Live casinos bring the excitement of real-life casinos straight to your screen. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? To help us understand the scope and variety of the market, we talked to iGaming insider Ville Saari. He heads the team of casino experts at the huge gambling site comparison platform Bojoko.com, which monitors, reviews, and ranks live casinos in the UK.
In this interview, Saari shares his thoughts on what makes live casinos different, how they evaluate and rank them, and how players can find the best deals and experiences. He will also address whether the general standard of live casinos today is so strong that it doesn't really matter where you sign up.
It seems that most of the popular live casino games today are by Evolution Gaming and that practically all British casinos host these games. Would you say that all live casinos are pretty much the same today, or are there essential differences players should know about?
I wouldn't go that far. While most live casinos feature Evolution games, Pragmatic Play has become a clear competitor and has been making inroads. Then, you also have a strong of big and small live dealer hosts and developers eager to impress.
What we can say is that the baseline for live casinos is probably greater than ever before, but there are still casinos with slim selections and casinos that truly overdeliver.
Games are also not everything. When you compare live casinos, you should also look at the other features casinos offer, such as bonuses and competitions. Even with the exact same providers, one live casino can be significantly better and more exciting than another.
What should players look for when choosing a live casino to ensure they have a good time?
First, ensure the casino has a license from a trusted authority, like the UK Gambling Commission. We only list brands licensed in Britain, so use our list as a starting point and expand from there, as non-licensed brands pose a real threat of scams.
Next, check out the selection of games. A good variety means they have gone for more than the basics. The standards are higher than ever, but that means you should also be more picky. Even if you don't think you need the smaller developers now, they may shake things up if you start getting complacent a few months down the line.
You should also look for live casino-specific bonuses. These are rare and can make a huge difference in your experience. Other live casino-related features, such as competitions, are also worth taking into consideration.
Finally, the website should be easy to use. Check it out both on your computer and phone to ensure it does not feel clunky or is poorly adapted to smaller screens.
How do the companies that provide the games affect the live casino experience?
The companies that create live casino games, like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech, play a big role. Top companies offer high-quality video, fun game variations, and professional dealers. They spend a lot on technology to make sure players have a great time. Choosing a casino that works with these top providers is easy, however.
It is the smaller providers that can act like jokers and shake things up. New developers always pop up, and some are incredibly ambitious and daring in what they want to do, as standing out is hard.
Let's talk a bit more about bonuses. How can players find the best deals at live casinos?
It's boring, but it really just comes down to reading the terms and conditions carefully. It's similar to how you might want to assess regular slot bonuses, but as live casino games often come with ways to choose your odds, there are more things you can do to adapt your playstyle to the offer.
For instance, it is very common to have bonus restrictions, such as max bet and max win, as they will have a huge impact on which strategy is the best. With a max win clause, there's no need to take big risks on live roulette, for instance. You should also always check the wagering requirements, expiry time, and any other restrictions to ensure you assess the bonus correctly. Also, the bonuses are often only available to specific games, so check the restricted game list.
Do you have any final tips for players to get the most out of their live casino experience?
Remember, the main goal is to have fun. Set a budget, play responsibly, and choose a casino that offers a safe and enjoyable environment. Also, don't hesitate to contact customer support if you have any questions-they're there to help. In fact, in some cases, they may even give out bonuses or speed up your journey to become a VIP member.
