Best Live Online Casinos Explained

All of the sites you can see ranked and reviewed below have gone through a series of tests made by our experts. They must pass them all with flying colors in order to make an appearance on our list. Every live casino online on this list is fully licensed and regulated, offering quite a few surprises beside the live dealer casino games. Canadian players can enjoy a diverse portfolio of games at these live casino sites as well as plenty of excellent offers. We’ve chosen the best live casinos online for all types of players, so even if you’re picky, you should find a site to enjoy.

What’s a Live Casino?

That’s the question all newcomer players have. Live web online casinos are special sites where players can enjoy unique live dealer games. These casinos are said to offer the ultimate gambling experience akin to that in a land based casino. It does that with cutting-edge technologies that allow the games to be streamed from real locations to your device with no lags and in sharp HD video quality.

Sometimes, players just can’t take a trip to land based casinos. That was a problem in the past, but thanks to live web casinos, it’s not a problem in 2024. You can easily connect to a studio streaming a live dealer casino games and play them against a real, human dealer in seconds. Unlike regular online casino games, these can’t be tried for free, so you can only play with real money. This means that in order to play live dealer games, players need to make a deposit first.

That’s part of the fun, of course. Real money deposits take the gambling experience up a notch. Of course, these games are not for the faint hearted. If you’re not familiar with poker, blackjack, or roulette and their rules, you should stay away from live casino games. At least until you sharpen your skills. You’ll then be welcome to put them to the test in live dealer online casinos and hopefully make a killing on the tables.

How do Live Dealer Casinos Work?

Running live casinos isn’t like running a regular one. Their whole nature is different from anything else in the industry, and it’s much costlier as well. A live casino uses expensive tech and equipment to make everything work and give players the crisp-clear graphics and ultimate gambling experience. It’s not just about the cameras – they are just a part of the equation. All live online web casinos use other devices and equipment that keeps the live dealer games running smoothly so players can enjoy.

How to Join a Live Casino

Find a reputable live casino.

Choose a trustworthy casino site from our list.

Find the Join/Register button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your profile.

Choose a deposit option to fund your account.

The best live online Internet casinos will have a bunch of reputable payment providers.

Choose a bonus if any.

If there’s a deposit bonus to claim, read the requirements and get it.

Play your favorite live dealer online casino games.

Enjoy your faves and don’t forget to have fun!

The Technology Behind Live Casino Sites

There are 4-5 essential pieces of cutting-edge tech that live casino sites use to provide players with such an exquisite experience. We’ll break all of them down below to help you learn how a live casino works.

Live studio: first things first – in order for a live casino to work, the provider must have a live studio. Some live casino providers opt to stream their tables from dedicated areas in land based casinos, but a studio is a much better option. The best providers such as Evolution Gaming have several studios from different locations which power all of their live dealer games, and there are over 30 of them. The live studio is where all the equipment to run the games is housed and where the games are streamed from.

OCR: every action taken during the course of a live casino game are processed via OCR. Short for Optical Character Recognition software, this piece of equipment records all the data in the game that the dealer inputs.

GCU: the GCU or Game Control Unit is a small device attached to every table in a live casino. It has a sensor that decodes all the data fed to it which it then processes to characters that the OCR can process.

High-definition cameras: if you’ve ever played in a live casino, you know that the cameras are a real highlight on each table. They allow players to see the action from numerous angles which is something RNG online casino games can’t do. Many of these cameras are truly high-tech in nature, allowing slow-speed motion recording. Thanks to it, you can see the baccarat card squeeze like never before or watch the roulette ball jump between the slots on the wheel in 60 frames per second or more.

Dealer monitors: the dealer has a monitor in front of them that is used to control the game. It’s another important piece of equipment that works together with the OCR to ‘decode’ the 1s and 0s to more meaningful characters that players can understand. The dealer monitor also allows the dealer to chat to the player with a single push of a button.

There are a few other bits and pieces which complete a live studio and make live dealer titles the ultimate online gambling thrill.

