Live Dealer Casinos – Top Choices for Gaming in Real Time

Details
Terri Radford
Written by: Terri Radford
Head of Playcasino.co.nz

Introduction to Live Dealer Casinos in New Zealand

Live dealer casinos have gotten a lot of attention lately because they synergistically bring together the easy access of online gaming with a brick-and-mortar casino-like experience. You get the best of both worlds—live dealers, real-time interaction, as well as the convenience of playing from anywhere. These games allow you to watch the dealer shuffle cards or spin a roulette wheel right in front of you, and you can even chat with them as you play. It puts the element of social interaction and the human touch, which has been missing in computerised forms of gaming.

In New Zealand, live dealer games have quickly become a popular option for online casino players, just like in the rest of the world. This guide will cover everything you need to know about them, from the games themselves to where to find the best platforms to play on.

The Top Licensed Live Dealer Casinos in New Zealand

What Are Live Dealer Casinos?

Live dealer casinos let you play online with a real dealer. Instead of playing against a computer, you’ll see the dealer dealing cards or spinning the roulette wheel live on your screen. It’s like being at a real casino, but without leaving your house.

Here’s how it works: the dealer is in a studio that looks like a real casino, and everything is streamed live. You’ll place your bets online, and the dealer takes care of the rest. The biggest difference between live dealer games and regular online games is that there’s no computer doing the work—it’s all happening in real-time with a real person (a professionally trained croupier) hosting the game.

This makes live dealer games feel a bit more like being in a land-based casino, without the need to get dressed up or leave your couch. In some cases, live dealer games are streamed from dedicated studios that are setup exclusively to deliver live gaming experiences to screens around the globe, and in other cases, the games are streamed directly from an actual land-based casino, and you get to play the game from your PC or mobile, as though you were at the casino in person.

Why Choose Live Dealer Gaming?

Live dealer gaming gives you a chance to play with real people in real-time. Instead of sitting at a table with just software running the show, you’ve got a real dealer handling the cards, rolling the dice, or spinning the wheel, whatever the case may be. It’s as close as you can get to being in a casino without actually being there. You can see everything happening in real-time, and the dealer might even chat with you during the game.

Another big advantage is transparency. When you’re watching the game unfold live, you know exactly what’s going on. You don’t have to rely on random number generators; you’re seeing every card dealt or every spin as it happens, and this adds a sense of tangible, physical reality to the game, which many players feel more comfortable with than in software-driven games where they are not sure what exactly is happening behind the digital veil.

There’s also a social side to live dealer games. You can interact with the dealer and sometimes with other players at the table, and this of course adds to the experience. You’re not just sitting there zombified by a screen, but there’s an actual dealer and even other real players on the other side.

Top Live Dealer Casino Games for Kiwi Players

New Zealand players have plenty of great live dealer games to choose from. At present, some of the common types of live dealer games that you’ll come across include classic table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker. There are also several live dealer gameshows, and these are more TV-style gameshows with lots of pompous presentation, and these games can be really unique and creative in nature. Let’s check out some of the common types of live dealer games you’re bound to bump into in the online casino domain:

  • Live Blackjack Live Blackjack is a favourite for many Kiwi players. The goal is simple beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. A lot of players like blackjack because it’s a game of both luck and strategy. Some players stick to basic strategy charts to improve their chances of winning, and many others like to play it by ear and really take up the challenge of making quick decisions based on the dealer’s hand.
  • Live Roulette Live Roulette is another popular option in New Zealand. The main choice players have is between European and American roulette. The key difference is that European roulette has a single zero, whereas American roulette has both a single and double zero, and this slightly affects the odds. Many Kiwi players prefer European roulette because it offers better odds, and that’s a good enough reason. For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with smaller bets and stick to even-money bets like red or black.
  • Live Baccarat Live Baccarat has a strong following among players who enjoy simple and fast-paced gameplay. The aim is to get as close to 9 as possible. It’s an easy game with a very gradual learning curve and is therefore ideal for players that don’t want to bother too much about rules, strategies, and the like. Many players prefer to bet on the banker since it has a lower house edge, but it’s also good to spice things up and bet on the player or a tie every now and then.
  • Live Poker We probably don’t need to sell poker to you. This game has a worldwide appeal, and it is all about wit and strategy and having the ice-cold poker face. New Zealanders can try different variants like Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker at live dealer casino lobbies. The trick with poker is to be patient and pay attention to how other players are betting.
  • Game Shows and Speciality Games For something a bit different, live game shows like Dream Catcher and Monopoly Live are great choices. These games are all about luck and are more interactive inherently. The hosts make the experience more lively, and such games are loved by players that want something more elaborate, creative, unique, and fun.

