There are a bunch of live casino platforms out there and they
all involve a live video stream of a real casino deal to player's
computer/television, but that's pretty much where the similarity ends.
Differences in game look and feel, game rules, deal convention, deal speed,
video quality and a plethora of characteristics not readily apparent on first
glance make each offering unique.
One similarity that does exist between most platforms
however, is the fact that the vision your are watching is streamed from purpose
built dealer studios. That is, the dealers, tables, cameras and associated
streaming technology are all housed in premises that are not open to the general
gaming public to enter and play blackjack, baccarat or roulette. Their
singular purpose is to conduct games for remote play.
But there is an exception to the above norm that sets itself
apart from the majority of live dealer games. Live streaming specialists
Vuetec don't take their vision from a dealer studio, but rather an actual casino
that is open to the public. Like the other platforms, this one is not
without its failings, but is certainly offers an alternative to the common
approach.
About the offering
The Dublin's Fitzwilliam Card Club and Casino from the
outside, and roulette table action inset
Thanks to Vuetec, Dublin's Card Club and Casino has a few
extra cameras in addition to those used for security. The cameras stream
vision from selected tables (baccarat, roulette and
blackjack early payout) to a
remote playing interface. The dealers are casino employed croupiers and
the games you are playing remotely, are available for terrestrial play by
patrons inside the casino.
What are the positives and negatives
I guess the premise behind this idea is what better way to
replicate a real casino experience online than capture live game action and
package it into a remotely bet-able interface? The logic is pretty sound.
After all you are actually playing the same games that Fitzwilliam patrons play,
as dealt by the casino's staff. One other bonus is that the games (at
least the card games anyway) are fast! This is a great option for
impatient players not wanting to wait too long between deals (as can happen on a
slow multi-player table on some platforms).
As to how well this replicates a real casino experience
though is certainly up for debate. The vision quality and perspective doesn't
necessarily place you right in front of the action - particularly for their live
roulette games. Ironically, some of the dealer studio platforms are
actually more successful in making you feel as though you are sitting at the
casino table before the dealer.
If you want to play real casino games, in the true sense of the word,
then currently this is the only game in town. No doubt down the
track casino giants like Harrah's will get there act together and offer
a live platform streamed from one of their many casinos with every
conceivable bell and whistle. But until then, Vuetec and its
licensee casinos offer a solid, if not spectacular offering.
And the best part is, their games can be
trialed for free without having to register an account.