Live Casino Games – Providing UK Players Authentic Experiences in 2025

Live casino games transport players into a digital replica of a traditional casino room, providing an authentic gaming experience that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

These games differ significantly from traditional RNG tables, as they incorporate numerous real-world aspects and features commonly found in a physical casino room. Games are hosted by human dealers, with technology providing players with lifelike sessions using the latest advancements and innovations.

The live casino gaming market continues to thrive. In 2024, UK players managed to surpass the £1 billion gross gambling yield (GGY) in live play. This figure is expected to continue increasing year-on-year, as new developments, changing attitudes, and preferences emerge.

Today every top‑tier UKGC site streams 24/7 roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps and game show‑style titles from purpose‑built studios in Riga, Bucharest and Malta.

How Are Live Casino Games Streamed

Live casino games are delivered to players using several different technologies. They are sophisticated and innovative, allowing for immersive and authentic gameplay experiences to be enjoyed. The technologies used also promote fair gaming, meeting the UKGC’s requirements for responsible gambling measures.

Studio Set-Up

A live casino game studio setup is presented by software developers featuring a combination of physical props and technological innovations.

The physical components can include:

• A shoe in which playing cards are shuffled and dealt from
• Wheel for roulette
• Dice for dice games
• Table

Essentially, anything that can be found at a physical version of a casino game in a land-based UK casino can be found.

Technology components can include:

• Multiple 4K cameras to provide various angles of the gameplay with clear pictures
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and RFID Sensors to read and digitise the data that is shown on the table (wheel numbers, playing card values, etc.)
• A Game Control Unit (GCU) to encode the video stream and synchronise all game data
• API (Application Programming Interface) feed to casino operators, providing real-time data about the game, its results, and whether a payout is required.

Latency & Compliance: Why Streams Must Be Live

Leading live casino software providers must provide live streams as part of the UKGC regulations. The body forbids the use of pre-recorded loops, as they could undermine the game’s integrity. All streams must be genuinely live to guarantee transparency, prevent fraud, and maintain player trust.

Providers aim for end-to-end latency of less than 1.5 seconds between the studio and players in the UK and EU. This helps create a fair and transparent betting experience that players can trust and enjoy.

Core Live‑Game Categories

All trusted UK live online casinos will have a vast library of games that can be played. Casinos will offer many of the traditional games commonly found in a physical land-based casino. They will also include options within their portfolios that have combined technology to create immersive gaming experiences and sessions.

A rundown of the core live casino games possible to find at a top UK online casino is presented below:

Live Roulette

Live Roulette is one of the most popular live casino game types for players in Britain, with it often being played more than any other. It’s a simple game to enjoy, while software providers have created many different variants that can be enjoyed. These include:

• European Roulette
• American Roulette
• French Roulette
• Speed Roulette
• Auto Roulette
• 20p Roulette
• Lightning Roulette

Live Blackjack

Live Blackjack is a popular casino game widely enjoyed by British players at trusted UKGC-licensed casinos. The vast majority of a game library can often be filled with blackjack variants, with software providers having been able to introduce side bets and technology into the classic game. Options include:

• American Blackjack
• European Blackjack
• Spanish 21
• Double Exposure Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• 7‑seat
• Infinite
• Power
• Free‑Bet

Live Baccarat & Dragon Tiger

Live Baccarat & Dragon Tiger are live casino games that have emerged as a popular game type for players in recent years. It is a simple game to play, with Baccarat rules making it very straightforward to enjoy in a short time. Dragon Tiger is a similar variant to Baccarat, being a fast-paced, two-card game where players bet on which hand will win. Options include:

• No-Commission Baccarat
• Speed Baccarat
• Squeeze Baccarat
• Punto Banco
• Mini-Baccarat
• Chemin de Fer
• Baccarat Banque
• Dragon Tiger

Live Poker Variants

UKGC-licensed casinos offer several variations of live poker games. Players can enjoy realistic and authentic online experiences when hitting the poker tables, with games being live-streamed from a studio that replicates a traditional poker room. Game options can feature classics and innovative options, including:

• Casino Hold’em
• Texas Hold’em
• Omaha
• Three-Card
• Five-Card Draw
• Seven-Card Stud
• Chinese Poker
• Ultimate Texas
• Side-Bet City

Live Craps & Sic Bo

Players using UKGC-licensed casinos can find live craps and Sic Bo options available. Live craps can provide players with the same entertainment as physical games can when the dice is thrown by the “shooter” with the tech used. Sic Bo is an Asian game that involves three dice and requires bets to be made on their total, making it very simple to enjoy. Options can include:

• Classic Craps
• Crapless Craps
• Bank Craps
• Sic Bo
• Super Sic Bo
• Lightning Sic Bo

Game‑Show Titles

Live casino software providers have managed to use TV game shows as a source of inspiration, creating live game show titles that players can enjoy. These games feature many core elements of a traditional game show to create betting opportunities, using technology to live stream a studio environment to players wherever they are, making them feel as though they are participating in one. Titles include:

• Crazy Time
• Monopoly Big Baller
• Mega Wheel
• Dream Catcher
• Sweet Bonanza Candyland
• Football Studio
• Boom City
• Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt

Major Providers & Studio Hubs (2025)

UKGC-licensed casinos use many of the biggest software providers to host live casino games in 2025. These include Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Playtech Live, OnAir Entertainment, Livespins, Authentic Gaming, Ezugi, and Stakelogic Live.

Evolution

Evolution are the premier live software developer in the casino industry. The organisation provides some of the biggest games available, with their “Lightning” mechanic a popular hit with players in the UK.

At the end of 2024, their licence was being reviewed by the UKGC as titles were being found to be accessible from the UK through operators not holding a licence. The software provider has been cooperating fully and has taken immediate action to remain compliant.

They are headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and have studios in locations such as Riga (Latvia, their main hub), Tbilisi (Georgia), Malta, and new studios in Cebu (Philippines) and major UK casinos.

Pragmatic Play Live

Pragmatic Play are among the leading software providers for live casino games, with many notable titles. These include Mega Wheel, Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, PowerUP Roulette, and Blackjack Azure. They offer UK players exclusive experiences, as well as some of the most immersive available.

Headquartered in Gibraltar, Pragmatic Play Live is fully licensed by the UKGC and have studios in Bucharest (Romania, main) and Gibraltar. It is also possible to find the provider streaming exclusive tables from major UK casinos.

Playtech Live

Playtech Live is a software provider recognised for offering a range of classic live casino game variants like Quantum Roulette, the Mega Fire Blaze™ Live Suite, and live slots. The developer continues to focus on immersion, offering players gameplay experiences that have been enhanced through innovative mechanics and lifelike casino settings.

Playtech Live is headquartered in the Isle of Man with a major office in London. They have studios worldwide, including a flagship facility in Latvia (Riga) and live studios in Romania, Spain and the Philippines (Manila), as well as a presence in LatAm (Peru) and the USA.

OnAir Entertainment

Headquartered in London, OnAir Entertainment are an emerging live casino software provider offering UK players authentic gaming experiences. Games Global’s exclusive studio partner, the developer is known for its flexibility in terms of studio UI for casinos, creating user-friendly gaming experiences for everyone.

Game titles include Standard and Speed Roulette, Diamond Rush Roulette, and have launched exclusive Blackjack and Roulette tables at UKGC-licensed casinos. They hold an active UKGC license, with their main studio being based in Riga (Latvia), with others in London and across Europe.

Livespins

Livespins are headquartered in Malta and operates under Evolution’s UKGC licence. The software provider offers a unique live casino experience, focusing on social betting. Using live streams with influencers and content creators, their games feature a Social “bet behind” streaming feature.

Using an API, they are integrated into operator lobbies, streaming from Malta and influencer hubs.

Authentic Gaming

Authentic Gaming holds an active UKGC licence in 2025, streaming out of locations that include Malta (HQ), London casinos like Aspers Casino, and other major European casino venues. This helps to set their titles apart from others, as they use live streams in real locations, rather than a studio.

