Table games are the oldest diversions still available in online casinos today, some dating back literally hundreds of years. Ironically, they also make the most of the latest technology in their updated incarnation as live casino games. These games are accessed online, using streaming technology to connect players with a real dealer and table (or spinning wheel etc). This unique approach has reinvigorated the world of table games, and presents players with an engaging combination of easy access and real casino atmosphere. There are plenty of great games from which to pick, and here are 10 of the very best selected by Top10casinos.ca.
1: Sweet Bonanza Candyland
Created by software developer Pragmatic Play, Sweet Bonanza Candyland features a giant spinning wheel and, naturally, has the candyland theme of pink hues and sugary art style. Spinning wheel games are nice and straightforward, making this a good introduction for players new to the live dealer concept. It’s also well-suited for players who prefer smaller stakes, as just $0.20 is needed to take part. Most numbers are 1, 2, 5, and 10, with a bet paying out at the corresponding rate (5:1 for a winning bet on 5, for example). There are bonus rounds, and if the wheel lands on Sugar Bombs this adds a multiplier to wins.
2: American Roulette
One of the cornerstones of live dealer table games is American Roulette. Software developers who provide live tables, including Evolution Gaming, and those who may expand in the category, such as Blueprint Gaming (best-known for their extensive collection of slots including a top class Megaways series), almost always provide American Roulette. This spin on the classic game features double zero as its main distinguishing feature and features a broad range of stakes, making it great for both those with deep pockets and players who prefer modest wagers. The numbers range from 1 to 36 (plus zero and double zero), with 18 black and 18 red, making for a staggering array of potential bets. Players can therefore opt for a high risk, high reward strategy of backing a single number, or back all the reds or blacks for a lower payout but much higher chance of success. And there are many bets in between, of course.
3: Classic Blackjack
Live streaming technology has not only revolutionized the world of television but also breathed new life into the oldest of casino games: blackjack. Easy to learn yet hard to master, Classic Blackjack is a staple of live casinos. It also rewards the players with the sharpest minds, as the decision-making involved can be tricky but those who get it right will make the most of the casino game with the lowest house edge. Splitting and doubling down also offer the chance to make more money (but a top tip is to avoid insurance: mathematically it will usually leave a player behind rather than ahead).
4: European Roulette
As ubiquitous as its aforementioned American cousin, European Roulette is available at practically every single live casino one might visit. The main difference between this version and the American style is that European Roulette has a single zero (37 numbers in total, the rest being numbered 1 to 36). This may seem a minor variation but it actually alters the house edge quite significantly, with European Roulette being far better for players in this regard than the American version. As with all types of roulette, there’s an astonishing array of potential bets, and stakes can be as low as $1 or into the thousands, depending on the means of the player.
5: Punto Banco
While blackjack and roulette are king of the live casino hill, baccarat is also commonly accessible. A popular variant for players from Canada is Punto Banco, which may pay out at 8:1 or 9:1. As in blackjack, face cards are worth 10, and the ace is worth 1 (but not 11). Players can back their own hand to win, or wager that the banker’s hand will prove triumphant. It is also possible to back the tie. Importantly, players should note backing the banker will pay out at only 95% (unlike the player’s hand). As with all live casino games, variations and differing rule sets are common, so be sure to check ahead of time.
6: Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt
Inspired by the smash hit slot from NetEnt, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt is the live version and was put together by the juggernaut of streaming casino games: Evolution Gaming. The stake minimum is only $0.10, making this one of the most wallet-friendly choices on this top 10 list. Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt features a host guiding the player through their quest for golden rewards. Players begin by picking the coloured stone they seek, with rarer stones paying out higher rewards. The highest value stone is worth 65x the stake, while the lowest value stone is just 1x, enabling players to opt for a lower risk strategy with a better chance of a small profit, or going high risk for a substantial (but low chance) profit. Between the high and low, other coloured stone values include 20x, 8x, 4x, and 2x.
Players make picks (from 1 to 20) from the wall of 70 stones. Each pick increases the stake, so while the chances of finding the right stone increase with each pick, so does the cost of failure. Backing one stone with $5 and another with $10 means each pick on the wall costs $15. And there are Prize Drop, re-Drop, and multiplier bonus features to spice things up a little bit more.
7: Speed Roulette
The name of Speed Roulette gives away this game’s defining feature: it’s roulette but much faster. The stakes are similar to other variations on roulette, but both the wagering and the release of the ball take much less time, making it ideal for those who like a fast pace of play or who have time for just a mini-session. Speed Roulette is a great selection for live casino fans who have five or 10 minutes to kill, and has the same broad options for placing bets as the slower paced versions of this enduring table game classic. Evolution Gaming’s new take on roulette means each game takes just 25 seconds from start to finish, around half the average from other roulette variations.
8: VIP Blackjack
While most live casino games feature stakes suitable for a range of bankrolls, VIP Blackjack has a more exclusive approach. This take on blackjack was made with high rollers in mind, and has its own distinctive styling to set it apart from more run-of-the-mill blackjack games. Only for those with the deepest of pockets, VIP Blackjack is one of many variants on the game available at the top casino platforms today. Blackjack’s proven a popular game for hundreds of years and a key part of the allure is the difficulty of making the right call in tough situations. That judgment only becomes more tense when dealing with the high stakes of VIP Blackjack.
9: Double Ball Roulette
The advent of livestreaming technology has seen an array of new twists on old games, and a perfect example of this is Double Ball Roulette. This intriguing innovation on roulette adds a second ball (as the name implies). Roulette already had a huge assortment of potential bets that players could make, and the second ball only increases the possible outcomes. In addition, payouts are more frequent (for obvious reasons) which is no bad thing for players. At the top end are payouts at a delightful 1,300 to 1. Players who love roulette but also want something a little new to keep things fresh may find this a very appealing proposition.
10: Perfect Pairs Blackjack
No table game is more popular or has a lower house edge than blackjack, which is why it has so many differing variations. Perfect Pairs Blackjack is very similar to the standard game but features the addition of some side bets (in standard blackjack the only side bet possibility is insurance). Players can place a bet that pays out if one of three ‘perfect pairs’ are dealt out. Pairs can include the same value, same value and colour, or same value and suit and colour, with each paying out at differing odds. Blackjack aficionados are familiar with the importance of critical decision making, and Perfect Pairs offers an innovative twist on the base game.
Live casinos offer a wide selection of great games, from ancient classics to new diversions for players to explore.
