blackjack table

Best Live Dealer Online Casinos – Legal for US Players

Live dealer casinos are popular among US players for the same reasons gamblers around the world love them. They provide the convenience of online gaming with the thrill and authenticity of land-based casinos.

With online gambling now legal in a handful of US states and more on the way, US players can enjoy the excitement this gaming category offers without having to risk real money bets on offshore sites.

We’ll be discussing all you need to know about the best live dealer online casinos in the US, including the states where they’re legal, how to play, and available bonuses, among other things. We’ll also offer a sneak peek into some of the top live casino game variants. The live casino takes liberties that regular online casino games don’t and offers unique gaming options, higher limits, and higher payouts.

Live dealer online casinos USA

There’s so much to learn and enjoy with these games, and we’ve highlighted the best live dealer casinos where you can enjoy them.

5 Best Online Casinos with Live Dealer Games for 2024

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Live dealer casinos are now part of the standard. Hardly will you find any casino operator that doesn’t cater to this market. And the top US sites all have a curated library of live casino games, some more extensive than others. Some notable brands that didn’t make the cut include FanDuel live casino and Caesars.

While you’ll often find a similar range of games across these sites, every live dealer casino is different. They have different features, bonuses, and payment services.

#1 BetMGM Casino – Best for High Stakes

BetMGM is a top US operator known for its range of offerings across games, bonuses, and loyalty rewards. The casino is also one of the best places to begin your live dealer experience. Several tables are open at any time of the day, and you can play the latest titles from providers like Evolution and Ezugi. BetMGM also has an attractive welcome bonus. There’s a 100% up to $1,000 deposit match and a $25 no deposit casino bonus ‘ON THE HOUSE.’ BetMGM’s sister site, Wheel of Fortune Casino, also features live dealer games AND heft welcome bonuses, so they’re worth checking out as well.

Popular live dealer games here are:

  • Live Blackjack (Ezugi)
  • Baccarat Live (Evolution)
  • Unlimited Blackjack (Ezugi)
  • Craps (Evolution)
  • American Roulette (Evolution)

The BetMGM live casino is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

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#2 Golden Nugget Casino – Best for 24-Hour Live Dealer Service

This stunning casino has a fantastic interface, a library of over 1000 games, and a casino welcome bonus of up to $1000 + 200 free spins. Golden Nugget has a reputation as NJ’s number one online casino. Besides the home of Atlantic City, this operator also provides live casino entertainment for players in Michigan and West Virginia.

To kickstart your experience, the casino offers an additional $10 match bonus for players who deposit with Play+. Claim your bonus and enjoy several NJ live casino games, including:

  • Live High Limit Blackjack
  • Live Casino Floor Roulette
  • Live Three Card Poker
  • Live Auto Roulette
  • Live casino Hold ’em
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#3 BetRivers – Best for Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em

One of the most prominent legal gambling options in the US, BetRivers features live casino games as part of the plenty it already offers to players. The operator covers blackjack, craps, baccaratroulette, and poker, including Evolution Gaming‘s Ultimate Texas, Hold’em.

You’ll be able to play on the BetRivers dedicated app and enjoy a 100% match up to $1,000 using the promo code CASINO1000. If you’re in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you can place real money wagers on any available games.

Other popular titles are:

  • BetRivers Live Dealer Blackjack
  • Roulette Live
  • Baccarat Live
  • Three Card Poker
  • Infinite Blackjack

#4 Borgata – Best Live Dealer Casino for Variety

This online casino currently offers one of the most extensive game catalogs in the US market. More than 900 titles are available to play across the top gaming categories, and live dealer games are also included. There’s a solid variety of card and table games, and you can spice up your authentic gaming experience with live show variants. The top picks are:

  • Live Roulette (Ezugi)
  • Baccarat Live (Evolution)
  • Unlimited Blackjack (Ezugi)
  • Live Dream Catcher (Evolution)
  • Live 3 Card Poker

Borgata live casino games are available for players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but more states are in the works. When playing at this casino, you can take advantage of a slew of online bonuses, including a welcome bonus of 100% up to $1,000 + $20 free on sign up.