How to Select the Best Live Dealer Casinos in NZ

Finding the right live dealer casino in New Zealand can make all the difference when it comes to your gaming experience. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best platform to play on. Also, remember that a casino that’s perfect for another player may not be right for you. It comes down to things like personal taste, gaming budget, types of games you prefer, etc. But there are a few non-negotiables that we will talk about in the below sections.

  • Licensing and Regulation The first thing to look for is whether the casino holds a valid license from a known regulatory body. Most trusted live dealer casinos are licensed by organisations like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. When a casino is licensed, it means that it adheres to certain standards when it comes to the really important stuff, such as safety, data protection, game fairness, game quality, etc.
  • Game Variety and Software Providers Next, you’ll want to explore the variety of live dealer games on offer. A good casino should provide a decent range of games like live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. The quality of these games often depends on the software providers the casino partners with. Look for names like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, or Pragmatic Play. These companies are known for delivering high-quality HD streaming games right to your screen.
  • Customer Support Quality If something goes wrong while you’re playing, it’s good to know that help is just a click away. Look for live dealer casinos that offer 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, or phone. The best platforms will have knowledgeable and friendly support staff who can assist you with any issues, whether it’s a technical glitch or a question about a bonus. You can even reach out to the support team and check how quickly they respond and how helpful they are even prior to signing up with the casino.
  • Payment Options Most online casinos these days let you deposit money and withdraw money through a number of ways. However, you still want to check and make sure that the casino accepts the payment methods you prefer and have access to, be it a credit card, a certain e-wallet, cryptocurrencies, or even bank transfers. It’s also easier for you if the casino accepts New Zealand Dollars since you don’t have to worry about currency conversion fees and changing exchange rates.
  • Bonus Offers Also check out the bonuses offered by the casino and compare them to other casino options to decide which one has the best offers. When checking casino bonuses, don’t just go by the way the bonus is marketed. Instead, read the terms and conditions of the bonus to understand the reality of how it works and what sort of value it brings to the table.

Live Dealer Casino Software Providers - The Best Brands Behind the Best Live Dealer Games

When it comes to live dealer casinos, the software providers are the backbone of the entire experience. Basically, these companies develop the games and platforms that allow us to enjoy live gaming from the comfort of our homes. So, let's take a look at some of the major live dealer software providers and understand why choosing casinos powered by known, premium brands translates into a superior live gaming experience.

  • Evolution Gaming Evolution Gaming is considered by many to be the leader in live dealer games. They've been around for quite some time and have set the bar high for live gaming experiences. Evolution Gaming offers a wide range of live games, and this includes classics like blackjack and roulette as well as unique titles like Dream Catcher and Monopoly Live. Their games are streamed from high-quality studios with professional dealers, so you get an experience that's as close as possible to playing in a real casino.
  • Playtech Next up is Playtech, another big name in the online gaming industry. They make slots, table games, and a good number of live dealer games as well. Their catalogue offers a variety of live dealer games, such as different versions of poker, baccarat, and roulette. One thing that makes Playtech unique is the interactive features they include in their games, such as live chat and the ability to play multiple games at once via split screen features.
  • Pragmatic Play Live Another provider to keep an eye on is Pragmatic Play Live. Pragmatic Play Live offers classic table games with some modern attributes, and they are all streamed in high definition from their state-of-the-art studios. They make sure that their games are easy to use and work well on both computers and mobile devices, and so their games are popular among players that prefer gaming on the go. Their dealers are professional and friendly, and they are happy to serve and cater to you at any time.

So, why is it important to choose casinos that use these reputable software providers? Basically, the quality of the software affects how fair, secure, and enjoyable the games are. Well-known providers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play Live are licensed and regulated. This means they follow strict standards to make sure the games are fair and that players are protected against malpractices. When you play their games, you can trust that the results are genuinely random and that your personal information is kept safe. Also, these providers are always working to improve their technology and add new features. This means that we, as players, get to enjoy superior gameplay, faster loading times, and better graphics.

Exclusive Live Dealer Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Many live dealer casinos in New Zealand offer special bonuses designed specifically for live gaming fans. A common one is the welcome bonus, where your first deposit attracts a match bonus or bonus funds or free spins that can be used especially on live dealer games. Usually, the casino lets the player choose whether they want to claim the live dealer welcome bonus or the conventional welcome bonus that is not specific to live dealer games. Likewise, many online casinos also offer live-dealer-specific cashback offers. In such cashback bonuses, you can get back a good chunk of your losses incurred while playing live dealer games, particularly.

