In The Media - iGaming Expert: How can live dealer content thrive amid new iGaming trends?

1. 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?

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.

2. 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?

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.

3. When it comes to player engagement and retention, are traditional Live Dealer table games still the dominant force, or are the more flamboyant, game show-style formats starting to capture a larger share of the market? What factors contribute to the popularity of each?

While traditional table games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat still have their appeal and remain vital for the retention of players who prefer familiarity and consistency, our game show type formats are increasingly popular. These titles have the power to draw casual and first-time players with vibrant visuals, a heightened level of unpredictability and engaging hosts. Whether traditional or more unique formats, each title appeals to different player styles and while table games have traditionally offered more strategy and depth, game show styles offer a multisensory spectacle. Our operator partners recognise that there is a need to offer a varied portfolio in order to sustain engagement across different segments.

4. Looking ahead, what emerging technologies are poised to further revolutionise the Live Dealer vertical, and how might these impact both traditional and new game formats in the coming years?

Emerging technologies such as augmented reality, AI and blockchain are the likely trio set to revolutionise the Live Dealer space. Even the rabble of combining Augmented and Virtual Reality to create an Extended Reality product will create even more immersive and interactive environments than we're already seeing where players can engage with dealers and other players in highly realistic virtual casino settings. Real red pill stuff! AI will enhance personalisation, game moderation and hopefully fraud detection, which will obviously improve player security. Blockchain technology and crypto payments will enable transparent transactions and verifiable fairness, appealing to tech-savvy players. These innovations will impact both traditional and new game formats by transforming classics like blackjack and roulette with immersive 3D environments, and by enabling novel, skill-based or hybrid games that blend gambling with video game mechanics. The result? Live Dealer casinos that cater to a wider demographic, bridging the gap between gamers and gamblers, offering more engaging, social and secure gaming experiences.