Live Casinos vs. Regular Online Casinos

Best Live Dealer Casino Games

Not all casino games are suitable for the live casino treatment. As a matter of fact, players get only a handful of casino games to enjoy. Those are mostly table and card games – mainly games of skill. However, the industry is working hard to expand the live dealer games portfolio and currently trying to find a way to bring slots into the equation. The top live casino games are online roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker. The good news is that the popularity of live casino sites has sparked a need for more live casino games. Developers have certainly obliged, giving players a chance to experience creative live online casino games that go beyond card games.

Live Baccarat

Together with live roulette, live baccarat is an excellent pick for live casino fans. The action in the casino game is certainly thrilling, and the squeeze of the all-so-important card is incredible when you experience it in slo-mo. You only get that with live casino games and their high-def, slow-motion cameras – not anywhere else. The industry has so far released numerous baccarat variants that players enjoy. From classic baccarat to mini live baccarat and variants with exciting side bets, it has breathed new life in the game of chance. Baccarat Squeeze is a variant we’d always go for, allowing you to squeeze the card yourself and watch it in slow motion.

Live Blackjack

Live baccarat may be quite popular, but good ol’ blackjackis literally reinvented in live casinos. The action is simply much easier and better to follow when played live, so you will get the ultimate blackjack casino experience. An added plus is that it comes in many shapes and sizes, from classic 21 to variants with special (and lucrative) side bets. Casino players will certainly satisfy their blackjack cravings in Evolution’s portfolio. The studio has the best live dealer titles of all games, blackjack included. If you’re looking for an excellent online live dealer experience with the game of 21, it’s playing against a live dealer in Evolution’s titles.

Live Roulette

Roulette is a game that’s literally been built for live casinos. The thrill of seeing the ball jump through the pockets is unmatched to anything else. It’s even better when it’s controlled by live casino software. Evolution Gaming has managed to breathe new life in roulette games, offering a bunch of live roulette titles that will certainly tickle your imagination. All three main roulette wheels are properly covered at the best live casino sites on our page. You also get a few innovative roulette variants in Lightning Roulette and Immersive Roulette. Nearly all live casino roulette games allow you to watch the action in slow motion, giving you unique angles that will help you see the game in ways you’ve never seen it before.

Live Poker

Another great game from a live casino perspective, live card poker comes in different shapes and sizes. You can go for a round of Casino Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, or Caribbean Stud Poker among many others. Just like live baccarat, poker is a game best experienced in a live setting. RNG variants are cool, but this game needs and deserves a more human touch that the live dealer can provide.

Many live Texas Hold’em variants will allow you to play against dozens of players. You will feel like you’re at a high-stakes tournament, especially if you choose a high-stake Casino Hold’em game. The best gambling sites will give you a chance to test your skills against the best players, so playing live card poker games is not unlike playing at high-priced tournaments. Sans the money, of course – the cash rewards won’t ever reach the millions of WSOP.

Live Dragon Tiger, Football Studio, and Dream Catcher

Besides live baccarat, blackjack, poker, or roulette, the live casino industry has come up with a bunch of unique live dealer titles. These games are the absolute best achievement in iGaming. It was only a matter of time before they popped up after the success of live card and table games. The best live dealer online casino producer, Evolution Gaming, has the top unique live dealer games. These include Live Sic Bo, Live Dragon Tiger, Live Football Studio, and Dream Catcher.:

Dream Catcher is the studio’s true star. By reinventing the money wheel idea, Dream Catcher is a unique spin on a big favorite with simple rules to follow. It’s the most fun game in Evolution’s portfolio that appeals to new and seasoned players. It comes with huge rewards too, so make sure to give it a try.

Football Studio. If you’re a football fan, you’ll surely love Live Football Studio. It combines the best of the worlds of football and casino card games, offering an exclusive ride with more than a few twists. The game is incredibly easy to play. Regardless if you’re a new player or a seasoned vet, Football Studio is a live dealer game you don’t want to miss.

