The pace of evolution that drives adaption and advancement across iGaming has witnessed the emergence in popularity of numerous niche segments. But within what position does that leave live dealer.

In the first of a two-part special, we examine how studios are ensuring the players feel at the centre of the action, as well as what could be considered the new formats leading the charge.

Adam Lahouiri, Head of Product at BetGames, Graeme Powrie, Chief Commercial Officer at Eeze, Natasha Giorgio, Head of Business Development and Sales at Live88, and Ady Totah, LuckyStreak CEO and Co-founder, tackle the issue at hand.

iGX: The core appeal of live dealer games has always been authenticity and human interaction. In what ways are providers further enhancing this ‘real casino’ feel, particularly with advancements in streaming technology, studio design, and dealer engagement? 

Adam Lahouiri, Head of Product at BetGames.

Adam Lahouiri: Integrity is vital for consumer confidence, especially in live casino, where the game isn’t physically dealt in front of the player. To build trust, transparency is essential. We continuously improve streaming quality with high-definition, low-latency feeds and dynamic camera angles that mimic the experience of sitting at a real table.

Studio environments are becoming increasingly sophisticated, featuring improved lighting, ambient sound, and thoughtfully designed layouts that evoke the ambience of high-end casino settings.

Dealer training has also progressed – presenters are now more engaging, focusing on personality and interaction to create stronger emotional connections with players. All of this combines to deliver an experience that not only looks authentic but also feels real.

Graeme Powrie: Absolutely. At the heart of live dealer gaming is the feeling that you’re right there at the table, without ever leaving your sofa. To take that feeling even further, providers such as Ezee are leaning heavily into technological improvements and immersive design. 

Streaming quality has improved significantly, with crystal-clear 4K video, multiple camera angles, and ultra-low latency, enabling players to experience every card draw or roulette spin in real-time. The result is a seamless connection between player and table, where what you see on screen perfectly reflects the action in the studio.

The studio environments have also changed. Instead of static backgrounds, we now offer high-quality green screens or dynamic sets that adapt depending on the game, theme, or even the time of day. Sometimes including localised elements to make the experience more relatable, depending on where players log in from.

Equally important is the development of the dealer’s role. Today’s dealers are more than just game presenters; they’re entertainers, hosts, and the human face of the game. They maintain a lively atmosphere, interact directly with players, and foster a social, welcoming environment that reflects the interaction you would expect at a brick-and-mortar casino. 

Together, these elements combine to deliver a significantly richer and more authentic casino experience that continues to expand the possibilities of what live dealer can offer.

Natasha Giorgio, Head of Business Development and Sales at Live88.

Natasha Giorgio: Live dealer’s enduring appeal lies in its social connection. We’ve built on this by delivering ultra-low latency, high-definition 4K streaming with multiple angles to replicate a true land-based casino experience. But our aim for realism isn’t just about visuals. As our ethos ‘come together, win together, play together’ shows, we aim to create an authentic, community spirited atmosphere.

We offer limitless customisation, enabling our partners to adapt their lobbies and use greenscreen technology to build physical set ups exactly as they require. Operators can pick their table and dealer, along with a range of languages, to ensure the most immersive experience and echo the choice players would have in a physical casino. These elements work together to evoke the buzz and sociability of real-life play. 

Social elements are at the core of our brand. Our dealers work hard to engage players and our real-time chat and emojis foster community and the human connection central to live casino.

Ady Totah: I’m a vocal advocate for keeping live dealer live – having a real, relatable, human dealer at the heart of our core games, interacting with the players, bringing energy and fun to the experience. No robots, no recorded video. Committing to this is our commitment to a ‘real casino’ feel. 

Technology absolutely has a role in raising the player experience, enhancing all aspects of the game. In LuckyStreak’s case, it’s customisation and branding through greenscreen technology, localisation though language-specific dealers and UIs, optimised streaming based on a user’s connectivity, and encouraging engagement with the dealer and other players through advanced chat and emojis.

iGX: Beyond traditional table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, what are the most significant new game formats and innovations we’re seeing in the live dealer space? Are these new offerings primarily variations of existing games, or are they entirely novel concepts?

Graeme Powrie, Chief Commercial Officer at Eeze.

GP: There is a lot happening in the live dealer scene beyond traditional titles, and it indicates just how quickly this vertical is changing. Perhaps the most notable shift has been the rise of game show-style formats, which bring the sensation of live television directly into the gaming environment. 

With lively hosts, spinning wheels, bonus rounds, and unpredictable moments, these games offer something completely different – experiences designed purely for entertainment, rather than traditional casino play.

Meanwhile, we are beginning to see early developments in virtual and augmented reality. Although still in the experimental stage, these technologies are introducing new ways to engage, with features like avatars and interactive 3D environments that hint at what the next wave of live dealer experiences might look like. In some instances, the boundary between gaming and entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred.

So while some new releases are clever reimagining’s of classic games, many are entirely new concepts created to attract a broader audience, particularly those seeking something more lively and engaging.

NG: The live dealer vertical is about delivering the fresh, engaging entertainment and pushes beyond the limits of traditional gameplay. While there are successful twists on blackjack and roulette, newer formats are emerging that resonate with new audiences. 

Game-show style formats are in high demand, such as our industry-first Royal Riches Multiplier Roulette, along with Triton Multiplier Roulette and Motion Roulette titles. Their charismatic hosts and interactive bonus rounds are reminiscent of TV game shows and resonate well.

Crucially, these games aren’t just table games with a twist. We have thoughtfully created them for a new generation of players looking for a more social, thrilling experience that appeals to all the senses.

We have launched loot boxes that allow players to purchase various rewards boxes and win prizes. Operators have the flexibility of offering monetary or physical prizes depending on their use case. Leaderboards and tournaments add another layer of competition, with our new Blackjack Tournaments set to bring added excitement.

Ady Totah, LuckyStreak CEO and Co-founder.

AT: Sweepstakes is a huge vertical and one we have made significant ground in. It’s not just about making compliant games, such as replacing certain words in the UI, supporting dual-currencies and all manner of virtual coins.

It’s about satisfying the different needs of sweepstakes – and social casino – players, with a higher emphasis on entertainment, achievement and social engagement, rather than the thrill of winning money and the excitement of risk that traditional online casinos offer.

We developed our own promotional tool, LuckyJackpots, to be versatile and easily configurable to create leaderboards and jackpots that will precisely engage players based on a myriad of actions and behaviours that operators want to encourage and reward.

In the future I see social aspects of the games taking precedence, whether community features or group achievements and promotions.

AL: While many new formats are based on traditional table games, they have proven highly effective at attracting new demographics. A prime example is our multiplier roulette game, Flash Roulette, which quickly became one of the top performers in our portfolio. These innovative takes on classic mechanics appeal to players who might find traditional formats too formal or intimidating. 

On the other end of the spectrum, we are seeing significant traction in the game show vertical. These are not just variations – they are a whole new genre that combines entertainment, chance, and spectacle.

With unique mechanics, gamified elements, and spectacular studio production, game shows are helping redefine what a live dealer game can be. They are introducing more casual players to the space and expanding the audience beyond the usual casino crowd.

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