How Live Dealer Games Became So Popular

Live dealer games are without a doubt one of the most popular ways to gamble online in South Africa today. But how did we get here? How did these exciting, real-time games become so mainstream? If you're keen to understand the rise of live games and what makes them tick, you've landed in the right spot. Here's our take on the incredible growth of live casino games in the South African market.

Where Did It All Begin?

Live dealer games first popped up at online casinos around the turn of the millennium, back in the early 2000s. At that stage, they were pretty basic, and certainly not as immersive or thrilling as the top-tier experiences available today.

During those early 2000s, the internet was only just starting to become a big thing for everyday folks. People were experimenting with new online offerings and personal computers. As internet technology grew, more and more South Africans started playing live games.

The very first online live game is generally considered to have been launched by Island Casino back in 2003. At the time, they offered live blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, all developed by Visionary iGaming, a popular software provider.

Why Did Live Dealer Games Skyrocket in Popularity in South Africa?

Here are some of the key reasons why live dealer games have become a massive hit at top live casinos across South Africa.

Slicker Streaming Technology

A big part of the live dealer experience is the video stream of the actual dealer. Back when these games first started making waves, streaming tech wasn't up to scratch. Low-quality streams just couldn't deliver that immersive feel.

We've come leaps and bounds in streaming technology since then. These days, almost anyone can broadcast live with just a smartphone and a decent internet connection. This massive leap in streaming tech means online casinos can now offer seriously slick and engaging live games that truly pull you in.

Ubiquitous High-Speed Internet

Much like streaming, internet infrastructure has also seen rapid development. Broadband internet is way more accessible now across South Africa, meaning a much larger slice of the population can connect reliably and at good speeds for smooth gameplay.

Access to the internet allowed online casinos to target a much larger audience. In this way, the accessibility of the internet contributed to the popularity of live dealer games.

Advancements in Mobile Technology & Personal Computers

There are two main things that you need to play some online live casino games.

• The first thing is a decent internet connection, which we have already covered in the previous section.
• The second thing you need is a device to play casino games on. This can be your personal computer or your mobile phone.

Mobile phones and personal computers have become more accessible over the years. Now, it is almost impossible to find a person who doesn't own a smartphone. You likely have access to either a personal computer or a smartphone. In other words, you have access to live dealer games.

Improvements in Online Safety & Security

One of the main reasons why people still shy away from making any online transactions is safety and security. Back when the internet first started to gain traction, there were a lot of scams and ransomware attacks happening online. At that time, internet security wasn't that advanced, and people did not feel very comfortable participating in activities like casino live games.

Internet security has also made a lot of improvements over the years. Even the simple Windows Defender has become so advanced that it protects you from almost all kinds of viruses, malware, and ransomware. This improved internet security and safety helped in building trust in people. It made them much more comfortable in adopting new online activities.

The Snowball Effect & Market Competition

Until now, we have mentioned improvements in internet accessibility, internet security, streaming technology, and mobile technology. All those things helped create an environment that allows almost all online platforms to succeed. They created an insanely large market with millions of potential customers, and online casinos quickly realized this.

As more people started using the internet, more people started getting into casino games. This demand caused hundreds of online casinos to pop up and provide them. It created competition, which caused those online platforms to provide much better features, including bonuses.

Why Do People Like Live Dealer Games

You might be wondering why don't people simply go to regular land-based casinos and enjoy the same games over there? There are several reasons for that.

Convenience

The main reason everyone enjoys online casino live games so much is convenience. With a regular land-based casino, you must get up, drive to the casino or maybe take public transport. You also have to go back home. However, you don't have to do any of that with online live dealer games.

The COVID-19 lockdowns caused a massive boost in the popularity of online activities. Because of those lockdowns, people couldn't go to regular land-based casinos. As they tried live casino games and experienced the convenience, they kept playing and didn't switch back even after the lockdowns ended.

Interaction

The interactive nature of live dealer casinos significantly enhances the gaming experience. Players can communicate directly with professional dealers, adding a social element that's often missed in traditional online gaming. This interaction isn't just limited to the dealers; players can also chat with each other, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Another benefit is the wide variety of games available. From classic favorites like blackjack and roulette to newer, innovative games, live dealer casinos are continually expanding their offerings. These games are accessible at any time, eliminating the need for travel and opening up a world of casino gaming to those who may not have easy access to a physical casino. For players looking for a realistic, engaging, and convenient way to gamble, live casinos are an excellent choice.

Personalization

Another reason why live dealer games are so popular is because of the personalization that they offer. These games feel much more personal to the user. When you play a live casino game, you don't have to worry about other players. You feel as if all the attention is given to you, which most people like. You don't have to worry about what you are wearing, how you are playing the game, if you are winning or losing, or anything else.

Conclusion

Live dealer games have come a long way. It all started in the early 2000s when live-streaming technology was not as advanced as it is today. Over the years, with the advancement of the internet, mobile technology, and live-streaming technology, we have now come to the point that online live games with a dealer have started to provide an incredibly immersive experience.