Live casinos NZ

What is the difference between live and regular casino content?

If you are new to the world of New Zealand online casinos, we are here to help. The titles that are available to you are all different, with each game on offer available for you via real money wagers. So, what is the difference between pokies, table and live casino games, is the question many new players ask. Here is what each offers (in a nutshell):

Online Pokies

Online Pokies are slot games, that are available in masses when visiting New Zealand online casinos. The game is simple to master, with you choosing your wager and paylines as soon as you find the slot you would like to spin. Pokies offer many variations, with traditional pokies offering a classic slot machine experience that lacks the availability of bonus rounds. Other pokies go the extra mile in offering bonus rounds, wild symbols, scatter symbols, free spins and more.

Unlike live casino games, pokies are not offered like that. They grant you instant gambling gratification, meaning you will know the outcome of your game, as soon as you hit the spin button.

Table Games

The Table game section at a New Zealand online casino hosts titles that you can enjoy both for real money wagers and for free. Here you can choose from titles such as Blackjack, Roulette wheel, Poker variants tables, classic table, Baccarat, Dice tables and other table games commonly found at live casinos.

Whilst you will find many games that you can also play at the live casino section here, classic table titles are not available to play with a dealer.

Can I play Live Casino Games on mobile?

Today's online casinos are fuelled by technology and innovation. A few years back, we did not even have live options, and we needed to make our way to land-based places to play our favourite games with a dealer. Technology has played a massive role in today's gambling world, with many online gambling sites recognising that today's gambler is a busy one.

This is the reason, that mobile casinos were created. They are accessible either via a dedicated mobile application that you would need to download from your phone, or accessible via your mobile phone browser.

Can you play it on your mobile? The answer is 100% yes. If the casino offers a mobile application, download it on your phone to be able to access all the games. If not, type the casino site's URL in your mobile browser, and hit the login button to log into your account. Finally, click on the live section to start playing via your mobile phone. The games are available 24/7, you need a balance and an internet connection to play.

How do live casinos operate?

Live Casinos operate in real-time, with a lot of work needed in the shadows for you to experience a top-notch gambling experience. Have you ever thought about what is behind the scenes, and the technology that is needed to run and operate it? Here is a brief explanation of how these operate, and how you get to experience the glitz and the glamour:

Live Studio

Live casino software providers such as Evolution Gaming would have multiple game studios spread across the globe. The studios are the home of where the magic happens, with many table games available to stream directly to online casinos.

Live Dealers

The live dealers are the real people who are manning the game in real time. If you happen to have ever visited a Vegas Casino, you would be familiar with the croupiers, who welcome you to the table, take your wagers and operate the game. Live casinos use the same concept, with dealers taking on the role of croupiers. They shuffle the cards, spin the roulette wheel, ask you to place your bets, and also announce the results.

Cameras

Once you land at a real dealer table, you get to experience an immersive gaming session, that is powered by many cameras. The studio would have enlisted and deployed multiple cameras to capture all the action as it happens. You get to see the full table, and also the smiling dealer as the game session happens in real time.

How to get started playing live games?

Playing from the comfort of your own home and making it big in the world of live casino, does entail you making some preparations. Here are some key takeaways to consider.

Your Internet Connection

You would need a good internet connection and bandwidth to enjoy uninterrupted live casino gambling from the comfort of your own home. If you are using your mobile phone to access, check that you have enough data for you to enjoy top-quality streams on the go.

Which live games will you play? Build your game strategy

Many of the games that are available to binge on at live casinos are also available to play against the computer via the table section. Classic table games are offered via real money wagers and are also enjoyed for free. Hence, we always suggest you build your strategy playing for free. Once you grasp the knowledge and expertise, then you head to the live section to test out your knowledge.

Any live casino promotions you can scoop?

You will find many New Zealand online casino sites that craft attractive live promotions and offers for you to scoop. With a welcome offer that is more targeted to offering a deposit match and free spins, you will find some casinos that allow you to use your initial bonuses at the live tables. Other casinos tempt you with real dealers by offering you a small percentage of weekly cashback. It is calculated on all your live game losses incurred during the previous week of gameplay.

Topping up your casino bankroll

All live casino games are available to play for real money wagers only. Hence you would need to have enough money in your account to sit and play. Head over to the cashier section, tap on the deposit button and complete your real money deposit. Once you have enough credit available to play, you can head over to the section. Choose your game and start.

Learning your live casino etiquette

One thing to keep in mind when playing live casino games is you are playing with other players. You also have a chat screen available for your interactions, located at the right-hand side of your computer screen. Since you are in a social setting, some basic etiquette is needed to ensure fruitful gameplay and a great gaming experience. Here are some pointers to consider when playing at real dealer tables:

Announcing yourself and greeting the dealer

Once you sit at a live casino table, your username will be displayed as your name at the table. This means that once you set your wager, the dealer will greet you with a hello or a hi. It would be nice to reply, with a hello and a good luck.