Mobile Live Dealer Gaming

Mobile gaming has really taken off in New Zealand, and live dealer games are no exception. More players now prefer to play live games on their phones or tablets because it’s usually a quicker and more convenient way to access games irrespective of where you are. You can play live games from your smartphone while on the train or bus or while waiting in line somewhere. If you have a pair of earbuds or headphones, you can even enjoy the entire experience with surround sound and high-definition video in public spaces without disturbing others around you.

Some live dealer casinos may offer mobile apps that you can download and install, but usually the websites of such casinos are designed to be mobile-responsive, so there is no need for a separate mobile app as such. This means that you can play from your mobile by simply visiting the casino website through a simple mobile web browser app such as Google Chrome or Safari.

For the best mobile gaming experience, make sure you have a solid internet connection. Using Wi-Fi is usually a good idea to avoid interruptions. Also, playing in landscape mode can give you a better view of the dealer and the table, as well as allow you more screen real estate to easily operate the game as there is more space between the different buttons and icons.

Safety and Fairness in Live Dealer Casino Games

When you play at live dealer casinos, you should not compromise on safety, fairness, and data security. Make sure to only play at live casinos that don’t cut any corners in such matters. You want to choose a casino that uses SSL encryption, secure firewalls, etc.

When it comes to the fairness of the games, live dealer games are different from traditional online casino games like slots. In live dealer games, real dealers host the games, and all outcomes are determined by real cards, wheels, and dice. This means there's no need for RNGs (random number generators), which are usually used in fully digital games like online slots. Instead, everything happens just like it would at an actual land-based casino.

Another thing to look for at a live dealer casino is the offering of responsible gaming features. You may not think you need it, but it’s better to have it and use it proactively to safeguard yourself from the crutches of gambling addiction, which can be insidious in nature. So, by making use of things like deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion, session-time limits, etc., you can restrict yourself from playing beyond your means and chasing losses, which is never a good idea.

The Future of Live Dealer Gaming in New Zealand

Live dealer gaming in New Zealand is evolving fast, with new technology changing how players experience these games. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two big developments to watch. These technologies could soon let you play at a fully 3D and responsive virtual table where you may interact with the dealer just like you would in a real casino, maybe just using your human body instead of a keyboard and mouse or a touch screen. Already, there are many online casinos implementing such technologies, but this is still in its infancy as of now, but we’re confident that in a few years’ time, live dealer casinos are going to be virtually indistinguishable from playing at a real land-based casino in person.

Frequently Asked Questions About Live Dealer Casino Gaming in New Zealand

  • Is it legal to play at live dealer casinos in New Zealand? Yes, it is legal to play at live dealer casinos in New Zealand. While local casinos are not allowed to offer online services, players are free to play at overseas-based casinos. Just be sure to choose a casino that is licensed and regulated.
  • Can I play live dealer games on my mobile device? Yes, most live dealer casinos work well on mobile devices. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or tablet, you can easily play live games by accessing the casino’s mobile site or through a dedicated app, if one is available. Just make sure you have internet connectivity on your mobile for uninterrupted live gaming entertainment.
  • What internet speed do I need for live gaming? For live gaming, you’ll need a stable internet connection. Ideally, speeds of at least 5 Mbps will give you a smooth experience without any lag, buffering, or interruptions. A good Wi-Fi connection is usually best, but high-speed mobile data will work just fine as well.
  • Are live dealer games fair? Yes, live dealer games are fair. These games are streamed in real-time with real dealers, so you can see every move they make. Licensed casinos also have to follow strict regulations to keep games fair. It’s no different from visiting a real land-based casino and playing there in person.
  • How do I deposit and withdraw money safely? You can deposit and withdraw funds securely using options like credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or even cryptocurrencies in some live casinos. Make sure to read the deposit and withdrawal policy to understand how long processing of transactions takes, what sort of verification process is required to be completed, if there are any fees associated with transactions, etc.
  • Can I interact with the dealer and other players? Yes, many live dealer games usually include a chat feature. You can talk to the dealer during the game, and in some cases, chat with other players too. However, this varies from game to game and provider to provider.

© 2023-2024 . All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER: Online Wagering is illegal in some Jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to check your local regulations before playing online. Web Dimension Media takes no responsibility for your actions.