Live or software games
A real dealer on video, or an instant game on screen.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Live: real dealer, slower, higher minimums.
- Software: instant, lower minimums.
- Same odds for the same rules.
- Start with software.
Quick answerSoftware games are instant and can be played for pennies; live games are slower, more sociable and usually start at higher stakes. For the same rules the odds are the same.
Compared
| Feature | Live | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Who deals | A real dealer on camera | A random number generator |
| Speed | 40 to 60 rounds an hour | As fast as you click |
| Minimum stake | Usually higher | Often 10p to £1 |
| Free demo | No | Usually |
| Feel | Like a casino | Like a game |
Which first
Learn a game in its software version, in demo mode if you like, then try it live once the rules are second nature. Live roulette is the easiest live table to join.
Live studios at five casinos
| Casino | Live studios reported | Live score |
|---|---|---|
| Coral | Evolution, Playtech and Pragmatic Play | 8.5/10 |
| Ladbrokes | Evolution, Playtech and Pragmatic Play; around 100 live tables reported | 8.5/10 |
| PlayOJO | Evolution, with other studios reported | 8.5/10 |
| Casumo | Evolution, Pragmatic Play and Playtech, plus Casumo-branded tables | 8.5/10 |
| 10bet | Evolution and Pragmatic Play | 7.5/10 |
Keep reading: Your first budget, Step 1: choose a casino and How to play blackjack.
Go further: How to use blackjack basic strategy, How to close a casino account and How to play live blackjack.
Keep handy: the one-page cheat sheet and the ready-to-play checklist.
Offer terms were read from each casino's published conditions and dated 5 October 2026. Game rules and house edges are standard published figures. Casino details other than offers come from independent reviews; we have not opened real-money accounts. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Is live casino better than software?
Different: slower and more sociable.
Are the odds the same?
For the same rules, yes.
Can I play live for free?
No.
Which should a beginner try first?
Software.