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#5 DraftKings Casino – Best for Exclusive Live Dealer Tables

This popular DFS casino excels in many things, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the live casino is one of them. Only a handful of live games are available, but the library covers the popular range of live game types. A unique attribute of this operator is that it loves to stay original. So you’ll find both outside-sourced and exclusive in-house releases. They include:

The casino also offers an excellent new player welcome package with three different reward options. Your live dealer DraftKings experience begins with $25 in casino credits before you make a deposit and claim your welcome bonus. The operator is also known for having one of the best customer support teams. You can benefit from their services if you play from within Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

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What is a Live Dealer Casino?

Traditional gamblers had long felt that regular online games didn’t offer the same originality of playing at the brick-and-mortar casino. So live dealer online casinos were introduced to bridge the void, offering an authentic atmosphere all while playing from your own home.

The live casino is a section or category of games at an online casino site that are broadcast from actual gaming studios. Players are faced with a live dealer, croupier, or host who deals out the cards, accepts bets, and is generally responsible for the gaming table.

You’ll place wagers via the control buttons on your device as you would on a regular online game. However, the live feed shows you real-time footage of how the game progresses. This includes card shuffling, wheel spinning, dice throwing, or whatever is the relevant action for the game you’re playing.

More than one player is often allowed a live table, so you’ll be playing with other gamblers like yourself. You’ll also be able to interact with the croupier and your table mates via a live chat feature.

The live casino was introduced as a way for online casinos to appeal to the conservative audience. However, players who already love software-based games benefit twice as much.

RNG vs. Live Dealer Games

RNG vs Live Dealer

The major difference when you play live dealer games as opposed to software-based titles is the human factor. The RNG (random number generator) is the software program that stands in for the human dealer on online casino games.

Random number generators produce outcomes that are translated into the cards players are dealt and the final results. And a mathematical algorithm ensures that the outcomes are as random as if a dealer were picking up cards from a thoroughly shuffled deck.

The gaming experiences differ between RNG and live dealer games. So naturally, there are pros and cons. Here are some of the main ones:

RNG GamesLive Dealer Games
+ Extensive library of games to choose from, so there's never a chance to get bored.+ Enjoy gaming in a social atmosphere by communicating with the dealer and fellow players.
+ You can bet at your own speed; enjoy fast gameplay, or take your time in deciding your next move.+ Games play out before your eyes and cannot be manipulated.
+ Most bonuses and tournaments are designed for these games.+ VIP tables allow very high maximum stakes.
- Software is created by math algorithms and can be manipulated.+ A lost connection may prevent you from taking further action, but you can still win or lose.
- A lost connection usually voids your gameplay.- Games progress slower as the dealer has to deal cards to all players, and each player takes their turn.

Live Dealer Online Casinos List

The best casino operators in the US offer live dealer options. If you reside in any of the legal live casino states, you can play with one or more of these live casino apps:

Benefits & Drawbacks of Playing with a Live Dealer

Live casinos were invented to provide a nearly identical atmosphere to playing at a land-based casino. So there are several benefits when you play a live dealer game, starting from an authentic gaming experience. The trade-off leaves a few disadvantages too. Here’s a table overview of the pros and cons:

✅Pros❌Cons
Top live casino software providersThey are relatively fewer live dealer casino games
The top operators will provide live casino bonusesThe live streaming element means that games load slower
Social interaction with live chatNot all online casinos offer live dealer games
You can enjoy live casino games on mobileTables may not always be open 24/7
You can place live bets and watch the action play out in real time.
Fairplay is guaranteed as cards also have a barcode on them for tracking.

The Live Dealer Casino Experience

When playing online live casino games, you only have to relax and place wagers. The interface on your device is the same as regular online casino games. However, the real life dealer will indicate your wagers on the gaming table as they would at a real-life casino lobby. So how exactly is this achieved? A lot goes into creating the live dealer experience. Several technologies make streaming possible, and other components tie in the so-called ‘authenticity’ of it all.