Game titles focus on live roulette variants, including Blaze Live Roulette, XL Roulette, and actual live in-casino options, allowing players to play in real-time with those standing around a table.

Ezugi

As part of the Evolution group, Ezugi is another leading software provider offering British players comprehensive live gaming experiences through advanced technology. They hold a UKGC licence and are headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Streaming out of locations like Romania, Latvia, and Asian countries, Ezugi offers many Asian-themed games, such as Andar Bahar and Teen Patti. Some classics, including roulette, poker, and blackjack, are also available to UK players in 2025.

Stakelogic Live

A recent entrant to the UK live casino market, having acquired its licence in 2022, Stakelogic Live is emerging as a top choice for players due to the experiences it offers. Many of their studios are local, although some games may be streamed from studios in the Netherlands.

The Super Stake feature makes the Malta-based software provider a popular choice for players, with flagship titles including Super Stake Blackjack, European Roulette and Money Wheel.

Table Limits, Side Bets & Payout Maths

UK players can enjoy three different table limits when playing live casino games at a regulated casino. Games are typically classified as low-stakes, mainstream, and VIP/high-roller. Players have the flexibility to choose the ones that fit their betting preferences.

The following is a generic example of what can be found when using a UKGC-licensed casino:

Stake Level	Minimum Bet	Maximum Bet	Typical Games
Low-Stake	£1	£100	Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Game Shows, etc.
Mainstream	£10	£1,000	Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, etc.
VIP/High Roller	£100	£100,000	Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Poker, etc.

Many UK online live casino games feature side bets. These are bets that can be placed in addition to standard bets to add further excitement. Players do not have to use these bets, but they can maximise win potential and provide bigger wins when used. Common options include:

Side Bet	Game	Typical Payouts / Multipliers	House Edge / RTP
21+3	Blackjack	Flush 5:1, Straight 10:1, 3 of a Kind 30:1, Straight Flush 40:1, Suited Trips 100:1	3%–13% (varies by paytable)
Perfect Pairs	Blackjack	Mixed Pair 5:1, Colored Pair 12:1, Perfect Pair 25:1	2%–11%
Insurance	Blackjack	2:1	~7%
Buster	Blackjack	Dealer busts—varies, up to 2000:1	~6%–8% (varies)
Top 3	Blackjack	Suited Trips 270:1, Straight Flush 180:1, Three of a Kind 90:1	~7%–8%
Lightning Roulette	Roulette	Straight-up bet pays 30:1 plus random multipliers up to 500x	2.7% (base, same as European Roulette)
Lightning Baccarat	Baccarat	Multipliers up to 1,310,720x on certain bets	~1.2%–1.5% (base game)
Six Card Bonus	3 Card Poker	1000:1 (rare)	8%–13%

NOTE: It is essential that players remain disciplined and adhere to responsible gambling practices when using side bets. They can have a detrimental impact on the bankroll as they can deplete funds very quickly.

UI Features & Player Tools

Live casino games use various tools to streamline the game experience obtained by players. Software developers achieve this by focusing on the design of the user interface, making built-in tools easily accessible to further enhance the gameplay.

Multiple-View Cameras

Software providers like Evolution use multiple-view cameras to create a 360-degree view of the games being played. Depending on the game being played, players can switch between various angles and view the game from different perspectives, allowing them to experience an authentic level of interaction.

Bet-Behind

The bet-behind feature allows players to make a bet based on the wager that another player has made. This feature is commonly found in blackjack, although it has also been added to other casino classics.

The bet-behind feature keeps players engaged when they are not able to sit at the table due to capacity limits.

Saved Wagers

Players are afforded convenience through the saved wagers feature that some live online casino software providers offer. Players can return to a game after a break and resume from their previous session, placing bets using their preferred combinations or previous stakes with the click of a button.

Tipping

Live casino games have implemented a tipping feature within their interfaces, allowing players to tip the host or human dealer after a session has been played. A small feature, it enhances the live experience and realism of the game, as players can tip dealers when playing in a physical casino room.

