Online gambling has come a long way in recent years, and one of the most exciting developments is the rise of live dealer casinos. These platforms offer UK players the chance to enjoy real casino games from home, with actual dealers running the games in real-time. It’s a big step up from the computer-generated games that were once the norm in online casinos.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the best live dealer casinos available to UK players. We’ll cover what makes these casinos stand out, what kind of games they offer, and why so many players are choosing them over traditional online casinos.
Fat Pirate Casino
100% up to £425 + 200 Free Spins
- 400+ casino games
- 200 free spins for new players
- Live dealer tables
- 24/7 customer support
Gransino
£7,500 + 10% cashback
- Exclusive in-house developed games
- Live casino
- Daily jackpot slots with big prizes
- Rewarding VIP program
- Multiple banking options
Freshbet Casino
100% up to 500 GBP + 200 Free Spins
- Hacksaw Gaming games
- Sports betting available
- Regular promotions
- Loyalty program
Casumo
200% up to £500 and 100 free spins
- Massive game library from top providers
- Unique rewards program with trophies
- Fast withdrawals within 24 hours
- Mobile-first design
- 24/7 live chat support
Seven Casino
£7,500 + 10% cashback
- Huge selection of Pragmatic Play slots
- 70+ progressive jackpot games
- Live dealer casino with 60+ tables
- Mobile-optimized site and apps
- 24/7 customer support
Slots n Bets
800% up to £3,000
- Over 800 slots and table games
- Live dealer tables from Evolution Gaming
- Regular promotions and tournaments
- Loyalty program with exclusive rewards
Top 5 Live Dealer Casinos in the UK
We’ve picked out five top live dealer casinos for UK players. Each has its own unique features. Let’s take a closer look at what they offer.
1. Fat Pirate Casino
Fat Pirate Casino brings a fun, swashbuckling theme to live dealer games. Here’s what we found:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
🎰 Wide range of pirate-themed live games | 💰 Higher minimum bets on some tables |
🎁 Generous welcome bonus for live games | ⏰ Limited customer support hours |
📱 Excellent mobile gaming experience | |
🏴☠️ Regular promotions for loyal players |
2. Gransino
Gransino offers a more traditional casino experience with a modern twist:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
🃏 Extensive selection of live games | ⏳ Withdrawal times can be slow |
👑 VIP program with exclusive live tables | 📜 Complex wagering requirements on bonuses |
📲 Dedicated mobile app | |
🆘 24/7 customer support |
3. Freshbet Casino
Freshbet Casino brings a fresh approach to live dealer gaming:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
🆕 Innovative live game options | 🧑🤝🧑 Limited game providers |
🆓 No-deposit bonus to try games for free | 👶 Newer casino with less established reputation |
⚡ Fast-loading mobile site | |
💬 24/7 live chat support |
4. Casumo
Casumo has made a name for itself with its unique approach:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
🎭 Large variety of live games | 🎨 Playful design might not appeal to everyone |
💸 Weekly cashback on live casino play | 🤔 Some features can be confusing for new players |
🏆 Award-winning mobile experience | |
🎢 Adventure-style rewards program |
5. Seven Casino
Seven Casino rounds out our list with a sleek, premium feel:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
💎 High-quality live games | 💵 Higher minimum bets on average |
🎰 Exclusive Seven-branded live tables | 🎟️ Limited promotional offers |
🎁 Live casino-specific welcome package | |
📱 User-friendly mobile interface |
What Are Live Dealer Casinos?
Live dealer casinos bring a new twist to online gambling. They’re different from regular online casinos because they use real people to run the games instead of computer programs. When you play at a live dealer casino, you’re watching a video stream of an actual dealer handling real cards or spinning a real roulette wheel.
Here’s what makes live dealer casinos stand out:
- Real dealers on video: You see and interact with professional dealers through a live video feed.
- Actual casino gear: The games use real cards, roulette wheels, and other casino equipment.
- Play from anywhere: You can join these games from your computer or phone, wherever you are.
- Chat with others: Many sites let you talk to the dealer and other players while you play.
- See everything happen: You can watch the dealer shuffle and deal cards or spin the wheel, just like in a real casino.
- Lots of game choices: You can usually play blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and different types of poker.
- Easy-to-use screens: The video stream shows the game, and you use buttons on your screen to place bets and make decisions.
- Different views: Some games let you switch camera angles to see the action from different sides.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Live Dealer Casinos
Before you dive into the world of live dealer casinos, it’s good to know what you’re getting into. Like any type of gambling, there are ups and downs to consider. Live dealer games offer a unique experience that’s different from both traditional online casinos and brick-and-mortar establishments.
