Best Live Dealer Casinos in the UK in 2021

What to Look for in the Best Live Casino in the UK

Don’t just sign up and play at the first live casinos in the UK you see.  Not all online casinos have your best interests at heart. Do a bit of homework first, as it will help you avoid some costly mistakes in the future.

To be honest it’s a bit of a minefield picking your way through loads of information. Who has time for that?

Fortunately, I’ve done the hard work for you. Having had my share of issues over the years, I’ve built up loads of knowledge and experience which enables me to quickly determine whether a casino is good or not.

To even be considered among the best live casinos, the casino needs to offer:

• The best live dealer games by the best providers.
• Innovative new live dealer game releases.
• Dedicated tables and playing environments.
• A selection of quality software suppliers.
• Regular on-table promotions.
• Fast hassle-free withdrawals.
• Something different or unique.
• Great Customer Service.

It goes without saying that the casino should have a UKGC license as it ensures a safe gaming environment.

In addition, choosing an online casino that also has a physical presence in the UK can help reduce any further anxieties if you have them.

In this article, I’ll make a number of recommendations of where you can play, but just as importantly I’ll explain the factors to take into account when considering the best live casino in the UK to join.

If you find this to be a rather long feature, you don’t have to read it all. Just scan through the subheadings and stop at the section that’s important to you.

Or, simply look at my list of top live dealer casinos in the UK and sign up with one.

Best Real British Casinos With An Online Presence

Many players feel more secure if they’re playing at an online casino that’s tied to a brand that has real physical casinos in the United Kingdom.

Grosvenor has over 50 casinos across the UK.

What’s more, your online player points are often redeemable for meals, drinks, and gifts in land-based casinos.

If you like to play in both environments it makes sense to choose a brand that can supply both.

Live Casino Games Suppliers for the UK Market

All the best software suppliers are present in the UK market. You can be certain their games are fair, and you’re getting top-notch technology as well as all the latest innovations and the newest games as soon as they’re released.

Evolution

Evolution is the market leader because of the sheer quality of its product. Most, if not all casinos offering Live Dealer games use their software. They have an extensive range of table and entertainment games which are all run by presenters and hosts. From basic seven-seat blackjack tables to the innovative lightning roulette, Lightning Blackjack and Live Casino Monopoly there is something for everyone.

Playtech

Playtech has nearly as many games as Evolution and also offers some very innovative games, like Quantum Roulette and Quantum Blackjack. Live Slots has recently been released which gives an additional gaming option for those that want something a bit different. Playtech Adventures Beyond Wonderland is their latest entertainment game release which is set to rival Evolution’s Crazy Time.

Casino.com is the best UK Playtech casino.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play is the new kid on the block having recently gained a UKGC License. As for UK casinos using their games, they are beginning to penetrate the market at GB casinos like Mr Green.  Their games are Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Mega Sic Bo, Mega Wheel with their multipliers.  Andar Bahar and a new entertainment game, Sweet Bonanza Candyland Live are set to really appeal to players. The games are of high quality and are playable on all device types.

Authentic Gaming

Authentic Gaming is currently a Roulette-only supplier. Their USP is a huge range of live dealer roulette tables streamed from land-based casinos around the world. They were the first supplier to stream a table from the US, Foxwood’s casinos, and I’ll be surprised if they aren’t the first to stream from the Las Vegas Strip in 2021. Auto Roulette and Studio Streamed tables have recently been added to make up a very comprehensive streamed Roulette solution.

You’ll find Authentic Gaming software at Mr.Green.

Betconstruct

Betconstruct is more known as a supplier for the European market but has recently acquired a UK license. It means that some of the more obscure games are now available to UK Players, like Russian Poker and Teen Patti. I really like their games, but they have limited penetration in the UK market, so you’ll have to go to VBet to find their games.

NetEnt – now defunct

Just so you don’t wonder why NetEnt isn’t on this list, they no longer have a live dealer department as it was merged into Evolution after the acquisition of NetEnt in late 2020.

Live Casino Games for UK Players

If I was writing this a few years ago I would only be talking about there being three games on the market.

However, now there are loads. Even individual games like Blackjack or Baccarat has loads of different varieties. I honestly can’t even pick a number, however, my brief summaries will give you an idea.

