A live casino is an online casino that uses video streaming technology to allow players to play table games with a real dealer. The gameplay is very similar to a standard online casino, but the results are decided by real casino equipment such as a dealer dealing cards or a croupier spinning a roulette wheel.

In addition to this, players can interact with the dealers through chat functions, adding a further level of authenticity and providing a more sociable gaming experience. Live casinos also offer a range of different betting limits, making them ideal for players of all bankroll sizes.

Those who are interested in playing live casino should make sure they use a reputable website, with high quality video streaming and good internet connections. They should also check the rules and regulations for each game before playing. Some live casino games have time limits, so players should make sure they play within the correct timeframe to ensure that they don’t miss out on any winnings.

The software that runs a live casino uses special cameras to capture a real dealer at the table. This live dealer is then streamed to a player’s computer, with the dealer’s actions being translated into data by a piece of software known as an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system. This is a bit like the software that converts text to digital form on your computer screen.

This software is extremely expensive to run, and that’s why only a few operators have the capability to run a live casino. They typically partner with one of the leading software providers, which include Evolution Gaming, Microgaming and NetEnt, to license their live casino games and stream them to customers. This allows the casinos to brand the games and tailor the player experience even further, while the software provider gets a share of the revenue from each transaction.

While live casino is still a relatively new offering, it has already made a big impact on the gaming industry. Players love the realism and social interaction that it brings to their online experience, and this has led to its massive popularity in recent years. However, there is a growing concern that the games may be becoming too realistic and that players will lose control of their gambling habits.

Despite this, there are ways to reduce the risk of addiction and stay in control. For example, it is a good idea to set up an account with more than one casino to diversify your gaming options and spread the risk. This will also help you keep track of your spending habits and avoid impulse buying. You can also ask a family member or a close friend to monitor your gambling habits and make sure you don’t get carried away. Lastly, it is important to stay in control of your bankroll, so don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. This will prevent you from feeling regret and avoid losing money unnecessarily.