Let’s break it down in simple terms. Here’s a quick look at the main things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about trying live dealer casino games:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
🎰 Real casino atmosphere | 💰 Higher minimum bets |
🤝 Interact with human dealers | 🐢 Slower game pace |
🏠 Play from home comfort | 🌐 Needs stable internet |
🎭 Transparent gameplay | ⏰ May have limited hours |
🗨️ Social with chat features | 📱 Higher data usage |
🎲 Wide variety of games | 🔇 Potential tech issues |
How We Chose the Top Live Dealer Casinos
Choosing the best live dealer casinos isn’t easy. There are lots of options out there, and not all of them are good. We wanted to make sure we’re telling you about casinos that are worth your time and money. Here’s what we looked at:
Factor | What We Looked For |
UK License | We only picked casinos that have a license from the UK Gambling Commission. This means they follow UK laws and treat players fairly. |
Game Choice | We checked how many different live games each casino has. We like casinos that offer more than just the basics. |
Game Providers | Some companies make better live casino games than others. We favored casinos that work with the top game makers. |
Video Quality | We tested the live streams to make sure they look good and don’t freeze up. Nobody wants to play a game they can barely see. |
Mobile Play | We made sure you can play the live games on your phone without any problems. |
Bonuses | We looked for casinos that give you extra money or free plays that you can actually use on live games. Some casinos have bonuses that don’t work for live games, which isn’t very helpful. |
Banking | We checked that it’s easy to put money in and take it out of your casino account. We like casinos that let you use common UK payment methods. |
Customer Support | if something goes wrong, you need to be able to talk to someone. We picked casinos that have good customer service. |
Player Reviews | We read lots of reviews from real players to see what they think about each casino. |
Responsible Gambling | Good casinos help you gamble responsibly. We looked for ones that let you set limits on how much you spend. |
Popular Live Dealer Games
When you play at a live dealer casino, you’ll see a bunch of different games. Here are the ones you’ll probably find at most places:
In live blackjack, you’re trying to get cards that add up to 21, or close to it. You’ll see a real person dealing the cards on your screen. It’s pretty cool because you can talk to the dealer, and sometimes even chat with other players. If you like thinking about your moves and trying to win more often, you might enjoy this game.
Roulette is the game with the big wheel that spins around. In the live version, you get to see the actual wheel spinning right there on your screen. You can bet on all sorts of things, like what color the ball will land on or what number. It’s fun to watch, and there’s always a lot going on.
Baccarat might sound fancy, but it’s actually pretty simple. You just bet on which hand of cards will win – the ‘Player’ or the ‘Banker’. You don’t actually play the hands yourself. In the live version, you’ll see a real person dealing out the cards. Some people like this game because it moves quickly.
There are different types of live poker games. These aren’t like playing poker with your friends though. Instead, you’re playing against the casino. You might see games called Casino Hold’em or Three Card Poker. Each one has its own rules, but they’re all about making the best poker hand you can.
Game shows are the new kids on the block in live casinos. They’re kind of like the game shows you see on TV. You’ll usually see a host who’s all excited and bubbly. These games often have bright colors and fun sounds. They’re good if you want to try something different from the usual casino games.
Best Providers of Live Dealer Games and Software Suppliers
The best live casinos have all the games you’re looking for and offer great bonuses you can only get online. The companies that make these games are super important. They’re the ones who make the games fun and exciting. If you know which providers are good, you’re more likely to find a great live casino.
Let’s look at some of the top live casino game makers.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is the big name in live casino games. They make tons of different games, from classic stuff like blackjack and roulette to cool new games like Crazy Time and Monopoly Live. Their games look amazing and run really smoothly. If a casino has Evolution games, you know it’s probably pretty good.
Playtech
Playtech has been making casino games for ages. They were one of the first to make live dealer games, way back in 2003. Now they have hundreds of games, including live slots, poker, and games with big jackpots. Playtech games are known for being reliable and fun to play.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is newer to live games, but they’re doing a great job. They started their live casino in 2019. Their games look really good and feel like you’re in a real casino. They make all the usual games like blackjack and roulette, plus some less common ones like sic bo. If you see Pragmatic Play games at a casino, it’s worth checking out.
NetEnt
NetEnt is famous for making great slot games, but they do live games too. They don’t have as many live games as some other companies, but the ones they do have are really good. Their live blackjack and roulette games are especially fun. You can play them on your phone too, which is handy.
How to Get Started with Live Dealer Games
Want to try live dealer games? Here’s how to begin:
- Pick a casino: Look at the ones we talked about earlier. Make sure it’s got a UK license.
