A live casino game is a table game run by a real dealer and streamed in real time from a studio. This page explains the common formats, how they differ from computer-based games, and what to check before you sit down at a table at VoodooDreams.
Common live casino variants
Live casino covers several families of table game. The most common are live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat and game shows. Roulette and blackjack are played against the dealer at a shared table, while game shows add a large wheel or a bonus round to a dealer-led format.
Within each family the rules can differ. Roulette may use a European wheel with a single zero or another layout. Blackjack tables may vary in how many decks they use and when the dealer must draw. Baccarat tables can differ in the bets they accept.
Before you play, check which tables VoodooDreams offers and what the limits are at each one. Tables and limits change, so the list you see on a given day is the one that matters. If you are new to a game, read its rules first; the guides on roulette and blackjack cover the basics.
How the main live tables work
Roulette. A European wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36. You place bets on a number, a colour, odd or even, or a group of numbers. The dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball. Bets are settled according to the pocket the ball lands in.
Blackjack. The aim is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over 21. Aces count as one or 11, and face cards count as 10. The dealer follows fixed rules about when to draw, and these are shown on the table.
Baccarat. You bet on the player hand, the banker hand or a tie. The hand closest to nine wins. The rules for drawing a third card are fixed, so the dealer follows the same procedure every round.
Game shows. A wheel or board with multipliers is spun or revealed, and the result sets the payout on your bet. The format is simple, but the odds on each segment differ, so read the payout table before you bet.
In every format the outcome is random. The dealer deals or spins, but does not influence the result.
18+ · T&Cs apply
Live dealer or computer version
A computer-based version of a game uses a random number generator to produce each result. The round starts when you press the button, and you play at your own pace. These versions are usually quick and have no dealer or chat.
A live version has a real dealer, a video stream and, usually, a chat box. A round waits until every player has placed a bet, so the pace is slower. You can see the wheel or cards being handled, which some players find easier to follow.
Game shows sit between the two. They use a physical or studio wheel with a host, and the pace is set by the show. They are not the same as a live table, so check the rules and payout table of the specific show before you bet.
Practical points before you play
- Check the table limits before you join, and pick a table where your stake fits.
- Know the rules of the game you choose. Most of the time spent confused at a table is avoidable.
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start, and stick to them.
- Choose a stake you can afford to lose. Do not play to win back losses.
If you want to read more about tools for keeping play in check, see the safer gambling page. If you prefer to play on a phone, the mobile version page explains what is available.
