UK live casinos - play live dealer casino games
Live casino games deliver realistic casino action from the comfort of your sofa. With the growing number of UK live casinos, now is the time to pick the best site for you.
Our team has scoured the UK iGaming market and reviewed the leading online live dealer sites in the UK. These sites offer the best live casino developers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, unique live gaming experiences, and impressive live casino offers.
Dive deep into the world of live dealer casinos and see which immersive live games are available, the best bonuses you can claim, and how to confidently choose a live dealer site.
Best UK live casinos July 2024
What are live dealer casinos?
Live casinos are sections of normal online casinos that allow players to access live dealer games. These titles feature human dealers, and you can play your favourite casino games while the action unfolds in real-time through a live stream. A live dealer game mixes the convenience of online iGaming with the authenticity of brick-and-mortar casinos.
When you play a live dealer game, all the action streams to your device from a studio owned by the software provider. You can enjoy realistic gameplay while increasing immersion with features such as the ability to chat with the dealer and other players.
How do live casino sites work?
Live dealer casinos consist of your favourite table games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and other games on your desktop or mobile device. During gameplay, you see a live stream of the game studio with a real game table. You will also see hardware related to the game, such as a roulette wheel, actual cards, and chips. There will also be a human professional live dealer who will guide you through gameplay and interact with you.
How do you play live dealer games?
On your side, you will see a virtual interface showing the betting options, such as a roulette grid or blackjack bets. You can move your virtual chips to a position to make a bet using your mouse or mobile touch screen. Items such as chips and cards have chips in them in the casino studio, so when they are placed or dealt they will update on your interface.
What technology do live casinos use?
Live casino games are a synergy of modern technology with classic casino games. Leading providers use the same kind of streaming tech that content creators use. Games are broadcast live, with most titles available in Full HD and even 4K.
Expert tip: The reason why live dealer games are better
While you should play RNG casino games, the benefits of live casino games are clear. You can experience the thrill of a real casino game with a human dealer. Social features allow you to chat and watch as the action plays out through a live stream. By combining the convenience of online casinos with the immersive and exhilarating experience of real-world casinos, players get the best of both worlds. Plus, with the live dealer tech constantly improving, it is only going to get better.
What are the best live dealer casino games?
All your favourite casino classics are available in a live casino online. Many leading software providers create immersive live dealer titles covering blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more.
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Live casino blackjack
The most popular live casino table game is blackjack. You aim to get a card hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. One of the reasons why people in the UK love this game is because they have input and play directly against the dealer – you can see and interact with your opponent.
Blackjack is also one of the best-paying casino games, with most variants boasting an RTP of over 99%. The best live dealer blackjack variants include classic blackjack, multi-hand, Double Exposure, Spanish 21, and single-hand blackjack. Software providers such as Evolution and Playtech are known for their high-quality live blackjack games
Live dealer roulette
Being able to see the roulette wheel spin and hear the click of the revolutions and the drop of the ball makes roulette one of the most immersive live casino games.
The are many variations of live roulette including Lightning Roulette and Mini Roulette are based on standard variants, which are European, American, or French tables.
Whether you bet the iconic Red/Black or aim for a pattern wager, roulette is dynamic. However, it is a game of pure luck, and the RTP sits between 96% and 98%. We recommend sampling live roulette games from Evolution, Playtech, and Ezugi.
Live dealer baccarat
Baccarat was the card game of choice for James Bond in the classic movies. simple game where you bet on either the Player to win, the Banker to win, or a Tie. Each live baccarat game ends with the winner being the highest hand closest to 9 without going over.
In terms of payout potential, the best wager option is the Banker bet because it comes with the best house edge.
If you want to play live baccarat, it is excellent for beginners, baccarat variants include Punto Banco, Mini Baccarat, and Chemin de fer. Evolution and Pragmatic Play have high-quality live dealer baccarat tables.
Live dealer casino hold’em
Hold’em is one of the most popular online live casino games. However, it is different to the game you may know and love, where players compete to have the best hand, even using psychological tactics like bluffing.
In live hold’em poker, you will play against the dealer, and it is a case of the best hand winning. You won’t be able to bluff your way to winning games. You will still need to build a hand using your two cards and three community cards, while there are multiple betting rounds. Evolution, Playtech, and Ezugi are notable developers of live hold’em tables.
Live dealer poker
When you play live dealer poker online, the game is quite different to how you would play in an online poker room.
Instead of playing against other players, you will be playing against the dealer/house. This is similar to video poker RNG games where you do not need to beat a rival’s hand.
Instead, any eligible winning hand will result in a payout. Evolution has a good selection of live casino poker, while Playtech, BetGames, and Authentic Gaming also have high-quality and immersive live dealer poker games.