- Make an account: You’ll need to give some info about yourself. Be honest – they check to make sure you’re old enough to play.
- Add money: Put some cash in your account. You can usually use a debit card or something like PayPal.
- Go to the live games: Look for a button that says “Live Casino” and click it.
- Choose a game: You’ll see a list. If you’re new, maybe try roulette or blackjack first.
- Join a game: Click on the game you want. Pick a table that matches how much you want to bet.
- Wait if you need to: Some games only let a few people play at once. You might have to wait for a spot.
- Make your bets: When you’re in, you can start betting. There’s usually a countdown showing how long you have.
- Play the game: The dealer will run things just like in a real casino. You’ll see it all on your screen.
- Talk if you want: Most games let you chat with the dealer or other players. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.
Live Casino Bonuses: What’s on Offer?
When you play at live dealer casinos, you might get some extra perks. These are called bonuses.
Now, let’s look at what bonuses our top 5 casinos offer:
Casino | Bonus Offer |
Fat Pirate Casino | 100% match up to £100 on first deposit for live games |
Gransino | £50 in free bets for live roulette after £100 deposit |
Freshbet Casino | No deposit £10 bonus to try live games |
Casumo | 10% weekly cashback on live casino losses |
Seven Casino | 77 free blackjack bets when you deposit £50 |
Payment Methods: How to Pay and Get Paid
When you play at live casinos, you need to think about how you’ll put money in and take it out. This is important because it affects how quickly you can start playing and how fast you can get your winnings.
Different casinos offer different payment options. Some might be better for quick deposits, while others could be better for big withdrawals. It’s good to know what’s available so you can choose what works best for you.
Let’s look at what our top 5 casinos offer. This table shows the main payment methods and which casinos accept them:
Payment Method | Fat Pirate Casino | Gransino | Freshbet Casino | Casumo | Seven Casino |
Debit Cards | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
PayPal | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Skrill | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Neteller | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bank Transfer | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Paysafecard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Google Pay | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Mobile Experience: Live Dealer Games on the Go
You don’t need to be at home on your computer to play live dealer games anymore. Now you can play on your phone or tablet too. This means you can join a game whenever you want, as long as you’ve got internet.
Playing on your phone is a bit different from playing on a computer. The screen is smaller, so the casinos have had to be clever about how they show everything. You’ll still see the dealer and the game, but it might look a bit different. Instead of clicking with a mouse, you’ll tap the screen to place bets and make choices. It might feel weird at first, but most people get used to it quickly.
You don’t usually need to download anything to play. Most casinos let you play right in your phone’s web browser. Just go to the casino’s website and log in like normal. Some casinos do have apps you can download if you prefer that.
Our top casinos all work on phones, but they’re not all the same. Fat Pirate Casino and Freshbet Casino work well in your phone’s browser. Gransino has its own app you can get from your phone’s app store. Casumo is known for being really good on phones. Seven Casino works on phones too, but they haven’t done anything special for mobile players.
When you play on your phone, you need to think about a few things. Make sure you’ve got good internet. Live games need a steady connection to work right. Also, these games can use up your battery pretty fast, so you might want to keep your charger nearby. And be careful about playing on public Wi-Fi. It’s safer to use your own internet.
Playing live dealer games on your phone can be just as fun as playing on a computer. Some people even like it better because they can play from anywhere. Why not give it a try and see what you think?
Frequently Asked Questions About Live Dealer Casinos
1. Can I play live dealer games for free?
Most casinos don’t let you play live dealer games for free. These games cost a lot to run, with real dealers and equipment. But some casinos might give you a no-deposit bonus to try them out. Just remember, you’ll need to put in some of your own money eventually if you want to keep playing.
2. What happens if my internet cuts out during a game?
Don’t worry, the casino has rules for this. If you lose connection, your bets will usually still count. If you were in the middle of making a decision, the game might make a default choice for you. When you get back online, check your account to see what happened.
3. Are the dealers real people or computer animations?
The dealers are 100% real people. They’re trained professionals working in a studio or a real casino. That’s why you can chat with them and see them deal cards or spin the wheel in real time.
4. Can I play live dealer games at any time of day?
Most big casinos offer live dealer games 24/7. But some games might not be available all the time, especially less popular ones. If you like to play at odd hours, check if your favorite games are running when you usually want to play.
5. Do I need a webcam to play live dealer games?
No, you don’t need a webcam. The dealer can see you, but you can’t see other players and they can’t see you. You’ll see the dealer and the game on your screen, and you can type in the chat box if you want to communicate.