Live dealer games have become a popular feature of online casinos, offering players an immersive and interactive experience that mimics the excitement of playing in a physical casino. In New Zealand, the rise of live dealer games has prompted many questions from players, one of the most common being, “Are live dealer games fair?”
In this article, we will explore what makes live dealer games unique, the fairness of these games, how they are regulated in New Zealand, and what you should look for when playing live dealer games to ensure you are treated fairly.
What Are Live Dealer Games?
Live dealer games combine the convenience of online gaming with the authenticity of land-based casinos. They are broadcast in real-time from a studio or a physical casino, with professional dealers overseeing games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Players can interact with the dealers and other participants through a live chat feature, adding a social element to the experience.
Popular Types of Live Dealer Games in New Zealand
| Game Type | Description | Popular Providers | Interaction Level |
| Blackjack | Players aim to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. | Evolution Gaming, Playtech | High (decisions, splits) |
| Roulette | A game of chance where players bet on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. | Evolution Gaming, NetEnt | Medium (place bets) |
| Baccarat | Players bet on the player’s or banker’s hand, trying to get closest to 9. | Playtech, Pragmatic Play | Low (place bets) |
| Poker | Players compete against the dealer to create the best hand. | Evolution Gaming, Playtech | High (decision-making) |
| Craps | A dice game where players wager on the outcome of a roll. | Evolution Gaming | Medium (variety of bets) |
Live dealer games have become incredibly popular due to their transparency and social nature. Players appreciate the real-time interaction and the ability to witness the action unfold live.
How Live Dealer Games Operate
Unlike traditional online casino games that rely on Random Number Generators (RNGs), live dealer games are conducted in real-time with physical dealers and gaming equipment. Cameras capture every moment, from the shuffling of cards to the spin of the roulette wheel, allowing players to witness the entire process.
Key Features of Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games have become increasingly popular due to their ability to offer an authentic casino experience from the comfort of home. These games are designed to provide a more immersive and transparent gaming environment compared to traditional online casino games. Here’s a closer look at the key features that set live dealer games apart:
Real-Time Gameplay
One of the most significant advantages of live dealer games is that they occur in real-time. Unlike traditional online casino games that may use random number generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes, live dealer games are broadcasted live from a studio or casino floor. This means that players can witness the entire game as it happens, including the dealer’s actions and the results of each round. Real-time gameplay enhances trust and credibility, as players can see firsthand that the game is conducted fairly and without manipulation.
Multiple Camera Angles
Live dealer games utilize multiple camera angles to provide a comprehensive view of the dealer and the gaming table. These camera setups allow players to see every detail of the game, including close-ups of the dealer’s actions, the cards being dealt, and the spinning roulette wheel. By offering various perspectives, casinos reinforce transparency and ensure that players have a clear understanding of what is happening throughout the game. This multi-angle approach helps players feel more involved and confident in the fairness of the game.
Interactive Environment
The interactive environment of live dealer games is another key feature that enhances the gaming experience. Players can communicate with the dealer and other participants via live chat. This real-time interaction not only makes the game more social but also adds an element of engagement that is missing in standard online games. The ability to ask questions, make comments, or simply chat with other players creates a more dynamic and enjoyable gaming atmosphere, bridging the gap between online and in-person casino experiences.
Live Streaming Technology
Advanced live streaming technology is crucial for ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience. High-quality video and audio feeds with minimal delays are essential for maintaining the authenticity and enjoyment of live dealer games. Modern casinos invest in state-of-the-art streaming technology to provide clear and reliable broadcasts. This technology ensures that players receive real-time updates and can follow the game without experiencing lag or interruptions. The seamless streaming enhances the overall experience and helps maintain the high standards expected in live gaming.
These features collectively contribute to the unique appeal of live dealer games, setting them apart from standard online casino offerings. By combining real-time gameplay, multiple camera angles, interactive elements, and advanced streaming technology, live dealer games offer a more authentic, transparent, and engaging casino experience.
Are Live Dealer Games Fair?
The fairness of live dealer games is a concern for many players, but there are several factors in place to ensure that these games are fair and operate with integrity.
Key Factors That Ensure Fairness in Live Dealer Games
- Licensed and Regulated Casinos: The most crucial factor is that live dealer games are hosted by licensed and regulated online casinos. In New Zealand, players typically play on international casino platforms that are licensed by trusted regulatory authorities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
- Audits by Independent Testing Agencies: Just like traditional online games, live dealer games undergo regular audits by independent agencies such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) or TST (Technical Systems Testing). These agencies ensure that the games are conducted fairly, and that the equipment (e.g., roulette wheels and card decks) is not rigged.