Game shows and other live dealer games
Online live casinos also have many other types of games that don’t use cards or dice. Just like TV game shows, they are high energy, bright and fun with an energetic and charismatic host who guides you through all the action.
Many of these are based on classic board games or popular TV game shows. Others may function via a money wheel which you spin for prizes or a similar concept where a variety of prizes are up for grabs.
Often these game shows will consist of a base game where prizes can be won and a bonus feature where players can boost their existing winnings or compete for bigger prizes as a result of in-game action.
Best live casino game shows
| Live casino game | Software provider | Where to play |
|---|---|---|
Dream Catcher | Evolution Gaming | |
Sweet Bonanza Candyland | Pragmatic play | |
Funky Time | Evolution Gaming | |
Crazy Time | Evolution Gaming | |
Mega Wheel | OnAir | |
Majestic Wheelshow | Evolution Gaming | |
Deal or No Deal | Pragmatic play | |
Monopoly Live | Evolution Gaming |
The 5 best live dealer casinos in the UK — a snapshot summary
While every casino we list is worth checking out, some sites stand out from the crowd. The following are the cream of the crop in terms of live casino online games. Each of our top 5 casino brands covers all of our expectations, including lucrative bonuses, flexible payment options, quick withdrawals, lots of games, and helpful customer support.
| Rank | Casino | Weclome bonus | Bonus score | Live game providers | Live game selection | Licensed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Pub Casino | 100% up to £100 | 7.5/10 | Evolution, Ezugi, NetEnt | 135 | Yes |
#2 | All British Casino | 100% up to £100 + Always 10% Cashback | 8.5/10 | All British, Evolution | 88 | Yes |
#3 | MagicRed | 100 wager free bonus spins | 9/10 | Evolution, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play | 197 | Yes |
#4 | Grand Ivy | 150% up to £300 + 75 bonus spins | 8/10 | OnAir, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Authentic Gaming | 87 | Yes |
#5 | Betway | 125 free spins spins | 7/10 | OnAir, Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play,, Authentic Gaming | 152 | Yes |
Features of top live dealer casinos
Most live casino players say that the in-play stream and dealer interactions feel more authentic and exciting than playing a virtual casino game. Being able to see gameplay on real apparatus and chat with a human dealer adds to immersion and bring more interactive features. Players also admit that games in live casinos feel fairer because they can watch what is happening.
🎮 No. of live dealer games | 75+ |
🃏 Popular game types | Live blackjack, live roulette, live baccarat, live poker games |
🎁 Live dealer casino bonus | 100% up to £100; live dealer games WR contributions of 20% or greater |
📱 Live casino app | iPhone, Android, iPad |
⭐ Top UK live casinos | 45+ |
How we rate the best UK live dealer casinos
Our reviews help thousands of UK players connect with live casinos that meet their specific requirements. Instead of just choosing established brands or randomly selecting casinos, we actually put iGaming sites through a strict review process. That way, only the very best live casino brands can make our list. Below are the considerations we make for each review:
Live casino games – what’s available, lobby size & stakes
Firstly, we want to see that the live casino UK site has a broad selection of the UK's favourite games so there are plenty of ways to play live baccarat, live roulette games and live blackjack. it is also good to see popular variations on classics, like Lightning Roulette, and a selection of fun game show options to place bets on too.
Hundreds of live casino titles are always a good thing, but we also value quality. It is also important that the live tables are flexible and cater to different players. We recommend sites that offer a range of table buy-ins, meaning you can start playing real money games from as little as 5p or high roll your way to £5,000 or more.
The best online live casino brands have special VIP tables that are for exclusive players and will have higher limits.
Live dealer software providers
A top casino should have many games from leading software providers, giving players plenty of choices across a dynamic collection of live casino betting options. Evolution is the market-leading live dealer provider and has hundreds of top-notch games across all categories. Stocking Evolution games is a mark of quality for a casino. Other notable providers popular in UK casinos include Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Authentic Gaming. Some sites, such as PlayOJO and All British, offer their own proprietary live dealer games that are unique to those casinos.
Live dealer game bonuses & tournaments
Live dealer games are not always eligible for bonuses. For example, live dealer bets do not qualify for the wagering requirement at All British Casino. When they do, the contribution percentage they make to a wagering requirement is much less than slots – usually between 5% and 30%. Slots contribute 100%.
Therefore, our team purposely looks for casino promotions that cater to live dealer players. For example, PlayOJO has a no-wagering promise for all its bonuses, allowing you to play live dealer games while boosting your bankroll with promos.