Live Dealer Blackjack

Live Dealer Roulette

Live Baccarat

Live Casino Poker Games

Live Entertainment Casino Games

Live Dice Games

Only play at UK Live Casino Sites Licensed with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

Casinos registered and licensed by the UKGC are the only ones legally able to accept players from the UK.

Being licensed means the casino has to operate and adhere to a code of conduct that is regularly checked by the UKGC. For example:

• the casinos have to ring-fence players’ money – so if they go bust, players’ money isn’t at risk.
• they have to provide responsible gambling controls to help players manage their gambling.
• Identity verification and source of wealth checks are performed to meet money laundering requirements.

You’ll come across Unlicensed operators who accept UK players. They do this illegally but are based offshore so they can’t be touched by UK law.

Generally, these casinos don’t have players’ best interests at heart, so don’t have any controls in place to protect the player and are likely to scam players by making it difficult for them to withdraw.

There’s also some that prey on attracting problem gamblers who have self-excluded from Licensed casinos.

In addition to the casino being licensed by the UKGC, here are some additional criteria to consider:

• Must have a good customer support team.
• Must have good reviews and customer feedback from other reputable review sites.
• Process withdrawals in a timely manner.
• Must not make the verification process too onerous.
• Personally played at regularly by me – nothing like a personal recommendation!

How to spot a UK Licensed Casino

You can spot a UK licensed live casino because there will be a logo at the bottom of the website that will link to the UK Gambling Commission Website which displayed the license details of the casino.

If there is no link, check the Terms & Conditions for the company name and search for that on the UKGC Website.

If the two don’t tally, walk away, the casino is not as it seems!

Licensed UK Live Casinos for British Players

The UK market is something that I know the most about.

I’ve lived in the UK all my life and as you’ll see from my About page I have a real interest in Land-Based and live casinos.

The casinos I’ve listed below are all good, safe places to play. I wouldn’t recommend them otherwise.

I’ve highlighted their individual Unique Selling Points if they have one. If they haven’t you still won’t be disappointed.

In my experience, these are the best UK Live Casinos currently providing live casino games to UK residents.

Best UK Live Casinos in 2021 List

In my experience, these are the best UK Live Casinos currently providing live casino games to UK residents.

Dedicated Live Dealer Tables

The generic solutions and tables from the live casino providers are very good indeed.

But for the real value, a player needs to seek those casinos that have gone one step further and invested in their own dedicated and branded live casino tables and dealers. Casino such as Leo Vegas and Mr Green are two great examples.

For UK players this is really important for four reasons.

1. You’ll get a Branded playing experience.
2. You will be playing with the same dealers and players at the table – should you be a regular.
3. You’ll get the opportunity to receive on-table promotions, like bonus cards and spot prizes.
4. You’re more likely to get a seat if playing Blackjack.

These aren’t the only reasons. The other one is money. The casino makes a huge investment with branded live dealers, so it shows they are serious about having you as a player and ultimately treating you well.

You’re less likely to have problems with casinos that have dedicated environments than ones that don’t.

Bonuses & Promotions for UK Live Casino Players

This is an area that I find difficult to discuss. Primarily because Live Casino promotions are not very good, they promise a lot and deliver little more than a headache.

This is why I do not overtly promote them. I’d rather you find a casino and games on their merits rather than on the potential free stuff they can offer you.

Free Stuff is not normally free, it normally has wagering tied to it, which means you have to “turn over” your money a number of times before you can withdraw it. For live games, these can be very large numbers and frankly not worth the effort.

Personally, I prefer promotions that are given at the table during gameplay, as these don’t have those types of restrictions on them.

If you’re looking for the latest bonuses and promotions you can check out this page first.

Security

Online security is a massive subject to cover, and I’d like to draw your attention to two things.

1. Security of your data and information with the casino you’re playing through.
2. Security of the games you play – how you know they are not fixed!

Your Data

The first thing you need to look at is whether the casino you’re playing at is using encryption to protect the information you are passing to them.

The first clue is whether the website starts with HTTPS. If it does the traffic is encrypted and you’re safe.

The Games

If you think the games are fixed or are likely to be fixed, I’d advise you to not even start playing. I won’t be able to convince you otherwise. I’ve written an article exploring whether live games are fixed. I recommend you read it.