- Professional Dealers: Live dealer games are overseen by professionally trained dealers who must follow strict protocols to ensure fairness. These dealers operate under the supervision of the online casino and are often part of live casino providers like Evolution Gaming or Playtech, which are reputable names in the industry.
- Real-Time Gameplay with No RNG: One of the key differences between live dealer games and traditional online games is that there is no use of Random Number Generators. The outcomes are determined by real-life events (e.g., the spin of a roulette wheel or the dealing of cards), which players can observe live.
- Use of Multiple Cameras: The use of multiple camera angles provides transparency, allowing players to see the dealer’s actions from various perspectives. This eliminates doubts about whether cards are being swapped or dice rolls manipulated.
Regulation of Live Dealer Games in New Zealand
While New Zealand does not license its own online casinos, players can legally access international online casinos that offer live dealer games. These casinos must be licensed by reputable authorities in other jurisdictions, and players are protected by the stringent regulatory standards of these governing bodies.
Key Regulatory Authorities
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): One of the strictest regulators in the world, ensuring fairness, transparency, and responsible gaming practices. Any casino licensed by the UKGC must comply with its rules for live dealer games.
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): Known for its robust regulatory framework, the MGA requires online casinos to meet high standards for fairness, data protection, and responsible gambling.
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority: This body regulates many international casinos that serve New Zealand players. It ensures that live dealer games are conducted fairly and transparently.
- Curacao eGaming: While not as strict as the UKGC or MGA, Curacao eGaming licenses many casinos that offer live dealer games. It provides basic protections for players, though it has a reputation for being more lenient in its oversight.
Regulatory Standards for Live Dealer Games
| Regulatory Authority | Licensing Criteria | Fairness Measures Implemented | Popularity Among NZ Casinos |
| UK Gambling Commission | Strict checks on financial security, fairness | Mandatory audits, responsible gambling rules | High |
| Malta Gaming Authority | Extensive background checks, fair play rules | Regular audits, fairness in RNG and live games | High |
| Gibraltar Regulatory Authority | Similar to UKGC, focuses on fairness | Random game audits, secure data handling | Medium |
| Curacao eGaming | Basic checks, faster licensing process | Less strict, but still regulated | Medium |
Players in New Zealand should look for casinos licensed by one of these authorities to ensure that they are playing in a safe and fair environment.
Fairness in Different Live Dealer Games
The fairness of live dealer games can vary slightly depending on the game type, but the essential principles of transparency and regulated gameplay remain consistent across all variations. Let’s explore how fairness is maintained in some popular live dealer games.
Live Blackjack
In live blackjack, players aim to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. The game is played with a physical deck of cards, and players can watch as the dealer shuffles and deals the cards. This process is visible through multiple camera angles, providing complete transparency. The absence of card manipulation is ensured through regular audits and inspections. Game providers employ rigorous measures to ensure that the shuffling and dealing processes are fair and unbiased. Independent auditors frequently test these games to verify that the outcomes are random and that no tampering occurs.
Live Roulette
Live roulette involves the dealer spinning a physical roulette wheel, with the results determined by where the ball lands. Multiple camera angles are used to capture the spin of the wheel and the ball’s trajectory, ensuring that players have a clear view of the action. This transparency helps eliminate any doubts about tampering or manipulation. The randomness of the outcome is akin to that in a physical casino, as the results are purely based on chance. Live roulette games are monitored and tested regularly to confirm that they meet fairness standards and that the wheel’s spin is not influenced by any external factors.
Live Baccarat
Live baccarat is a straightforward game where players bet on whether the banker’s or player’s hand will win, or if the game will end in a tie. The cards are dealt face-up, and every action is visible to the players. The dealer follows established procedures, which are designed to ensure fairness and consistency in the game. The game is subjected to regular fairness tests by independent auditors to verify that the dealing and shuffling processes are random and unbiased. The transparency provided by live streaming and the strict adherence to procedural norms help maintain the game’s integrity.
Live Poker
Live poker games, such as Casino Hold’em or Three Card Poker, involve players competing against the dealer to form the best hand. These games are played with physical cards, and the dealer adheres to strict protocols to ensure fairness. Camera angles offer full visibility of the dealing process and the gameplay, allowing players to see every action as it happens. This transparency is crucial for maintaining trust in the game’s fairness. The use of physical cards and the detailed monitoring of game procedures help ensure that the outcomes are fair and that no manipulation occurs. Regular audits and inspections further validate the fairness of live poker games.
By understanding the fairness measures in place for each type of live dealer game, players can have confidence in the integrity of the games they participate in. Transparent gameplay, regular audits, and adherence to strict procedures all contribute to ensuring a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.