Quality of prfoessional live dealers & hours of operation
When you play live games, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. Perhaps the most important factor is the dealers themselves, as they will host the game and can make or break its overall quality. Top providers like Evolution and Playtech have professional live dealers who are trained to handle gameplay. They will also be polite and friendly, even encouraging banter (within reason). Many games will be available in several languages, and you can choose between female or male dealers.
Running a live dealer game is different from running an RNG casino game because there are overheads involved in ensuring dealers are available and the studio is active. The top game providers have the resources to deliver round-the-clock gameplay. You can see live casino operating hours on the casino site you choose.
Live tech features
A live dealer casino game is like a TV production, and leading software providers have studios resembling TV shows. Then, streaming technology allows the game to be broadcast live to players worldwide. Top UK live casinos have a lot of server space to ensure their games can stream without lag or performance issues. You will see games in Full HD or even 4K if you have good Wi-Fi.
One of the features that sets live dealer games apart from normal casino games is a chat facility. When this feature is available, you can chat with the dealer and other players. It is worth noting that chat will be text-based as only the dealer has a microphone.
Safety & game fairness
Our casino review team is serious about keeping you safe. That is why we only recommend operators with a license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). While a license is not a 100% guarantee, it is a sign of reputability, especially as the UKGC has amongst the strictest online gambling rules in the world.
Beyond licensing, we also look at the security of a casino. There is no reason why an iGaming site should not use SSL encryption to protect your data. Game fairness is important, and we always check what independent labs the casino uses to audit its games and ensure winning bets are paid out properly. Whether that is testing the RNG for random outcomes or checking live dealer games to ensure everything is above board. Notable testing groups include iTechLabs and GLI.
Overall casino rating
The above criteria are essential, but they are only parts of the experience. All of the leading live sites we recommend also excel in other areas. For example, you’ll be able to deposit and withdraw using flexible payments like debit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid. Withdrawals should be swift, with fast approval times. We expect customer support to be available via email, telephone, and live chat function, and ideally open 24/7.
Our top 5 tips for playing at a live casino
Players have different requirements when picking an online live casino. Some may want a lucrative live dealer-friendly bonus, while others may want the biggest collection of games. You may simply be interested in the best all-around casino experience. Whatever your priorities are, the following tips can enhance your gameplay and help you select the best live casino for you:
- 1Pick the right bonus: Live dealer players need to consider bonuses carefully. Because not all promos cater to live dealer games, you should always read T&Cs for bonuses. Check that the bonus is valid for live casino games.
- 2Evolution Games: While there are lots of good software providers, Evolution is the market leader in the live casino industry. An online casino stocking games from Evolution shows that the operator takes live dealer games seriously and has a good collection.
- 3Check stake limits: As a standard, a game will allow you to bet between 10p and £100 per round. If you are on a smaller budget, there are live tables that go as low as 1p, but these are less common. High roller tables are more available and can go up to £5,000 per bet.
- 4Gamble responsibly: Our message is always clear; only bet with money you can afford to lose. If you are not confident you can stick to your budget, live casinos online offer tools such as session reminders that lock you out after a set time and deposit/loss limits that control how much you can spend.
- 5Don’t be afraid to explore: Registering with multiple online casinos is a good strategy. Not only do you get access to different bonuses and promos, but you can also play different games. You will find live dealer tables at one casino that will not be at another.
Live dealer casino bonus deals for UK players
Because the UK casino market is one of the most competitive in the world, operators are increasing their efforts to attract players. Bonuses are becoming more lucrative and accessible, especially on the top live casinos we recommend.
A good online casino bonus differs slightly from a good live casino bonus. Some casinos do not accept live dealer games towards a bonus wagering requirement. If the casino does allow live games, the contribution to the wagering requirement will be less than 100%. That is why it is essential to always read bonus T&Cs.
Below are the most common types of bonuses at UK live online casinos:
- Welcome bonus: A deposit match that gives you bonus funds to spend on live casino games, e.g., “100% up to £300.”
- Free spins: Receive free spins to use on a slot game chosen by the casino site.
- No deposit bonus: Claim a bonus without needing to deposit your own funds.
- Cashback bonus: Get a percentage of losses back over a specific time, e.g., “10% cashback each Friday.”
- No wagering bonus: You can withdraw your bonus winnings without needing to wager through them first.
Best new live casinos
New casinos debut in the UK regularly, with several new brands launching each year, giving players more choice. While not all of these new live casinos are worth checking out, some do stand out. Below are the best new casino operators that support live dealer games:
Pub Casino
Since launching in 2023, Pub Casino has become one of the best live casinos UK players can access. Evolution supplies most of the 80+ live games, but there are also tables from Pragmatic Play. This diverse collection includes blackjack, roulette, slots, game shows, wheels, baccarat, and even live slots. When you register with Pub Casino, you can claim 100% on a deposit of up to £100, with no maximum withdrawal on bonus winnings.
