Live Game Shows Background

After cementing an industry leading lineup of live baccarat, blackjack, roulette and poker tables, Evolution inadvertently created the Game Show category when they launched Dreamcatcher in 2017. It was an instant hit with players. In the years since this category has been a strong focus of their new game development.

Not to be outdone, and seeing how well players responded to these types of games, Playtech began urgently developing their own range of game shows.

Many of the casinos carrying Playtech and Evolution’s games now have a Game Show category in their live casino lobby. The number of games you will find listed under this category is growing rapidly. The first half of 2019 in particular saw a flood of new games added here.

In the years since the flood has definitely NOT subsided.

During 2020 Pragmatic Play and NetEnt (no longer operating) threw their hats in the ring with game shows of their own.

It is now a must have category for any live games provider. New providers on the scene now seem to prioritise early game show release over building a large range of traditional casino game tables. OnAir Entertainment‘s launching of Nexus Roulette in their formative years is an example of this.

Soft Games. Real Gambling

Don’t be distracted by the dealer, or fooled by cute little Mr Monopoly. This is a real money gambling game!

Game Shows have a distinct ‘soft gambling’ feel to them. Not the type of games you will come across on the floor of a traditional casino. More the type of game you may happen across browsing channels during prime time TV. Indeed some, like Deal or No Deal, are adaptations of TV game shows. Others like MONOPOLY Live, borrow from the much loved (and trusted) Monopoly board game brand.

Don’t be fooled, though. These are all gambling games. You can lose (or win) just as much money playing live game shows as you can playing high stakes live baccarat tables. In fact losses are more likely, particularly with the lower theoretical returns applying to these games.

All the games are hosted by a live dealer. Although consistent with the nature of the games the dealers take on more of a presenter role, talking players through the components of the game as they push a button or pull a lever (or take no part in the game at all other than commentary).

You will also encounter more computer graphic elements, or RNG (random number generated) components playing these games. Often outcomes or payouts/multipliers are computer generated.

A cynic might observe a strong correlation between flashy graphics, RNG outcomes and a higher house edge. We always like to look at a game’s return to player rate (see full game reviews) – and RTP rates usually aren’t great with these games. Those based on traditional casino games tend to offer the best returns.

Live game shows based on traditional games

Many live game shows are based on the traditional casino games – roulette, blackjack or baccarat. The rules or payouts applying to the traditional game are tweaked slightly (and yes, flashy graphics and audio are usually added). A common tweak is the addition of random multipliers that act to supersize win payouts.

From a return to player point of view, game shows based on traditional games are your best bet.

Evolution’s Lightning Blackjack (RTP 99.56%) and Playtech’s Quantum Blackjack (RTP 99.47%) are cases in point.

The below links have more on…

Big Money Wheel live game shows

This is the category that kicked off the game show juggernaut with the launch of DreamCatcher. These games continue to be very well received by players. You can read more about Big Money Wheel live games here.

Very Popular

Live game shows will probably not be for the gambling purists. But they are extremely popular.

An analysis of the most popular live games in 2022, revealed that many live game shows have thousands of players gambling on them at any given time. One game (Crazy Time) had almost 14,000 players logged on! Lightning Roulette had over 4,000.

Game summaries, screen grabs, where to play details and links to full game reviews are contained in the below portfolio.

Game Shows from Evolution

 


Game Shows from Playtech

 


Game Shows from Pragmatic Play

 


Game Shows from other providers

 


Some recorded action from Deal or No Deal

And the far less complicated Lightning Dice…

Side Bet City also doesn’t take long to get the hang of…