Live Casino

Best Live Casino for Ontario Players

Online casino Ontario players rejoice! Live casino games are now also available at leading casino operators in Ontario, which means that you too can now access this immersive gambling experience. Here are just some of the best live dealer casino games available in Ontario!

Are Live Casinos Legal in Ontario?

Yes, casinos are now fully legal and licensed to operate in Ontario by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. We carefully check that each casino and game provider is licensed here. You should also check out iGaming Ontario to ensure that your online casino is legal and regulated.

Are live casino games rigged?

Each live casino game provider is not only licensed by government authorities, but many of them are also certified by third-party agencies such as eCOGRA. Also, you don’t have to worry about random number generators as a real person (who you see on the screen) provides all the action. 

What Is a Live Casino?

Simply put, a live casino lets you experience classic casino games from home as if you were playing in person. You don’t play against a computer or RNG; a real dealer operates the game instead. 

Why play live casino games?

There are many reasons players prefer live casino games over others. Let’s start with a quick summary in the table below. 

Live Casino Games vs RNG (Virtual) Games

The pros of playing at a live dealer casino

Live dealer casino games are immersive and entertaining. The casino trend has become more popular in the last few years, with more online casinos adding to their live casino libraries. Here are a few pros to playing with a live dealer vs an RNG game.

They’re immersive

There’s no doubt that playing live provides a more immersive experience. After all, it both feels and looks more like you’re playing at a table in person. You can strike up a chat with the dealer too. 

They’re entertaining 

Since the game is operated by a real dealer, it can make for a much more entertaining experience. They do more than simply deal the cards, or spin the roulette wheel, they make the whole experience far more fun. 

They’re fair and safe

Every player should have peace of mind that each of these games is fully licensed and regulated, making them safe. 

They’re constantly evolving

New technology is constantly appearing and making the games more interesting. Live casino games have come a long way in the past decade alone.

Most Popular Live Casino Games

Popular live casino games are what players often refer to as classic casino games. Almost everyone has at least heard of poker, blackjack and roulette, for example. However, we’ll also cover a new category known as game shows, which are totally different from anything else. 

Live Poker

Live Poker is played with cards and might be one of the best-known casino games. However, there are several variants, such as Casino Hold’em, Stud Poker, Three Card Poker, and others. 

Players in Ontario can enjoy live dealer versions of a variety of online poker games at their favourite online Ontario casinos.

Live Blackjack

Live Blackjack is another card game where the goal is to have your cards total higher than the dealer, but not above 21.

There are several interesting versions of live casino blackjack you can try, such as Infinite Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack, and Power Blackjack.

Live Roulette

Live Roulette is perhaps one of the simplest games, with the main objective being to guess where the ball will end up on the wheel.

You can bet on single numbers (which offer the highest payout) or larger sections of the wheel, which pay less but have better odds.

Live Baccarat

In Baccarat, two hands are dealt, one for you (the player) and one for the banker (dealer). You have to bet on which hand will be better.

Like all live casino games, you can enjoy several exciting variants like Speed Baccarat, Baccarat Squeeze, and Golden Wealth Baccarat. 

Live Craps

Unlike most of the games we’ve covered so far, Live Craps is played with dice rather than cards. Essentially, you make a bet on what you think the outcome of the dice rolls will be.

This game is entirely based on luck, with little skill or strategy involved. For many, craps can be a thrilling experience. 

Game Shows

Game shows represent a broad category of games, with each one having a unique set of rules and how they’re played. Some game shows are based on popular TV shows like Deal Or No Deal Live.

Others take their inspiration from renowned slots like Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt. One thing’s for sure – they provide an experience like no other, so be sure to check them out. 

Types of Live Dealer Tables

Ultimately, there are 2 main kinds of live dealer tables you can encounter. We’ll expand more on the difference between studio tables and land-based tables in this section. 

Studio tables

Studio tables are provided by the developer of the live casino game. In a single studio, you’ll likely find dozens of tables, each one for a specific game, each with a dealer of its own. These studio tables typically operate on a combination of software and live dealers. 

Land-based tables

Land-based tables are found in and owned by the casino offering them. Some large physical casinos may also offer an online version as well. The massive Hippodrome Casino in England is a good example of this.

How to Play Live Casino Games

Let’s look at how you can play at a live casino. We won’t cover specific rules as these vary greatly from game to game. Instead, we’ll explain the general process for getting started at any live casino. 

