According to Wikipedia, gambling existed even before early history was written. The earliest form of betting dates back to 3000BC, when bettors used six-sided dice. Then in the 9th century, playing cards were invented, with poker, one of the most popular live casino games, seeing the light of day in the 17th century.
First forward to 1638, the first known casino was opened in Venice, Italy. Since then, casinos have never looked back, spreading like bush fire in Europe, Asia, and the US. Even better, technology makes it possible to play casino games against other players remotely on mobile or PC. Live games offer a real casino experience, similar to a physical casino.
So, when was the first live casino launched? Microgaming debuted the first online casino in 1994. Of course, this marked the start of the online gaming craze you see today. InterCasino followed suit in 1995, with other gaming sites launching soon after.
Back then, players could only access live games like video poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Just say, the game collection wasn’t that impressive. Then, in 1998, Microgaming debuted Cash Splash, the first online slot machine jackpot progressive.
But as the internet and computer technology continued to take shape, operators started streaming table games from live studios. DublinBet prides itself as the first live casino to launch in 2006, although operators like Cryptologic and Gaming Club can beg to differ. Whichever the case, the online casino industry got a life-defining breakthrough.
As said initially, there were only a handful of live casino games to play when the industry started. Most online casinos just picked the top four table games, including baccarat, poker, blackjack, and roulette. Also, the live dealer room had a webcast with live sounds and a sluggish live chat for a more realistic feel. It was all any gambler could dream of back then.
But more games started making their way into live casinos. Today, game developers compete to release innovative and rewarding versions of the classics. Evolution’s award-winning Lightning series is a good example, presenting players with tons of multipliers to boost their winnings. Remember also that Evolution was the first to launch live craps only recently in December 2020.
A few years ago, no gambler could imagine playing VR (Virtual Reality) games. But as developers continue to outdo each other, some have decided to embrace VR gaming. Again, Evolution outshines other aggregators in this department after launching Gonzo’s Quest Treasure Hunt in 2021. As expected, this is the first VR live casino game, with an excellent blend of live table game and slot machine experience.
Here is why you should consider playing VR games. These games offer an immersive 360-degree field of view while interacting with the game characters like Gonzo and the live dealer. Just imagine running alongside the quirky Spanish explorer like you would in real life. Unfortunately, purchasing a VR kit can be costly. But the fun justifies the means here.
Remember the good old flip Motorola phones? Well, that’s how far the mobile industry has come. Currently, these phones have been replaced by sleek and powerful Android and iOS smartphones. In fact, big mobile phone companies like Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung had to go the Android way or risk oblivion like Siemens and Sagem.
The first iPhone was founded in 2007, with Android following a year later. These phones did away with the inconvenient button play. Instead, they introduced touchscreen play, making gaming more fun and interactive. But even at that, the screens weren’t as big and responsive as today.
Internet-wise, these phones used 3G, which was launched in 2001. But this wasn’t enough to take live streaming to the next level. And that’s why 4G was launched in 2009, later replaced by 5G in 2019. Interestingly, 6G is already in the kitchen even before the 5G rollout is complete. With 5G and 6G connections, live gamers will enjoy quicker and more responsive live casino play.
Despite all the hype and praises, live casinos have their downsides too. No, don’t get it wrong; most are doing an excellent job. But there are several ‘rotten tomatoes in the mix. So, to be safe, only play at a licensed and regulated live casino. Such casinos don’t rig the game results, and they stick to the laid-out terms and conditions. You can get some here at LiveCasinoRank.
After confirming the licensing details, only play games from renowned game developers. These developers usually have nothing to gain by rigging the game outcomes. Most have a reputation to protect, remember. Popular game developers include Ezugi, Evolution, Betsoft, and Pragmatic Play.
Then, look at the live casino support. A reliable online casino must be reachable via live chat, email, phone, or social media. Also, confirm features like the payment methods, bonuses, and game testing. Plus, read online player reviews to know the casino’s background and history. There’s a lot of dirt out there.