Live Dragon Tiger is meant for the Asian market. It’s a somewhat simplified version of live baccarat, with only a few outcomes. The rounds are quick and simple to play, making it a favorite for all types of casino players.

Recommended Live Casino Software

• Ezugi: live dealer gaming provider Ezugi was founded in 2024. In just under a decade, it has achieved a lot in the live casino market which resulted in the buyout from Evolution. Ezugi still operates under its name and has released over 20 live dealer titles spanning blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more.
• Evolution Gaming: Evolution Gaming is the de facto dealer in live casino games. It doesn’t just stick to the favorites. Evolution constantly pushes the limits of live casino innovation and has come up with innovative titles such as Crazy Time and Football Studio.
• Playtech Live: Playtech is a pioneer in the casino industry. Having released over 500 slots and casino games so far, only live dealer games were missing in its portfolio. That has changed in recent years with a new Playtech live casino division which develops innovative titles that span popular card games.

Live Mobile Casinos

Live casino sites are not exclusive to PCs and Macs only. While they require a bit more powerful hardware, it’s nothing that a modern smartphone couldn’t handle. Today’s smartphones can run video games with ease, so a live casino won’t be a problem. You only need a stable Internet connection and you’re good to go.

Players can enjoy live dealer titles on the go through an app or a mobile website. Over 70% of casino sites have a dedicated app, while 100% of them have a mobile-optimized website. An app is the better choice, of course, but mobile websites have grown so much these days that the gap between them and apps is closing.

The best BetPoint Group casinos such as 21.com and JustSpin are based on such model. JustSpin doesn’t have an app, but the mobile site has ensured it doesn’t need one. It fully replicates the layout and design from the desktop website, making it easy for new players to find their footing. Navigation on apps might be messy depending on how good the app itself has been built. That won’t be a problem with a mobile site which looks and feels the same as on desktop.

Nearly all of the games will be there, including Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em, various forms of roulette and even titles such as Hi Lo. You’ll be getting the same payment options, and the best gambling sites will also have special deals available to mobile players only. It pays to go mobile when it comes to a live casino site. From huge deposit bonuses to casino bonuses of all kinds, you’ll be playing for real money and winning it on the move. In terms of equipment, any smartphone in 2024 will do. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you’re good to go.

Quick Live Casino Facts (Q&A)

Are live casinos available for free?

No, they’re not. Live casinos are exclusively available for real money. Or you can use a casino bonus to play the games and win real money in return.

Are live casino games fair?

Absolutely. As long as you choose a reputable live online casino with certified and tested games, you will enjoy fair gaming.

Do I need a powerful smartphone or tablet to run the games?

While you need a modern smartphone or tablet, it doesn’t need to be particularly powerful. Any Android or iOS device from the past 5 years will do nicely.

What’s the best live casino?

That depends entirely on you. We suggest checking out the BetPoint Group casinos to find what you like. Ultra casino and Nitro casino are great choices, just like 21.com and JustSpin.

Live Casino Bonuses

The competition among live dealer casinos in Canada these days is truly incredible. They’re all fighting for a better position in the market and more players, but getting them to the site is not that easy. The fact is that there are too many live dealer casinos out there, and unfortunately, not all are of equal quality.

In order to get new players and retain customers, they all use live casino bonuses. These can greatly enhance your live casino experience and give you more real money to play with. The welcome bonus is chief among the types of offers you can claim in a live casino, but there are others that will also put more money in your pockets.