1. First, choose a casino where you want to play. You can check out our casino reviews for advice on the best casinos in Ontario.
2. Sign up at your preferred casino. Usually, you’ll find a register or sign-up button in the top right corner.
3. Upload any necessary documents to verify your identity.
4. Go to the payments section of the casino, and make your first deposit using one of the available methods.
5. Afterwards, head over to the live casino section. Now you’re ready to choose your first game and get started. 

9 Tips on How to Find the Best Live Casino in Ontario

Here are 9 of our tips on how you can find the best online casino and also improve your play. 

1. Read our expert reviews
2. Look at the games the casino offers
3. Check the wagering requirements for any offers
4. Does the VIP program include live casino players too?
5. Are there any exclusive or branded live dealer games?
6. Appearance and design of the live studios 
7. Functionality and navigation of the website
8. Watch professional players to improve your skills
9. Read our strategy guides for poker, roulette, and other games

Play Live Casino on Mobile

Mobile play is increasingly popular because many players want to enjoy these games wherever they are. You’ll find some live casinos even offer mobile apps for a fully optimized experience. 

If you want a top-notch mobile experience, you can check out one of these casinos:

• LeoVegas
• bet365
• BetMGM

How Do Live Casinos Work?

Live dealer casinos aren’t as simple as they might appear at first. There’s a surprising amount that goes into them running properly. First, none of these live dealer tables are owned by the casino itself (except in some rare cases). Instead, they’re located at the studios of the game providers.

Live dealer tables operate on a mix of software, too. Besides the camera that transmits the video feed, optical character recognition (OCR) is widely used. This technology scans cards and other items, and they appear digitally on your screen. From your screen, you can also input your wagers and other decisions, which are then sent to the dealer. 

The game control unit (GCU) is also actively processing everything that goes on. This keeps track of the cards that are dealt, chips, dice and everything else. One interesting thing is, although you can see the dealer, they don’t actually see you (even if you have a camera). 

Best Live Casino Providers and Software

Now that you’re more familiar with live casino games, you probably want to know who the best developers are. Here are 2 of the top providers of live casino games. 

Evolution – Evolution is widely regarded as the top live casino provider. Their games and advancements have changed the world of live casino gaming for the better. Evolution also has the largest library of live dealer titles and innovative game shows. 

Pragmatic Play – Pragmatic Play is more well known for its amazing slots, but did you know they make live casino games too? Indeed, they have a number of classic casino games and even game shows. 

Studio tables (Evolution Gaming)

Studio tables (like those provided by Evolution) offer several advantages. First, you have a space that’s dedicated entirely to live casino gaming. There’s also advanced technology at play and highly trained dealers to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players. When compared to regular live tables you may find at a casino, studio tables are superior in many ways. 

How to Register at a Live Casino

Signing up at a live casino is no different than anywhere else. Live casinos aren’t necessarily separate entities; rather they’re components of most online casinos. These general steps can help you get started. 

1. Click on the sign up/register button to begin. Usually, it’s found in the top right corner. 
2. You’ll likely be asked to provide a username and password first, as well as your email. 
3. On the following pages, enter your full name, address, postal code, phone number, date of birth and other requested information. 
4. At the end, check off the boxes to confirm you’re at least 19 and located in Ontario. 
5. In some cases, you’ll receive a link from the casino in your inbox to verify your email address and finalize the registration. 
6. Once you’re done, you can make your first deposit and start playing. 

Solutions for Common Issues When Playing Live Casino Games

While playing at any live casino, you may run into a few snags. Below are the most common problems players experience and what you can do about them. If any issues persist, you should contact customer support. 

The game isn’t loading 

If a game isn’t loading properly, try checking your internet connection and speed. We also recommend disabling adblockers as these can interfere with casino software. 

The stream isn’t clear or is lagging

If the game is pausing or otherwise running slow, the issue may again be related to your internet speed. You can try resetting your connection and reloading the game again. 

I can’t make withdrawals

If you’re unable to withdraw any money from a casino, it’s likely because you haven’t met the wagering requirements yet. You can find more information about wagering on the casino’s terms and conditions page.

Author

Taylor

Casino Site Manager

Taylor is the Casino Site Manager for OntarioCasinos and oversees the functionality and performance of the site. She has worked in the iGaming industry for 5+ years as a writer and manager, specializing in the North American markets. When she isn’t working, you can find her at the park with her 4-legged best friend, Nala.