Welcome to the live dealer casino section at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk. This is the one-stop hub for all-things live casinos. We’ll guide you through the entire process of what a live casino is, how a live casino works, and everything else that we think you should know before you get started.

Ever-growing popularity in the live casino sector has meant that there are now hundreds of platforms to choose from. While consumer choice is always good for the player, this can also make it hard to know which platform to use. This is where we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk come in.

We are dedicated to bringing you the very best live casinos UK platforms in the market. Before we list a casino, we use our in-house industry experts to independently review the platform. This will explore everything from the live casino’s gaming suite, bonuses, licenses, payments, security, customer service, and more.

In doing so, we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk ensure that you only play at the most trusted live casino platforms available.

How to choose a live casino site

Before you begin your live casino endeavours, there are a number of things that you should look out for. A good starting point is to explore what licenses the live casino holds, as well as what software supports the online live casino experience. This is why it is crucial to read the in-depth reviews we publish on the BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk website, as there is a lot of information to consider.

We also place a strong emphasis on new live casinos that enter the market. As these platforms will have yet to build up a reputation in the gambling space, our expert reviewers often dig extra-deep to ensure the platform is trustworthy.

If you’re ever on the fence as to whether the live casino is the right platform for you, then you might want to consider signing up and using a free bonus to test the operator out.

While we are on the subject of bonuses, it is also important that you understand how each bonus type works before signing up. Live casino operators will offer a range of different promotions to entice you to their platform, so check these out before you sign up.

How we review new live casino sites

In order to provide you with an accurate and up-to-date review, we employ the services of in-house industry experts to perform a full evaluation of the live casino. The only way that we can do this is to actually open an account and test the platform out ourselves.

Moreover, all of our reviews are not only impartial, but we are never influenced in any way by the live casino in question. This ensures that BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk operates in an independent manner.

Regulated?

Before we even get to the review stage, we first ensure that the live casino is in full receipt of a gaming license issued by the UK Gambling Commission. This is a legal requirement if offering live casino services to UK players, so if the platform isn’t regulated, we simply proceed with the review process.

The sign-up and deposit process?

In terms of what our reviewers are looking for, this begins at the very offset with the account opening process. We will look to see how easy it is to register, as well as what the deposit process is like. This will also see us explore what payment methods are on offer, and whether or not the platform charges any deposit or withdrawal fees.

The gaming suite?

We then explore the live casino department itself. This will include a run-down of what live casino games are on offer, what software is being used, and whether or not the games are mobile-friendly.

Customer support and gamble responsibly features?

We’ll also review the level of customer support offered, and whether the platform implements responsible gambling measures.

Withdrawing your winnings?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we also test out the withdrawal process. The overarching aim here is to ensure that we are able to receive our winnings back in a timely fashion. The best live casinos will offer super-fast withdrawals.

Features offered by top UK live casinos

  • Practice: If you’re still a live casino newbie, then the good news for you is that most platforms allow you to practice in one of their free game rooms. This allows you to get used to how to casino works before depositing real money.
  • Bonuses: The vast majority, if not all, of the live casino platforms that we list will offer you a range of bonuses. This includes a welcome package for signing up, as well as a number of ongoing promotions for existing players.
  • Loyalty Scheme: In order to keep you at the platform long-term, most online live casinos will offer a loyalty reward program. This awards you points every time you play, which you can usually exchange for free bonuses, cash or gifts.
  • Mobile-Friendly: You’ll also find that you can play your favourite live casino games via your mobile phone casino. Games are either fully optimized for mobile browsers. or the casino might even offer a native Android/iOS app.
  • Licensed: All of the best live casinos that we list will be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, subsequently ensuring that you are able to gamble in a safe and secure environment.
  • 24/7 Support: We typically only recommend a live casino if the platform offers around-the-clock support. In most cases this will be via live chat.
  • Security: The best online live dealer casinos will always have a strong focus on player security. This should include an internal risk department, as well as SSL data encryption.
  • Payment Methods: While most players prefer to use a traditional debit or credit card, we understand that others prefer to use an alternative payment method. As such, we tend to list live casino platforms that offer a vast range of supported funding methods.

Games at a casinos live platform

If you’ve never played at a live casino before, we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk think you are missing out. Why? Because this is as close to the real-thing as you will get outside of a land-based casino.

In terms of the games you can play at a live casino, this is usually focused on blackjack live, roulette live and baccarat live. You’ll also get multiple variations of these popular table games, such as speed roulette and live roulette, as well as Las Vegas/Atlanta blackjack.

On top of the hallmark table games, most casinos will host a game called Dream Catcher. This is like a giant Wheel of Fortune game where you need to guess where the wheel will land.

If poker is more your thing, most casinos will also have a dedicated poker room for you to compete against other players.

When it comes to instructing the live dealer what you want to do, this couldn’t be easier. Much like in the case of a standard software casino game, you simply click your chosen command on-screen. For example, if playing live blackjack and you want to take another card, all you need to do is press the ‘Hit’ button. In doing so, the real-world dealer will deal you another card.

Live casino games online v Real casino games live

When making the comparison between a live casino and that of a real-world casino, there really isn’t much difference at all. All of the rules remain constant, meaning that the only difference is that you can enjoy all of your favourite table games without needing to leave your home. Even if you are out of the house, you can access live casino websites on your phone.