Live Chat Moderation Standards

Players may enjoy live casino games for their social aspects as much as they may enjoy them for their gameplay. Software providers have enhanced the social aspect of these games by incorporating live chat features. These are moderated by the host, with specific standards required to be followed, thus creating a harmonious environment in which everyone can enjoy.

Mandatory Reality Check Pop-Ups

Many game interfaces feature a timer or clock that provides players with an indication of how long they have been playing. The UKGC requires casinos to display reality-check pop-ups every 60 minutes, as outlined in its Social Responsibility Code 3.4.1. It has been designed to encourage players to play responsibly and help them manage their time effectively.

How to Start Playing Live (Step‑by‑Step)

To begin playing live casino games, players must do the following:

1. Find a UKGC-licensed casino: BestOdds provides expert reviews and recommendations on UK online casinos that can be trusted. The sites hold a UKGC licence, meaning players can trust they are being protected at all times.

2. Sign Up & Register: Players should complete the registration process and create an account at a chosen UKGC-licensed casino. This can be completed by following the instructions that are provided.

3. Complete KYC checks: In accordance with the UKGC’s requirements, casinos are obligated to verify the identities of players who sign up and use their sites. This process is known as Know Your Customer (KYC) and is often completed automatically once all requested details have been provided. Additional documentation may be required to complete the checks if it cannot be done automatically. Players should provide these immediately, as this will streamline future processes, including the withdrawal of any funds.

4. Welcome Bonus: Most UK online casinos offer new players the opportunity to claim a casino welcome bonus. These may be available during the sign-up or once an account has been created. Players should determine whether the bonus is suitable for them by carefully reading the terms and conditions and ensuring they have a thorough understanding.

5. Setting limits: As part of the UKGC’s commitment to responsible gambling, players can set deposit and loss limits when signing up. It is advised to do this immediately, but it can be completed at a later date.
6. Playing a Live Casino Game: Players should head to the ‘Live Casino’ section of the UKGC-licensed site and pick the game they want to play. Once it loads, a betting stake should be set before players begin playing. It is important to maintain control and discipline by practising responsible gambling.

Etiquette & Streaming Delays

Players should adhere to specific etiquette standards when playing live casino games. These are in place to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all players. They involve being respectful to others and playing like how games are typically approached in a physical casino.

Key etiquette players should adhere to include:

• Not abusing the chat system with offensive language or spam
• Playing games in the correct manner without causing any necessary delays
• Playing games in the same way that they would want them to be played by others

It can be important to remember the following:

• It is not a requirement to tip the dealer
• Players should expect occasional delays regarding the stream; these should only last a moment and not occur too frequently.

Mobile & Low‑Bandwidth Optimisation

Live online casino games are designed to be played on mobile devices, offering players convenience and accessibility that laptops and desktops cannot match. Software developers optimise their games to work seamlessly on mobile devices by using various innovations.

Adaptive Bit-Rate Streaming

Adaptive bit-rate (ABR) streaming automatically adjusts the video quality in real time based on the player’s current internet speed and device capabilities. This is achieved through the use of encoding technologies, with the player’s device able to switch to the highest quality stream that can be played without buffering or interruption.

This ensures a consistent, lag-free experience, even when a player moves between Wi-Fi and mobile data or experiences fluctuations in bandwidth.

Portrait Interface Innovations

Software providers often focus on mobile-first designs for their titles, as this device has become the most popular globally. UK players frequently use their smartphones to enjoy live casino gaming, which means developers must implement games that can function in portrait mode.

Leading providers, including Evolution, have managed to achieve this with UIs that are specifically tailored for portrait play, providing touch-friendly controls and larger, easily accessible buttons, collapsible menus and bet selectors that do not clutter the screen. In-game chat features are also hidden but remain accessible.

What is the Recommended Minimum Internet Speed for Live Casino Games?