HeySpin
HeySpin entered the live casino scene in 2020 and is making big steps towards becoming a name that is synonymous with thrilling gameplay. They offer a wide range of live casino games including roulette, blackjack, sic bo, baccarat, and live game shows, from the likes of Evolution Gaming and Skywind Group. The standout unique feature of HeySpin's live casino selection for the UK is they support Mlive! streams which provide real dealers from UK land-based casinos in Manchester and London.
Best live mobile casinos & casino live dealer apps
As the preferred way to play with most UK casino players, being able to access the best live casinos on the move via your smartphone or tablet is vital. Some casinos offer a dedicated mobile app, providing a bespoke mobile experience with UI and features. You can also turn on alerts and notifications to stay updated on the latest live casino game releases. PlayOJO has a mobile app for iOS and Android, as do Betway, Dream Vegas, and Fun Casino.
While other casino brands may not offer an app, they have HTML5-optimised websites that transition seamlessly to iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices.
![[New FE Test] Mobile Lucky](https://images.ctfassets.net/vpd5gtrb1dbp/7APIu2nT3JZuNqTJGnFPoM/b1dcaaccc3c18dc4fe866e0502f14371/mobile-lucky.svg)
Live dealer software providers
While online casinos provide the platform to play live dealer games, it is software providers that deliver the gameplay. There are hundreds of iGaming developers, but only some also make live casino games. Below are the biggest software providers for live online casinos, including their advantages and disadvantages:
| Provider | Hits | Misses |
|---|---|---|
Evolution | Hundreds of options covering all categories of live casino games | A big catalogue means some games provide less engaging experiences then others |
Pragmatic Play | Excellent game-show style live games | Not as good as other providers at blackjack and roulette live casino games |
Playtech | Offers loads of classic casino live games | Lacks the visual flair and production quality of Evolution |
Ezugi | Best option for customisable live dealer tables | Not many wheel games and game shows |
OnAir | Up-and-coming game provider with a unique selection of games | Small selection of classic games |
Comparing casino live dealer games to regular casino games
Regular RNG casino games will likely outnumber live dealer games on any casino site you choose. These standard options include slots and virtual RNG table games. While we love live casino games, normal online RNG games are also plenty of fun. Below are the pros and cons for each form of online casino game:
| Live dealer casinos | Experience authentic casino gameplay | Interact with a human dealer | Watch the action unfold in real-time | Not always available for bonuses | There are not many live slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular online casinos | Play thousands of slot games | You can play games for free | Valid on more bonuses | Lacks realism and can be less exciting | Some RNG games are boring |
| Live dealer casinos | Regular online casinos |
|---|---|
| Experience authentic casino gameplay | Play thousands of slot games |
| Interact with a human dealer | You can play games for free |
| Watch the action unfold in real-time | Valid on more bonuses |
| Not always available for bonuses | Lacks realism and can be less exciting |
| There are not many live slots | Some RNG games are boring |
How to sign up to the best UK live casinos – step-by-step guide
You can start playing games on a live casino today, but you’ll need to register for an account first. UK casinos use standard registration processes, so you can plug the following steps into any casino and be up and running within minutes:
Step 1 – Pick a top live casino
Choose one of the live online casinos we list and head to their site. Register by providing your personal details such as name, phone number, date of birth, address, and email. Make sure to complete verification and KYC procedures.
Step 2 – Fund your live casino account
Click the deposit button and select one of the payment methods. Say how much you want to deposit and complete the details for your payment service to complete the transaction. Don't forget to opt-in and claim a welcome bonus before depositing or risk missing out.
Step 3 – Choose a live dealer game
Navigate to the game lobby and pick one of the live casino games that are available. Live dealer games are shown as thumbnails, which you can click to open the game you want. Choose from live roulette, blackjack, baccarat and more from top providers like Evolution, OnAir, Pragmatic Play and Playtech.
Step 4 - Start playing live games!
Step 4 – Select a game that you like, read the game rules and then make your bet. Click to start the game, and have fun!
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Pros and cons of online live casinos – are they worth it?
You are probably already sold on live casinos and can’t wait to head off to start playing. If you’re not entirely convinced, the following pros and cons can help you make a decision based on your requirements:
Pros
- Live dealer games create an immersive experience that mimics a land-based casino for the most authentic gameplay online.
- You can watch the game happen in real-time, including seeing real game objects such as tables, chips, wheels, and cards.