Advantages

  • Play live casino games in the comfort of your own home
  • Play remotely on your mobile phone
  • No need to travel to your nearest casino
  • Play 24/7
  • Instant deposits - no need to withdraw cash from an ATM
  • No need to leave the casino with large amounts of cash as your winnings are safely sent back to your chosen deposit method

Disadvantages

  • Unable to get your winnings instantly as you would in a casino (payment processing times apply)
  • If playing poker, you don’t benefit from seeing other players and thus, look for ‘tell-tale’ signs

Payment Options available at Live Casino Sites

You’ll be pleased to know that UK live casinos now offer a full range of payment methods. This of course includes debit/credit cards and a bank transfer, as well as a selection of alternative methods.

This covers e-wallets like PayPal, Skrill and Neteller, and less popular methods like Paysafecard. Some platforms even allow you to deposit funds via your mobile phone bill credit, which is extra useful if you need to deposit on-the-move.

Make sure you understand how each payment method works, especially with regards to withdrawal times. Also, check whether a particular payment method comes with additional fees. This might be the case if using a credit card.

Game suppliers & software

Although all live casino games are operated by real-world dealers, platforms still need to utilize the services of a software provider. Not only do these providers bridge the gap between you and the casino, but they are usually responsible for facilitating the entire end-to-end gambling experience.

Some of the main live dealers software providers are listed below.

  • Evolution
  • NetEnt
  • Playtech
  • Ezugi
  • Extreme Live Gaming
  • Authentic Gaming

Live casino game bonuses

One of the best things about registering with a live casino website is that you will be accustomed to a number of lucrative welcome bonuses. Here is an overview of the best live casino bonus types.

  • Matched deposit bonus: The casino will match your first deposit up to a certain percentage. This can be as high as 300% of your first deposit amount.
  • No deposit bonus: You’ll get a free bonus just for signing up, with no requirement to deposit any funds.
  • Free spins: Free spins are either offered on top of a matched deposit bonus, or sometimes, as a stand-alone bonus.
  • Cash back: Cash back casino offers are a good way to recoup some of your losses. In some cases, you might get cash back just for signing up, regardless of whether you win or lose.
  • Multiple deposit bonuses: Some live casinos will give you multiple deposit bonuses. For example, you might get 200% on your first deposit, and then 50% on your subsequent two deposits.
  • Welcome package: A welcome package can consist of one or more of the above bonuses. For example, you might get a matched deposit bonus, as well as free spins.

How to claim your bonus

Claiming a bonus is super easy. In most cases, the bonus is applied to your account as soon as you sign up. To activate it, you normally need to make a deposit, unless it is a no deposit bonus. In some cases you might need to enter a unique promo code to get the bonus you want.

In rare cases, there might be a need to contact customer support via live chat to get your bonus credited.

Live casinos online: Understanding wagering requirements

In the vast majority of cases, each live casino bonus will come with a wagering requirement. This is where you need to gamble the bonus amount a number of times before you can withdraw it out. Each wagering requirement is a multiple of the amount you deposit. So, a wagering requirement of 10x on a £50 bonus would mean you need to stake a total of £500 before you can cashout.

Although you should always read through the terms and conditions of the bonus offer before registering, we at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk will guide you through the process. We’ll explain how the best live casino UK bonuses work, and what you need to do to turn the bonus into real-world cash.

Loyalty/VIP Schemes

Most live casinos will offer a VIP scheme with the view of keeping you on their platform long-term. In most cases this will see you earn loyalty points every time you make a deposit, and every time you play a game. When you have built enough points up, you can then exchange them for cash, gifts, or additional bonuses.

As you move up the VIP scheme ladder by accumulating more and more points, you’ll also be accustomed to extra perks. This might include a personal account manager, faster withdrawals, or bonuses with a lower wagering requirement.

Mobile play

Safety is never an issue with any of the live casino operators that we recommend, as we only list platforms that install water-tight security features. This will include institutional-grade SSL encryption to make sure your data is kept safe.

As each and every casino listed at BestRatedSlotSites.co.uk is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, you’ll also benefit from a stringent regulatory oversight. This also means that all players need to identify themselves via a KYC process, which ensures that crime is kept away from the online gambling industry.

Security

Due to the ever-growing UK mobile gambling space, most live casino operators also offer a mobile gaming experience. You’ll be able to access all of the same games as you would on the desktop site, albeit they have been optimized for mobile screens. This is perfect if you like to have the option of playing on-the-go.

The live casino experience is either available through a dedicated mobile app (usually only Android or iOS), or through your standard mobile browser.

Customer Support

Customer service options will usually cover a 24/7 live chat facility, meaning you can get support around-the-clock. Alternatively, if you prefer to speak with a support agent via telephone, this is sometimes offered.

On top of this, you also have the choice of reaching customer support via email.

As our industry experts take into account the level of support during the review process, the best live dealer casinos will offer top-notch customer service.

FAQs

What games can I play at a live casino?
In most cases you can play live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, dream catcher and poker.

Are live casino operators safe?
All of the live dealer operators that we recommend are fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, so they are very safe.

Can I play live games on my mobile phone?
You can. The vast majority of live casino platforms either optimize their games for mobile browsers, create a native mobile app, or sometimes both.

Charles Baxendale

A keen researcher in the development of methods and theories for computer sciences. A lover of algorithms and mathematical computation. Consultant to online slots software companies and a player in my spare time.