Live casino games are bandwidth-intensive due to the use of High-Definition video and the real-time interactivity of the gameplay. These features require a minimum internet connection speed to ensure the games run as smoothly as possible.

As a recommendation, it is advised that players only play live casino games when they have a connection speed of 3 Mbps or more. The greater the speed, the better the quality of gameplay, especially those streamed in high or ultra definition.

Strategies, Systems & Reality

Players can often look to implement various strategies and betting systems to help them maximise win potential. Although there is no guarantee of winning, effective use of strategies can enhance gameplay by prolonging sessions and promoting responsible gambling. Strategies can include:

• Martingale System
• Fibonacci System
• D’Alembert System
• Labouchere System
• The Kelly Criterion System

Various misconceptions also exist regarding strategies commonly used in live casino games:

• Card counting is ineffective in online casinos due to continuous shuffling, shallow deck penetration, and RNG-based systems that prevent predictable patterns.
• Wheel bias is irrelevant in online roulette, as live dealer wheels undergo rigorous testing and RNG games are mathematically randomised.
• Progression systems (e.g., Martingale) do not alter RTP, as each outcome remains statistically independent with a fixed house edge.

Perfect-Strategy Charts for Blackjack Side Bets

Players can use basic strategy charts to make informed decisions while playing blackjack. There is no perfect strategy charts that exist when side bets are used. In games that feature options like Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and others, the payouts and odds for these side bets are fixed, and their house edges are typically higher than the main game (often 5%–13% or more).

Baccarat Banker Edge

Baccarat is a popular live casino game due to its advantageous return-to-player (RTP) rate. The ‘Banker’ bet has a house edge of around 1.06%. This cannot be lowered when using a strategy or system, as probabilities and fixed rules determine betting outcomes. 

Regulation, Fairness & Audit Trails

The UKGC requires live casinos to operate under strict regulations when holding a licence. This includes meeting the following terms:

• UKGC Licence Condition 17 – Operators must obtain and verify a customer’s identity before permitting them to gamble. They must also inform customers upfront about the types of documents required and cannot delay withdrawals by requesting information that could have been obtained earlier. This regulation is designed to prevent fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling.
• Daily Round Logs – Operators are required to keep comprehensive daily round logs of all games played. They must include bets placed, outcomes, timestamps, and the number of rounds played. They can be checked as part of an audit or when a dispute has arisen.
• Dispute Escalation – If a player has a dispute that cannot be resolved directly with the live casino, they can escalate it to IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service). This is a body approved by the UKGC and offers impartial and independent rulings.
• Quarterly Inspections – All game equipment is audited quarterly by independent bodies to assess its fairness and randomness. GLI and eCOGRA can conduct these inspections, as they are recognised by the UKGC as trusted bodies.

Emerging Trends

Live casino software providers have been able to capitalise on emerging technologies to improve the gameplay experiences players can obtain. In 2025 and beyond, UK players can expect to see some of the following begin to emerge with the games they play:

Multiplier Game Shows 2.0

Many casino games already feature significant win multipliers, with Evolution making several available to be enjoyed through the brand’s lightning feature. Players should expect to see the offering of these titles be enhanced even further as developers continue to meet increasing demands for quality gameplay.

Regional-Accent Presenters

The UK is made up of many different accents. An emerging trend may be to see games feature presenters from a specific area or with a regional accent, aiming to increase player relatability. With emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, the industry may even use the technology to create voice overlays spoken in regional dialects.

AI-Driven Seat Allocation

Seating allocations at live casinos could become driven by AI in the future. Systems could predict player wait times using historical traffic data and dynamically open and close tables, further enhancing player experiences. AI could also offer priority queuing for certain players, basing their place on several factors.

Early Demos of VR Mixed Reality Games

In 2025, the UK live casino market could see technologies like virtual reality start to gain traction. The industry could be given early demos of how the tech can be used for games like blackjack, poker, and roulette.

Responsible‑Gambling Reminders

Responsible gambling is a core focus for the UKGC, with many regulations in place to promote safe gambling practices and to prevent potential harm from occurring. Casinos that are licensed by the regulatory body must adhere to the rules that have been created.