- Social interaction at an online casino is only possible with live dealer games. You can chat with the dealer in a friendly and safe environment.
- Enjoy diverse selections of games, including multiple tables offering blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, game shows, and even some live slots.
Cons
- Live casino games are often not eligible for casino bonuses. They contribute only a small amount to the wagering requirement if they are.
- While standard casino games are available for free, you cannot play free demos of live dealer games.
Deposits and withdrawals at live casinos UK
When you want to deposit or withdraw from a live casino, various payment methods are available. You can choose debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, e-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay, prepaid cards like Paysafecard, or make a bank transfer. To help the deposit and withdrawal process easy, follow the straightforward steps below:
1. Log into your casino
Choose one of the live casinos we recommend and register with the site by providing your name, address, email address, phone number, and other details. Log into your new account once it is open.
2. Start the deposit process
Click the “Deposit” button or access the wallet on your casino profile. Pick one of the available payment methods, such as PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, or any other option your casino provides.
3. Make your deposit
You now input how much money you want to deposit, ensuring it is more than the casino’s minimum deposit. Now, provide relevant payment details. For example, with a debit card, you give your card number, expiration date, and security code. For PayPal, you would need to log into your account from the casino to confirm the transaction.
4. Play games and win to start withdrawing
You can now head to the casino game lobby and start playing live dealer games. If you make a profit, you can cash out your winnings if the amount exceeds the casino’s minimum withdrawal.
5. Start the withdrawal process
Head to the casino cashier and select a payment method. In some casinos, you must use the same payment method you used for your last deposit. Importantly, not all deposits are available for withdrawals. For example, Paysafecard is usually deposit-only.
6. Cash out your winnings
Input how much of your casino balance you want to withdraw. Now provide the details for your payment service and click confirm. Your casino will now approve the transaction, which can take around 24 hours. How long your money takes to reach your financial account depends on the payment method. E-wallets are best for fast withdrawals.
Other casino games to try – alternatives to live casinos
UK live casino FAQs
What are the best UK live casinos?
We currently rank Dream Vegas, Mr Mega, PlayOJO, All British, and Pub Casino as the best live casinos for UK players. However, you can check out all our reviews of reputable UK casino sites to choose which option is best for you.
How do live dealer casinos work?
Live casinos are lobbies that host games with real tables and human dealers. They provide a more authentic casino gameplay experience by showing the action in real time that streams from a remote studio to your device.
Are live dealer casinos legit?
Yes, absolutely. Our team only recommends live casinos that pass our strict tests. This means all operators have a license with the UK Gambling Commission and use security measures such as SSL encryption.
What’s the best live casino games to play for real money?
It does depend on what you like, but in terms of payout potential, live dealer blackjack is best because it has the best RTP rates. However, live roulette, baccarat, poker, game shows, and even live slots are plenty of fun too.
Are live casinos safer than other online casinos?
Not necessarily because any reputable casino site will provide safe gaming across the board, including allowing RNG games to be tested by independent labs. However, you may feel more secure playing live games because you can watch the action as it happens.
Can you talk to live dealers and other players?
In many live casino games, you can talk to the dealer and sometimes with other players. “Talk” is an interesting term because, in reality, you can only chat through text and not with your voice. But yes, you can interact with the dealer.
Can the live dealer at a casino see you?
No, you do not need to have a webcam to play live casino games. In fact, these games do not even support video feeds from players. However, you will be able to see and hear the dealer through the stream.
What is the RTP for live casino games?
It depends on the game you choose. Blackjack games usually have an RTP of over 99%, while roulette ranges from 96% to 99%. You can check the RTP by reading the information when you open the game.
Can I play live dealer casino games on mobile?
Yes, live dealer games are built on HTML5. This means they work on mobile as well as desktop devices. Casino sites provide mobile access to their games through their mobile website or by offering a dedicated app.
Why should I try a live casino game?
You should try live dealer casino games to experience the most realistic gameplay you can get online. Live casino games are the best option if you want more immersion and to be entertained as you play.
Written by William Macmaster
With 8 years of experience in the iGaming industry, William Macmaster's wealth of expertise will help connect you with top-of-the-range online casinos. Specialising in the UK market, he is the go-to for finding a British casino that is perfect for you.
Fact checked by Ian Zerafa
Ian Zerafa grew up in Malta, Europe's online gaming hub and home of top casino regulators and auditors such as eCOGRA and the Malta Gaming Authority. After completing his Master's degree in Glasgow, he returned to Malta and started writing about casinos. He's worked on hundreds of casinos across the US, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, and is a go-to authority for Casino.org's team.
