with live roulette, while the bonuses are smaller – the money is real – the wagering requirements are more flexible.
The major classic element that doesn’t change between land-based and virtual roulette is obviously the house edge, as well as the key betting phrases and terms used to play roulette.