Operators must offer players tools that promote responsible gambling. These include providing deposit and loss limits, completing KYC checks, providing reality checks every 60 minutes, and offering cooling-off periods.

Additionally, operators must provide access to independent organisations that can offer assistance. These must be displayed on their live casino on a dedicated page, detailing all of the help that can be obtained. Among the bodies available, players can obtain help from:

• GamStop: A service for self-exclusion from online gambling sites.
• GambleAware: Offers advice and resources for responsible gambling.
• GamCare: Provides support and counselling for gambling-related issues.
• National Helpline: 080 8802 0133 (accessible 24/7).

Stricter regulations are continually being introduced to further protect players, with a new £2 bonus-buy cap for UK-facing live multipliers implemented in 2025.

Main Takeaways

Live casino games provide players with authentic gaming experiences. UK players using a UKGC-licensed site can enjoy lifelike online sessions akin to those obtained when playing at a land-based establishment.

The UK gaming market offers players access to various software providers, with Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, and Playtech Live often regarded as the leading developers in 2025. Each of them provides unique experiences, with numerous variants of classic games that are fully licensed. They are fair to play and can be enjoyed with complete trust.

Various technologies are used to create the games and make them as playable as they are. Studios are using the latest innovations, while emerging trends and technologies could have a significant impact on what the future holds for these games.

TL;DR:

• Live casino games replicate physical game experiences
• Several software providers offer innovative variants of classic games
• Technology drives these games with unique mechanics and immersive streaming
• Games are licensed by the UKGC
• Evolution, Pragmatic Play live, and Playtech live are considered leading software providers in 2025
• Etiquette should be followed when playing live casino games
• Practice responsible gambling

FAQs

What equipment prevents dealers from rigging the wheel or shoe?

Automated equipment has been developed to prevent dealers from rigging certain aspects or tools used for specific games. Titles are also monitored using advanced technologies, while dealers are professionally trained to offer a fair gaming session.

Why do some live blackjack tables allow unlimited players?

Some live blackjack tables allow unlimited players due to the game’s software or the technology used to create it. Evolution’s Infinite Blackjack is an example of a game that allows this, as it uses a hybrid physical-virtual card distribution system.

Can I use a Martingale on Lightning Roulette without hitting the table max?

It is possible to use the Martingale System when playing Lightning Roulette, but it isn’t advisable. Lightning Roulette multipliers only apply to straight-up bets, while table limits may make it difficult to continue to follow the betting system if losses continually occur.

Do UK welcome bonuses usually count 100% toward live‑wagering?

Most UK welcome bonuses do not count 100% toward live wagering. They often only focus on slots or table games. Typical live game contribution is between 10% and 25%.

How fast is the typical withdrawal if I win at a live table?

The speed of a withdrawal will depend on the method used and the casino’s terms. Some options can be instant or offer same-day transactions, whereas others may take between three and five working days.

Are live‑dealer streams truly “live” or delayed recordings?

Live-dealer streams are completed in real-time and are not delayed broadcasts. There may be a slight delay due to internet connections, but it will only last a second or so.

What happens if my connection drops mid‑hand?

If your internet connection drops mid-hand, the casino will try to reconnect you as quickly as possible. Games will continue if your connection drops, so bets may be lost.

Is it legal to tip the dealer with bonus funds?

It may be possible to tip the live dealer with bonus funds. It is best to check the terms and conditions of the bonus before using it to confirm whether it can be used, as they may be subject to wagering requirements.

Which live game carries the lowest house edge for UK players?

The live casino games that carry the lowest house edge for UK players are Live Blackjack (0.42–0.72% with perfect strategy), followed by baccarat (banker bet: 1.06%) and French roulette (1.35%).

How do I verify that a live studio holds a valid UKGC licence?

You can verify if a live studio holds a valid UKGC licence by checking the licence details in the footer of the casino. It can also be possible to check out the developer’s website and find out their licence details for further confirmation.