The Dangers of New Live-Dealer Online Casino Games
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Nov 13, 2024
,
04:14 p.m.
ET
Online casino gambling (iGaming) has surged over the past few years in states where it’s legal, but a particular sector gaining attention – and raising concerns – is live-dealer online casino games. These games replicate the in-person casino experience through real-time video streams of human dealers. They are designed to captivate players with the thrill and live interaction of physical casinos, and available from the comfort of home. However, along with their allure come heightened risks, especially for individuals prone to gambling addiction.
This article explores what live-dealer games are, where they're available and the specific risks associated with them. For those affected by gambling addiction, we’ll discuss treatment options and resources, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional support.
What are “Live Dealer” iGaming Online Casino Games?
Live-dealer casino games are a relatively new addition to the online gambling world, created to provide a more interactive, real-life experience. Players access these games through online casino platforms, where they join tables hosted by real dealers managing the games live. High-definition cameras capture every move at the table, streaming it directly to players' devices. Popular games offered by live dealers traditionally include blackjack, poker, roulette and baccarat. However, that offering has expanded significantly of late, including immersive hybrid games that combine elements of game shows, slot machines and table games.
Unlike purely digital games that rely on random number generators (RNGs) to produce results, live-dealer games involve a human dealer, real cards and an authentic casino setup. The experience closely mimics being at a physical casino, at times even adding elements of social interaction with the dealer or other players. Many users prefer this format, as they can communicate with the dealer and other players, adding a unique social component that is absent in standard online games.
Where are Live Dealer Online Casino Games available?
While online casino gaming is legal in a limited number of U.S. states, these states often allow live-dealer games as part of their offerings. Currently, online casino games are legal in seven states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. In these states, operators offer a variety of gambling options, including live-dealer games, giving players access to a 24/7 immersive gaming experience.
To learn more about the availability of online gambling options, including casino and sports betting, you can click here.
Understanding the dangers and risks of Live Dealer Online Casino Games
Live-dealer games can be attractive because they create a realistic environment that feels personal and interactive. However, research indicates that these games may pose a higher risk for gambling addiction than other online options. One study found that live-dealer games were strongly correlated with addictive behaviors, even more so than RNG-based games. In fact, some live-dealer games like roulette showed almost double the risk factors for addiction compared to RNG versions.
This increased risk may stem from several factors, including the perception of authenticity. Many players feel that because a real dealer is running the game, there is an added level of security and fairness, reducing skepticism about game outcomes. This confidence can lead players to spend more time and money on live-dealer games, reinforcing potentially harmful betting habits. Additionally, because these games are available at all hours, they encourage continuous play, making it difficult for players to set limits and disengage from gambling.
Social Components: Live Chats and Player Interaction
The social aspect of live-dealer games is a double-edged sword. While interaction can enhance the gaming experience, it also intensifies emotional engagement and encourages prolonged play. Live chats allow players to converse with dealers and other players, fostering a sense of camaraderie that can blur the line between socializing and gambling.
This social component can increase impulsive gambling behaviors. Players may feel encouraged to keep betting, either to maintain their “seat” at a table or to continue interacting with other players. These interactions create an environment where players might feel pressured to stay involved, spending more time and money than they had initially planned.
In “against the house” games, players are rooting for the same or similar outcomes, which can create a sense of camaraderie within the active userbase. For example, in the popular mixed-reality game-show-meets-slots game “Crazy Time,” players are often interacting with one another as they cheer for the wheel to land on special bonuses. The feeling of losses then being “shared” with others can distort the reality of the financial impacts on you as an individual.
Is online casino more dangerous than online sports betting?
While both online casinos and sports betting have addictive qualities, the structures of these forms of gambling influence their associated risks. Online casino games, especially live-dealer games, are structured for rapid, frequent play, encouraging players to make quick bets and pursue losses immediately. The “instant gratification” factor inherent to casino games makes them particularly dangerous for those prone to impulsive behaviors.
In contrast, sports betting typically involves waiting for game outcomes, which slows the gambling cycle. However, sports betting has its unique risks, often exacerbated by the perception that skill and strategy can influence outcomes. This belief can lead to high-risk betting behaviors, like longshot parlays, which mimic the rapid betting cycle seen in casino games.
Gambling Addiction treatment for online casino bettors
At Birches Health, the specialized team of counselors understands the complex issues surrounding gambling addiction and can provide individualized treatment plans. Through counseling, group therapy and personalized support, Birches’ services aim to equip individuals with the tools necessary to regain control over their lives and manage their relationship with gambling more healthily.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, scheduling a consultation with a certified counselor is the first step toward recovery. The Birches Care Coordination Team can guide you through the available treatment options and answer any questions you may have. To get started, you can call 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com.
Sources:
Behavioural Markers of Harm and Their Potential in Identifying Product Risk in Online Gambling