• Of course, it all starts with the welcome offer. In most cases, live dealer casinos will cover your first deposit in full. This usually means a 100% bonus match or a bigger casino bonus spread across your first few deposits. With the welcome package, you’ll be getting an excellent bankroll boost that you can spend on your favorite or new live games.
• While it’s as rare as a unicorn, some of our recommended live gaming sites may offer a no deposit bonus. Don’t expect a very big amount of cash – it’s usually a free play bonus worth C$10 or so to try live games. This type of live casino bonus offer is great for beginners who aren’t really sure how to play live games. It will give you a chance to try a few so you can see if you like live gaming.
• Other types of freebies you will find at the best live online casinos include cashbacks and reloads. These will effectively put money back in your ‘pockets’ and cover your losses over a particular period (daily, weekly, monthly). Regardless of the bonus you can get, they’re a great way to play your favorite live games or discover new ones.

Live Casino Deposits and Withdrawals

The key difference between live dealer games and RNG variants is in the fact that the former are only playable for real money. You can’t try them for free and you must have a funded account to play at the tables. This means that you must use various deposit options to put money into your casino account to make a splash at live tables.

The good news is that if you’re Canadian, you have a world of options at your fingertips. You can fund your account via bank transfer, do the same with credit or debit cards, or use e-wallets. Some casinos even accept cryptocurrencies, although they are rare at this moment. Live dealer casinos from the BetPoint Group such as 21.com are a perfect example of what a live casino in 2024 should accept. Here’s a preview of the accepted payment methods at 21.com:

As you can see, you have plenty of reputable deposit options to use to fund your account. Collecting your winnings in most of these live casinos is only possible on the deposit method you used before. This is called a closed-loop policy system and is in place as an anti-fraud measure.

Keep an eye on the deposit and withdrawal min./max. limits. Withdrawals on e-wallets are usually instant after approval, so they would be our choice. Make sure to verify your age and account at live dealer casinos before your first withdrawal. Do this right after signing up so you don’t think about it later. You will need to send some documents to the live casino which should be verified in up to 48 hours. Once they are, you’re good to make your first and subsequent cashouts.

How We Rate the Top Live Online Casinos

The live casino market is very competitive. Over 90% of casinos have a live casino on their own, integrated within the platform. There’s only a small number of exclusive live casinos – why not have the best of both worlds while you’re at it? With that being said, with hundreds of live casinos in Canada, it becomes hard to identify the best options. From online live casinos to mobile live casinos, the market is full of great casinos. The best live casinos online have all been ranked and reviewed by our experts, so you don’t need to look hard to find what you’re looking for. Of course, all of the live casinos online on our list are fully legit, having licenses from reputable governing bodies. Below you’ll see a list of criteria we test when reviewing the best live dealer casino sites on our list.

License

The license is the first thing we check when we review and rank the best live online casinos. Each live dealer casino site on our list is properly licensed and regulated by the top governing bodies. These are mainly the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) and the UK Gambling Commission, which are widely considered the absolute best in the industry.

Bonus offers

Players are always looking for great deals to earn in live casinos. No shame in it – everyone wants a freebie when they join. The good news is that there’s a great variety of offers to pick from. From deposit bonuses to any other type of casino bonus, live casino bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll and play live casino games.

Variety of live dealer games

The variety of live games is quite important too. The best live dealer casinos will have dozens of games from the top providers. You can play them all for real money only or with the bonus offer you’ve just claimed. A good live casino will have plenty of live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat variants, with several unique live games to boot, including Caribbean Stud Poker, Andar Bahar, and Sic Bo among others.

Customer support

Customer service is a very important factor we pay attention to. A good live online casino will have perfect customer support via several channels. The main ones include email and live chat, but our recommended live casinos offer great support via the FAQ page too. That would be the page where you get answers to the most commonly asked questions. All new players will wonder how to deposit or withdraw, and thanks to proper customer support, you’ll get your answers in no time.

Online reputation

The reputation of live dealer online casinos is another important factor many review sites omit. We believe it’s of significant importance. Before we rank sites on our list, we always check their reputation online. We read comments by players online and compare them to our experience with the live casino. When they match, it’s great. When they don’t, we rethink our priorities.

Besides these criteria, there are plenty of other tidbits of information that we check. They help give us a clear overview of the live casino and how it lives up to the expectations of most players.

Best Live Online Casinos FAQ