Tipping the live table dealer

Some online casinos allow you to offer the dealer a small tip, that would be in the range of NZ$5. Tipping the dealer is common practice at both land-based and live casinos. Hence granting the dealer a small tip when you sit at the table is regarded as a nice gesture.

Using the appropriate language

We did mention that a live chat feature is available at all the table games you sit at. Hence you have the option of interacting with both the dealer and other players sitting at the table. At all times, you are requested to be courteous in all your interactions. Thus using the appropriate choice of words, with no usage of bad words if you lose.

Do not comment on losses

Your human emotions need to be kept in check when suffering losses at live casinos. It would not be ideal for you to go to the chat function and start criticizing other players or the dealer. If you incurred a loss, venting off via chat will get you nowhere. Keep your emotions to yourself in both win and defeat.

Let the game go along with no interruptions

We do not have all the time in the world to spend playing our favourite live casino games. Most of us dedicate a specific amount of time and money a week or a month to gambling, with time limits playing a crucial element in our gameplay. When the gameplay is happening, try to stay away from chatting and from asking useless questions. That is the time when your eyes should be glued to the dealer as the gameplay progresses. Both the dealer and your fellow players are here to play, not chat about the weather.

Keep your personal information to yourself

When you sit at a live casino table, you can view all the other usernames of your fellow NZ players sitting at your table. But, all that you can see in person is the dealer. Keep in mind that you are playing online, hence protecting your personal and financial information is a must. Do not share any passwords or details such as mobile phone or address. You are playing to have fun, whilst at the same time keeping your information safe at all times.

Know the game rules before sitting at the table

To ensure smooth gameplay with no interruptions, you are expected to sit at a table with enough knowledge of your game of choice. Both the dealer and the other table player, do not appreciate players asking questions on how the game works and the rules. Before sitting at a live casino table, equip yourself with enough knowledge and strategy to be able to bet.

The Variety of Live Casino Games Available

Now that you have some knowledge of how live casinos operate, how about we tell you all about the variety of games you will be able to binge on? Most of the software developers that offer titles include Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Ezugi, NetEnt, and even Push Gaming. Evolution Gaming is one of the pioneers of live content. Most New Zealand online casinos offer your favourite titles by these providers. Below, we take a look at some of the top live games.

Blackjack Games

Blackjack is a simple game that requires you to reach the perfect score of 21. The beauty of the game is that it offers many betting possibilities, with the game played between you and the dealer only. Since Blackjack is an all-time favourite title, developers offer many variations of it. These include European, Lightning, Infinite, First Person, Lightning First Person, Free Bet, Power, VIP, High Roller, Salon Prive and even blackjack tables in a variety of languages.

Live Roulette

Live Roulette is another table game cherished by many casino players and available to play. The game's popularity inspired developers to offer it in many variations, many of which are located and available to play at top NZ online casino sites.

Clicking on the Live Roulette section will offer you the chance to enjoy game variants such as French, Lightning, European, XXXtreme, Immersive, American, Speed, Auto, Instant, Double Ball, Dual Play, Salon Prive', VIP, Ruleta En Vivo (Spanish) and other languages based roulette games.

Live Poker Games

Poker is deemed a top card game that is cherished by many. The game can either be enjoyed via the table section or for real money play and wagers via the live casino section. Here are some of the most prominent and most exciting poker games that you will be able to sit at: Casino Hold'Em, Jumbo 7 Jackpot Side Bet – Hold'em, 2 Hand Hold'em, Side Bet City, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Three Card, Caribbean Stud, Progressive Jackpot – Caribbean Stud, Texas Hold'em Bonus, First Five Jackpot Side Bet – Texas Hold'em Bonus, High Roller and other poker tables.

Baccarat and Sic Bo Live Casino Games

Baccarat is another live game that is sought after by many online casino players. The title is classified as a card game and also comes along in many variations to choose from. You will be welcomed with the following Baccarat options: Traditional, Squeeze, Speed, Control Squeeze, Lightning, Golden Wealth, No Commission, Peek, Salon Privé, VIP, High Roller, Dual Play, Bac Bo, Dragon Tiger, Fan Tan and other Baccarat table options.

Game Shows

Live Casino game shows are the latest in the innovation and technology that has hit the scene. Providers like Evolution Gaming and Playtech wanted to defy the odds and bring something fresh and new to the table. This is where the game shows were added to the mix of already award-winning titles, offering a fresh outlook on this kind of gambling. If you want to delve into something new and immersive when visiting live casinos in New Zealand, you can tempt your luck at one of the following game shows: Funky Time, Crazy Time, Monopoly, Extra Chilli Peppers Spins, Crazy Coin Flip, Monopoly Big Baller, Deal or No Deal, Mega Ball, Dreamcatcher, Football Studio, Cash or Crash, Adventures Beyond Wonderland, Sweet Bonanza Candyland, Football Studio Manager, Crazy Pachinko and other game shows content.

