What Is a Live Casino?
A live casino streams real table games from a professional studio to your screen. A human dealer shuffles and deals real cards or spins a real roulette wheel, while you place bets through an on-screen interface. Cameras capture every round and the results are read automatically, so your bets are settled the moment the dealer finishes.
Live dealer games sit between RNG casino games and a land-based casino. You get the pace and atmosphere of a real table, with chat to the dealer, but you can play from home or on your phone. At casinos registered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and operating under iGaming Ontario, live games are supplied by approved studios and follow the same player protection rules as every other game.
Live Casino Providers Available in Ontario
| Provider | Known for |
| Evolution | The largest live casino portfolio, from blackjack and roulette to game shows such as Crazy Time and Lightning Roulette. Evolution went live in Ontario on the first day of the regulated market, April 4, 2022. |
| Pragmatic Play Live | Large choice of blackjack, roulette and baccarat tables, plus game shows |
| Playtech Live | Classic tables, baccarat and live poker variants |
| Ezugi | Table games and live poker titles |
| OnAir Entertainment | Blackjack and roulette tables, including private and branded tables |
The exact providers depend on the casino. For example, review data for PlayOJO in Ontario lists live games from Evolution, Pragmatic Play Live, Playtech and Ezugi, while Jackpot City lists OnAir and Pragmatic Play tables.
Popular Live Dealer Games
| Game | What to expect | Typical RTP |
| Live blackjack | Seven-seat and unlimited-seat tables; your decisions affect the result | Around 99.3-99.5% with basic strategy, depending on rules |
| Live roulette | European, French and multiplier versions such as Lightning Roulette | 97.3% for standard European roulette |
| Live baccarat | Fast rounds with Player, Banker and Tie bets; speed and squeeze versions | About 98.9% on Banker and 98.8% on Player |
| Live poker | Casino Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold’em against the dealer | Roughly 94.8-97.8% depending on the game |
| Game shows | Money wheels and bonus rounds with a presenter | Often lower than table games; check the game menu |
RTP figures are long-run averages for standard rules. Side bets and multiplier features change the numbers, so always check the information panel at the table. Learn the rules of each game on our guides to online blackjack, online roulette, online baccarat and online poker.
Live Casino vs RNG Table Games
| Feature | Live dealer games | RNG table games |
| Who runs the game | A real dealer in a studio | A certified random number generator |
| Speed | Set by the dealer; slower rounds | As fast as you click |
| Minimum bets | Usually higher | Often lower |
| Social element | Chat with the dealer and other players | None |
| Free demo play | Not available | Often available |
| Internet use | Needs a stable connection for video | Light |
If you are new to a game, try the RNG version first to learn the rules at low stakes, then move to the live table once you are comfortable.
How to Start Playing Live Casino Games
- Choose an Ontario-licensed casino from the list on this page and register with your legal name.
- Verify your account and deposit with a method such as Interac, Visa or MuchBetter.
- Open the live casino lobby and filter by game type or provider.
- Check the table limits shown on the table card before you join.
- Take a seat or join an unlimited table, then place your bets before the timer runs out.
Playing Live Casino on Mobile
Live dealer games are built for mobile, with portrait layouts and simplified betting controls. A stable Wi-Fi connection gives the best experience, because a dropped connection can cause a missed decision. Most providers apply an automatic decision or return your stake according to the game rules if you disconnect, and these rules are listed in the game menu. Many Ontario casinos also offer dedicated apps; see our best casino apps guide.
Tips for Live Dealer Games
- Know the rules before you sit down. Live rounds move on whether you are ready or not.
- Use basic strategy in blackjack to keep the house edge as low as possible.
- Prefer European or French roulette over versions with extra zero pockets.
- Be selective with side bets and multipliers, which usually carry a higher house edge.
- Watch the session clock. Live games are immersive and time passes quickly.
Is Live Casino Fair and Safe in Ontario?
Live dealer games at Ontario-licensed casinos are supplied by gaming suppliers that must be registered with the AGCO. Studios use professional dealers, multiple camera angles and automated result recognition, and every round is recorded. If you ever believe a result was settled incorrectly, contact the casino’s support with the table name, round ID and time; if a licensed operator does not resolve your complaint, you can escalate it to iGaming Ontario.
Play Live Casino Responsibly
The social feel of live tables makes it easy to stay longer than planned. Set deposit and session limits in your account, take breaks and never chase losses. Gambling is for adults 19+ and should be treated as entertainment. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 from ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. See our responsible gambling page for more tools.