Camera

Thanks to the latest technology, cameras used for streaming these live casino feeds have become smaller and more powerful. Also, several cameras are used simultaneously to cover all angles for the utmost transparency and deliver perfect HD renderings on your screen monitor. For instance, with live roulette, one camera focuses on the table, another on the wheel, and a third provides picture to picture display.

Game Control Unit

This device is about as big as a shoebox and encodes the game data that is being broadcast. It does so using sensors and magnetic strips located on the table and the cards. The GCU scans the cards, keeping track of which player each one is dealt to. This technology is the main component that assists the dealer in running the game.

Tables/Wheels

Generally, live casino games will either have a table, a wheel, or both. These live dealer tables and wheels will also feature built-in sensors to facilitate running the game with the GCU.

Live Chat

While the dealer can speak into the monitor when addressing all players, the live chat function is the only way for you to communicate with the dealer and fellow playmates.

Higher Stakes

With all the technology and human personnel required, live dealer games are more expensive to run than regular online software. This is why most live dealer casinos are only accessible for real money players and not for free. It is also why live games allow much higher stakes. Evolution Gaming Diamond VIP blackjack has a minimum bet per seat of $1,000, and max limits may exceed $10,000 depending on the casino.

Human Dealers

Needless to say, dealers are a pivotal part of the whole experience. They take charge of the table, shuffling and dealing cards, accepting bets, and keeping the gameplay in line with the rules. Live casino dealers are highly professional and maintain a formal dress code, just like any brick-and-mortar casino.

Casino Games with a Live Dealer

The live casino is still a long way off from offering the sheer quantity of games at the regular online casinos. Not every kind of casino game is available with a live dealer online, but several of the classic table games are, and a few unique ones too. Below are the main games to play at the best live dealer casinos. Each category of games has plenty of variants to diversify the experience.

Live Dealer Roulette

Live dealer roulette

Live dealer roulette is one of the most common live casino games and is also where some of the highest table limits come into play. You can often bet as low as $1 or up to $10,000 at VIP roulette games. The gameplay is as simple as always. Just wager on the number or group of numbers to win and watch where the roulette ball lands on the spinning roulette wheel. Popular variants are American Roulette, European Roulette, Lightning Roulette, and Auto Roulette.

Live Dealer Blackjack

Live Dealer Blackjack

Many live blackjack tables sit about half a dozen players, all betting against the dealer’s hand. You win if you come up with a better hand than the dealer without going bust. Both high stakes and low stakes tables are available. Options include Classic Blackjack and modern variants like Infinite Blackjack, where any number of players can take a seat and play at any time, or Unlimited Blackjack, where an unlimited number of players can play the same hand.

The live blackjack experience may be the most engaging of all because players can watch everything from shuffling to dealing cards. This allows you to try out basic strategies as well as advanced techniques like card counting.

Live Poker

Live Poker

Poker is a social game, so it’s only fitting that it be available in live dealer format. Not many online casinos offer live dealer poker, but you can enjoy Casino Hold’Em Live at Borgata or Live Three Card Poker at Golden Nugget. Other variants include Ultimate Texas Hold’Em.

There are several high-stakes live dealer table limits for poker, and the higher the stakes, the higher the pot and what you stand to win.

Wheel Games

Wheel Lucky Games

This unique category is fairly new and includes titles like Crazy Time, Live Dream Catcher, Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, and Mega Ball. As the name suggests, these games often have a wheel apparatus rather than a table with cards. Giant wheels hold prizes of different kinds, and the host (dealer equivalent in wheel games) spins the wheel to reveal where the pointer stops.

Wheel games are becoming some of the more popular live casino games and a fun way to spice up the entertainment.

Other Live Casino Options

Variety is the spice of life, and live casinos are keen on taking this as far as is creatively possible. Other games available for US players at the live online casino are:

Legal Live Dealer Studios in the USA

Only a few companies power live casino games, and even less are licensed to operate in the US market. The following make up the complete list of live dealer software providers in the USA.