What Will Live Casinos Look Like in the Next 10 Years?

Technology has already played a massive role in the way that we play today. A few years back, live casino was only a dream and look at the tech advancements the industry has made today. But the real question is, what will these casinos look like in the next 10 years, and how will that affect us, the players?

Virtual Reality

Google and Sony have already delivered on the VR front with both the Oculus and the Playstation VR. This allows players to enter a world of virtual reality, beyond normal reality and their imagination. As you put on your PlayStation VR headset, you will bounce into an immersive gaming experience, away from everyday life. Could this possibly be the future for live casinos? Imagine, putting on a headset, and sitting at the virtual table, with your fellow players sitting next to you, as you embark on a great game of Texas Hold'Em. You can look to your left and check out the poker face that the other player is offering. Or, you could just look at the professional dealers, as the gameplay progresses. Adding VR to your casino gameplay would be monumental, offering you a better gaming experience.

AI Live Dealer Games

Currently, all your favourite live casino games are manned by real dealers, who greet you and ensure smooth gameplay. With AI taking over everything and everywhere, we expect that our friendly dealers will be gradually replaced by AI ones in the future. Will this go down well with casino players? It is a 50/50 guess, with many players opting to live casino gambling instead of heading over to brick-and-mortar sites. This means, less running costs for software houses like Evolution Gaming or Playtech. But it would also mean the loss of jobs for current live dealers. One of the perks is indeed the dealer, will an AI-operated bot deliver on the human element and hospitality just like current real dealers do?

Diversity of New Game Content

Game shows have taken the live casino world by storm. Player engagement and data show that there is an appetite for playing show games, and enjoying something new and fresh. In the next couple of years, you can expect new games added to live casinos, with new shows offered. We already have new content such as Stock Market Live offered by Evolution Gaming, or Adventures Beyond Wonderland. What will the next 10 years of game content look like? Competitive, immersive and pushing the boundaries of our current gaming content.

Playing Live via Land-Based Casinos

Many land-based casinos are teaming up with their online counterparts to stream live content directly from the floor as it happens. Just like progressive jackpots and linked jackpots are streamed from casinos and offered through NZ sites. You can also expect casinos to continue doing the same in the years to come. Brand names such as the MGM, The Bellagio, and The Venetian would potentially be available to play via a dedicated section located at your NZ online site of choice. There is no need to book that much-awaited trip to Las Vegas. The future of live casinos and Vegas go hand in hand with possible tables streamed and for you available to join.

Cryptocurrencies Availability

Not all gambling licenses and legislations allow online casinos to offer cryptocurrency as a payment option. In recent years we have seen many scandals involving credit cards worldwide, with fraud and risk now taken more seriously by both players and online casinos. With the need for added security and more layers to protect your data, the future will see more players delve away from flat currencies. Due to this need, we envisage that the future will see more casino operators invest in offering cryptocurrencies and NFTs for players to fund their play.

What Are the Good Things About Playing Live?

If you have never played live dealer casino games in your life, it is good to consider some pros and cons.

Technical Issues When Playing Live

All your live casino action is streamed over the internet. With the internet and technology playing a big role in online gambling, you can expect some technical issues to happen from time to time. When this happens, know that you have a variety of options at your disposal to assist you and also avoid missing any gameplay happening in real-time. Here is what to do when you experience technical issues when playing live dealer games:

In-Game Live Chat Support

Use the in-game chat feature to speak to the dealer to advise about the technical difficulties you are experiencing. Follow the instructions set by the croupier and also use the built-in chat templates to congratulate other players on their wins.

The Game Table Menu

You will find a small Help button located at the bottom of your live game. Here you will be able to see the table limits, the rules of the game, and how the gameplay will progress. We always suggest that you skim over this section to get a better understanding of the rules before going all in for the win.

Customer Support

Your query might be related to your account, and not to the live casino game. If you have any queries about your account balance or why you are allowed to sit and play, it would be wise to speak to the site's customer support team. The quickest way to get a resolution is to head over to the chat function.

Conclusion

An in-depth search will offer you many online casinos in New Zealand that grant you the chance to play live casino games. If this is what you are after, we suggest that you compare sites for game content. Play at the one that offers the most diversity and options.

Live casino bonuses are also up for grabs. Many gambling sites offer you table game tournaments, and also a cashback to amplify your player bankroll.

And finally, what makes one live casino site more attractive than the other? This all depends on your playing style. Are you a player who is always on the go and needs a dedicated mobile application, or are you a desktop kind of player? Use casino review sites to locate and filter the best online casinos with the best of the best games. Make sure that the site that you are checking out offers tables by both Evolution Gaming and Playtech. These two are the leaders and also the future. Once you locate your go-to online casino, register, and top up your account.

Live casinos NZ FAQ