Unmasking Live Dealers

There have been many inconveniences we have all been introduced to since early 2020. The need to wear masks is among them.

Hopefully we are not to far away from day when masks can be discarded for good. I for one will be elated when that day, and the ceremonial burning that takes place is a distant memory.

When it comes to live dealers, with the exception of tables/games that are completely isolated (eg the game shows) masked dealers have been the norm for over a year now.

But in a sign we are edging closer to that glorious discard day, more and more dealers are plying their trade sans mask.

Not all yet.

Remember, when you log on and play, your dealer may be located in any one of a number of countries around the world. Each government taking different approaches to tackling the virus. Different social distancing rules, different vaccination rates, different risk tolerances generally.

In addition to government mandated settings, providers will have different internal policies.

Playing a few tables at 888 (from multiple providers and studios around the world) highlighted the broad range of approaches being taken.

In the Elite Lounge powered by Evolution masks are still on.

Curiously on many of 888’s other Evolution powered exclusive tables, masks have been ditched.

Note in both of these spaces not all of tables are occupied affording some ‘studio distancing’.

The approach inside Playtech’s Riga studio is even more curious. Masks on for some. Naked faces for others. And a little bit of confusion in between.

But a general observation: Playtech seem to be ditching the masks a little quicker than Evolution.

Definitely more bare faces. Not all are happy about it though.

But leading the charge to nude faces is Pragmatic Play.

Not a mask in sight. Unless you’re shuffler.

Fingers crossed the de-masking trend continues in coming months!