Evolution Gaming

When playing live dealer games online, you’re very likely doing so at an Evolution-powered live casino. Evolution Gaming is the world leading live dealer provider and pioneered the live game shows category with the release of Dream Catcher in 2017. The Swedish-based company has studios in NJ, PA, and MI. It has also partnered with DraftKings and BetRivers to offer games in West Virginia.

Ezugi

Ezugi is a strictly live casino provider licensed in many jurisdictions. The brand is a subsidiary of Evolution Gaming following its acquisition by the latter in 2018. Casino Hold’Em and Unlimited Blackjack are some Ezugi games you’ll find at the best live casino sites in the US. Ezugi operates a gaming studio within the Golden Nugget Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey. A fun fact is that this was the first gaming studio to break into the US market back in 2017.

Playtech

This developer is famous for its series of jackpot slots and branded titles, but it’s also a notable provider of live dealer games, among other gambling products. The tech giant was founded in 1999 and is one of the oldest casino game companies. They have released more than 50 brilliant interactive games for the live casino. Playtech operates a live dealer studio in Michigan.

Authentic Gaming

Formed in 2015, this live casino provider delivers games with amazing attention to detail and comprehensive playing interfaces. Authentic Gaming focuses on live streamed Roulette but also features others like Multiplay Blackjack. There is no Authentic Gaming studio in the US, but some of the provider’s live streams are taken from the Foxwoods Resorts and Casino floor in Connecticut.

Best Live Dealer Online Casino Bonuses

1235 ratings
Review
$25 On The House + $1,000 Matched Bonus
  • Huge choice of games
  • Amazing live dealer casino
GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV) or call 1-800-270-7117 (MI) for confidential help. Must be 21+. MI, NJ, PA, and WV only. Please gamble responsibly. Visit BetMGM.com for terms and conditions. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit unless otherwise provided in the applicable terms. Rewards subject to expiry.
965 ratings
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Play $10 Get $100 in Casino Credits INSTANTLY!
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). Help is available for problem gambling, call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org (CT). 21+. Physically present in CT/MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Please play responsibly. 1 per new Casino customer. Min. $10 wager req. Max. $100 issued in Casino Credits for select games that are non-withdrawable and expire in 7 days (168 hours). Terms: casino.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 1/5/25 at 11:59PM ET.
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Visit Borgata.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. NJ only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER.

Playing live dealer games will allow you to take advantage of online casino bonuses. There are fewer bonuses available here than with regular casino games, but when you play at the top sites, you can expect quality offers that will add to the overall experience.

Due to the nature of live casinos, deposit bonuses are the go-to incentive. This bonus provides a percentage of your deposit as a reward to boost your gameplay. Typically, a 100% match is the standard and may be provided as a welcome bonus or a loyalty perk for existing players. No deposit sign up bonus offers rarely apply to live casinos online because these games are highly dependent on players’ real money bets.

Where a bonus is available, you’ll be able to claim it on your mobile device app or at the live online casino. Ensure you check the terms and conditions of the offer, as you’ll always have to complete wagering requirements for casino bonuses. It’s also worth noting that live casino online games tend to contribute poorly to bonus clearing compared to slots or other casino games. You should read the t&cs to learn how these games count towards wagering and which casino games can clear through your live casino bonus quicker.

How to Play Live Casino Games Online

The process of playing live dealer games is identical to any other online casino game. Here how you can begin playing on any of the listed live dealer casinos.

Sign Up for a Live Dealer Casino

The first step is to register at your preferred live online casino. You can simply sign in if you already have an account.

Deposits and Claim a Bonus

Make your real money deposit using a payment method at the site. Look for any live casino welcome bonuses and ensure your deposit aligns with the qualifying amount.

Select your Live Casino Game

Navigate to the relevant category and select your preferred live dealer game. You can check which tables are provided by your favorite live dealer studio and the betting limits allowed.