Games are monitored in real-time. All dealer actions are recorded. All cards and equipment are regularly checked. External Audits are performed on the games. The games themselves are played by 1000’s players across 100’s of casinos all at the same time. It would be virtually impossible for any fixing to positively affect one player and not everyone else. The built-in edge to the games provides the profit margin, so there is no point in the 3rd party supplier trying to defraud the casinos or the players they work with.

At a personal level, I’ve visited the studios of all the major providers and saw no sign of endemic cheating that’s been claimed online by faceless anonymous people.

The bad beats are exactly the same as you experience in land-based games. There is no difference. So in my and the industry’s opinion the games are clean.

Has Regulation for UK Live Casinos been positive?

I’d say Yes. Regulation has to be a good thing if there is a central body deciding on a set of rules and then monitoring them.

While not everyone was a fan as some of the well-known brands just disappeared we have seen the regulations in action.

A number of operators have had their licenses suspended and fines dished out for non-compliance.

There is also a better framework in place for dealing with player complaints, with the development of a network of independent arbitrators being formed to provide this service.

Unfortunately, since the introduction, there have been a number of online casinos that have gone out of business.

Whilst the regulations required casinos to ring-fence players monies for this very issue, the reality of being able to payout was different and most players lost their money.

Summary for British Live Casino Players

Playing at a live casino in the UK is a great way to have fun and hopefully win some money, and, as always, gamble responsibly and know when to quit — when you’re ahead. Try some of our recommendations for the UK live casinos and you’re sure to have an amazing time.

If you’re looking for the best live casino in the UK to play at, we’ve got them all right here at Live Casino Comparer. Have a look at our live casino reviews that will tell you everything you need to know, including bonuses.

Recommended Live Casinos

Live Casinos UK Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do UK Live Casinos have Safer Gambling Controls?

One of the main regulatory requirements for UK Live Casinos is to have safer gambling controls in place for players. As a player at a UK Live Casino, you’ll be able to set deposit limits, loss limits, and playing time limits. There should also be links to Gambleaware.org for help and guidance.

What regulatory controls exist to protect players at UK Live Casinos?

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) have set out a number of standards to help protect players. The UKGC requires casinos to ring-fence money that has been deposited by UK players so that if the casino goes bust players’ current deposits can be returned to them. There are also requirements for the casino to use an ADR to help with any disputes. There are also controls on advertising gambling to UK players, so players aren’t duped into playing for reasons other than entertainment.

Are Live Dealer games in the UK safe and secure?

Yes. All UKGC licensed online live dealer casinos are safe and secure gaming environments. Casinos holding a UKGC Licence have to maintain a set of standards, pay tax on income, and have their business regularly audited. All casino game providers that the casino uses also have to have a UKGC license to be able to provide their games to UK players. That’s why some games are not available to UK players.

Are Live Casinos available on Mobile?

Yes. Live dealer games at top online casinos are available on all devices, including mobile phones. It’s commonplace that all online casinos are developed in HTML5. UK Live Casino games play as well on mobile as they do on Desktop. Almost 50% of UK live casino play is played on a Mobile device and this is increasing every year.

Do Live Casino mobile games require a lot of data?

Live dealer casino games stream live video to your phone. The video is optimized for size in order to ensure fast delivery without glitches, regardless if you’re using Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or even 5G connections to the internet. The software is sophisticated enough to know your connection speed and deliver the content to your device in the most efficient way.

Where are Live Dealer studios located?

Providers of live dealer games have their own studios. A few are based in Malta (Evolution and Authentic Gaming), while in mainland Europe Playtech and Evolution are in Latvia, Pragmatic Play, and Ezugi in Romania. Sometimes live dealer roulette is streamed from a real physical casino, and they are from locations all over the world.

What is the best UK live casino site?

LeoVegas and VBet are two of the best online casinos in the UK market. Players who want the casino to also have a physical presence in the UK can choose Grosvenor.

Are UK Live Dealer games licensed and legal?

If the online casino is licensed with the UKGC, then you can be certain all games that are available at the casino are fair, legal, and licensed. Don’t play at the casino if it isn’t displaying the UKGC Logo and have a reference to its license number.

Best Online Live Casinos for the UK 2021

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