Are live dealer games rigged in the player’s favour? Sometimes, yes

To take this advantage, it is best to understand how they work, when they are in your favour, and how to play responsibly.

What are live dealer games?

Live dealer games are something that you may have come across playing at online casinos, but what exactly are they? Simply put, live dealer games are casino table games that are broadcast live. 

There is a wide range of games to play with a live host:

• Classic tables: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps.

• Game shows: Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, Sweet Bonanza CandyLand.

• Poker variants: Casino Hold'em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud.

Why are they so popular?

Many people prefer playing live table games to their virtual counterparts, which is why the most reputable live dealer online casinos now use high-definition streaming to bridge the gap between home play and the casino floor. 

Players often cite that the most exciting aspect is that you can bet in ‘real time’, and they provide an ‘authentic experience’ akin to land-based casinos. There is also a larger trust in humans than in Random Number Generator (RNG) games.

How are outcomes for live dealer games determined?

With any casino games, you must understand how the game works before betting any money.

Human action vs. RNG

With live table games, there is some element of randomness involved. Instead of software like RNGs determining the outcome of the cards, these games are regulated by the dealer. Despite the human touch, the result will always be random, unless you are using an untrustworthy or unlicensed casin

Feature	RNG (Virtual game)	Live dealer (Human)
Randomness source	Complex mathematical algorithms	Physical shuffling / Physics (ball spin)
Pace of play	Fast (Instant results)	Moderate (Real-time interaction)
Trust factor	Audited by software labs	Transparent, visible actions
Social element	None (Single player)	Live chat & dealer interaction

Regulation and audit

Live dealer games are heavily regulated and audited to ensure that they comply with the licensing authority. These authorities include the UKGC, MGA, and auditors like eCOGRA. 

When are live dealer games in the player’s favour?

Although the games are meant to be fair, there are instances where the odds are tipped in the player’s favour.

Strategy can matter

With certain games, you can use strategy to steer the game in your favour. Here are some popular games and how you can increase your chances of winning:

Why online casinos sometimes want you to win

You may think that casinos never want you to win, but this isn’t always the case!

How to find live dealer games that favour players

Finding games that favour you may be tricky, but here are some tips on how to do so in hopes you can increase your chances of winning.

• Look out for rules: Games that offer 3:2 payouts and double after split are games that are favourable for the player. Avoid games with 6:5 payouts and high-minimum tables.

• Compare RTPs: Look at the RTP of games. Theoretically, live games with a high RTP are more likely to return the bet to the player. Use trusted sources like CasinoTopsOnline to search for live dealer games with high RTPs.

• Word of mouth: By looking at community forums and trusted review sites, you can find out if a game is worth playing. If many people have had a negative experience with one game or at one casino, it is best to stay clear.

Responsible gambling tips

Here are some useful tools casinos offer to keep you in control when playing live table games.

Responsible gambling tool	Purpose
Self-assessment test	This will present a set of questions that you have to answer about your gambling behaviour.
Deposit limits	This allows you to put a cap on how much you deposit at any given site.
Self-exclusion	This will block you from playing at a casino or setting up accounts.
Help organisations	They will link you with useful organisations that will assist with gambling-related problems.
Reality check	These will alert you to how long you have been playing so you can decide if you wish to continue.
Time limits	These can be placed on accounts so that you can only play games for a certain period before being locked out.

A trustworthy experience?

Live dealer games can be fair and engaging, especially when provided by trusted and licensed online casinos. Some promotions and strategies can tip the odds in your favour, but this won’t be the case forever. With any live dealer game, you should remember that the house always has the edge, so always place bets with caution. 

Remember to use the tools available, enjoy yourself, but most importantly, play smart.