Take a Seat

Once you’ve found a suitable table, click on it and take an available seat. The dealer will welcome you through the live video feed, and you can greet fellow players via live chat. You can also watch a few rounds to get a feel for the game before you begin staking.

Bet and Win

When you’re ready, place your bets. The control panel is similar to the setup on regular table games, but the real-life dealers will pick up your action on the other end and deal you cards. Your winnings will be automatically paid out.

Mobile Live Dealer Casinos & Apps

Live casino apps

Live dealer casinos allow players to bet on amazing land-based casino games without actually making the physical trip, which is the primary benefit. Mobile live dealer casinos double down on that convenience as they allow you to play games not just from your own home but anywhere you go.

Mobile gaming is the go-to for the US online gambling market. So with iOS, Android, or other smartphone devices, you can access online live dealer casino sites through your web browser. The top online casinos have mobile apps too. You can download the application on your mobile device and install it for one-click access to your favorite live dealer casino games.

Live dealer games can be demanding, and mobile play reduces the strain on your connection, enabling faster loading and smoother gaming.

Tips to Choose a Live Dealer Online Casino

There are a couple of criteria to look out for before you play at any live dealer casinos, as we do when rating live dealer online casinos. They are:

Safety

You should play live casino games with operators approved by the state authority where you reside, e.g., the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Also look for a security certificate, although any of the legal live dealer casinos will have passed stringent checks in this regard.

Games

The best live dealer casinos should have quality live dealer games and a good variety of them too. You can go further to check the collection of other game categories.

Software

Providers like Evolution, Ezugi, Playtech, etc., are the top suppliers at online live casinos. You’ll want your chosen site to be powered by one or more of these recognized names. Vivo Gaming, Visionary iGaming, BetGames TV, and other companies are red flags of offshore gambling sites, which you should avoid.

Banking

Quick and reliable deposits and payouts are crucial to your gaming experience. The best live online casinos should provide popular and secure payment providers.

Minimum Stakes

Since live dealer games are only available for real money, there should be a variety of stake levels to accommodate all players. This ranges from low bets for conservative players to big stake limits for high rollers.

Start Playing Online Casino Games with Real Dealers Today!

You could enjoy fantastic games at the regular online casino, but live dealer games are where you get the true taste of Las Vegas. The best live dealer casinos offer an amazing gaming experience from start to finish. Any drawbacks will easily be drowned by the immersive games, bonuses, payment methods, and other features.

We’ve only recommended legal US gambling sites, so you can rest assured of player protection when you play at any of them.

FAQs

Which are the most popular live dealer games in the USA?

The most popular live casino games are live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat. There are many variants of these classic live table games, each one with a unique twist to diversify the fun. Live wheel games have also become popular in recent years. They feature simple gameplay and you can win different prizes displayed on a spinning wheel.

Can I play free live casino games?

Generally, live dealer games are not available to play for free. Most live casino online sites will only allow real money players access to these games. On joining a live dealer table, you can watch several rounds for free before you bet. That said, you'll need a registered and funded account to do this.

Are live games rigged?

No. Live dealer games are not rigged, and the guarantee for this is that you can see the action unfold in real-time. You can watch as cards are shuffled and dealt, and with the multiple camera angles, you basically get a hawk's eye view. The barcoded cards are also scanned as they are dealt. This further boosts the integrity of the game, as you can read about from our guide on whether Lighting Roulette is rigged.

Can I play live casino games on mobile devices?

Yes, you can. The best online live casinos are readily available for mobile players. These games are also designed with a mobile-first approach, so both the games and platforms facilitate mobile play. You can wager and win anytime and anywhere when you play directly online or via dedicated mobile apps.

What happens to gameplay if there's a lost connection?

A break in connection on one player's end won't halt the entire game. The hand plays out as usual. The outcome of your hand, depending on the point in the game when you were last connected, will reflect in your account balance. You should ensure the strength and security of your connection before you begin playing.