Live casino vs RNG games

Live casino vs RNG games: what each one is

An RNG game is pure software. A random number generator produces the cards, the roulette number or the dice, and animation shows the result. You play alone, at your own pace, and the next round starts when you press the button.

A live casino game is streamed in real time from a studio, or from a real casino floor, with a human dealer or presenter using physical equipment. Evolution describes its live casino studios (opens in a new tab) as built like TV or film sets, with multi-camera video, lighting and audio, broadcasting often 24 hours a day. Optical character recognition turns the physical result into data the game software can settle bets with. You bet in a timed window alongside other players and can usually chat with the dealer. Our guide to how live casino works explains the set-up in more detail.

There's a third group in between. Evolution's First Person games, for example, are RNG games with 3D animation of the live versions, plus a "Go Live" button that moves you to the streamed table. They're RNG, not live. See first person games for the range.

For other side-by-side guides, visit our compare hub.

Live vs RNG odds: does the house edge change?

No, as long as the rules are the same. The house edge comes from the payouts and the number of possible outcomes, not from who or what produces the result. The Gambling Commission's random outcomes standard, RTS 7 (opens in a new tab), says a game that simulates a wheel, dice or cards should have the same theoretical probabilities as the real device.

Where the edge does differ, it's because the rules differ. Lightning variants change payouts to fund multipliers: in Lightning Roulette an unboosted straight-up pays 29 to 1 instead of 35 to 1. Blackjack tables vary by decks, soft 17 and payout for a blackjack, and a 6 to 5 payout costs about 1.39% more than 3 to 2. Compare the rules screen of the exact game, live or RNG.

One small difference in blackjack

RNG blackjack usually reshuffles after every hand. Standard game maths shows that this lowers the house edge slightly, by about 0.02% in a six-deck game, because no cards are removed between hands. Live blackjack deals from a shoe. In both cases card counting doesn't work in practice: the RNG game resets every hand, and live tables generally use shuffling methods that defeat it. Our online vs live blackjack page goes further.

Speed and cost per hour: live casino against RNG

Pace is the biggest practical difference. UK rules say casino games other than slots must allow at least 5 seconds per game cycle, so an RNG table can't run faster than 720 rounds an hour, but it can get close to whatever pace you choose. Live tables are fixed by the dealer: Evolution's Speed Roulette takes about 25 seconds a round and its standard baccarat about 48 seconds, against 27 seconds for Speed Baccarat.

Multiply stake × rounds × house edge to see what that means. The rounds per hour below are examples; the edge is fixed.

Same game, same 13.5p average cost per £5 spin, very different hourly bills. If you prefer RNG games, set a reality check and slow yourself down. Our cost per hour guide and house edge calculator let you try your own numbers.

Are live casino and RNG games fair? How each is checked

Both are regulated, but in different ways. RNG games must produce results that are "acceptably random". Under RTS 7, output should be uniformly distributed and it should be computationally infeasible to predict the next number, and compensated (adaptive) games that adjust results to hit a target are not permitted. New games and RNGs must be tested by an approved test house before release; our page on how casino games are tested covers that process.

Live games rely on physical randomness: a real wheel, real cards, real dice. RTS 7 guidance on mechanical devices says the items that choose the result shouldn't be altered and players shouldn't be able to touch them. Cameras let you watch the action, and studios employ pit bosses to settle disputes. In both formats the result comes from the wheel, the cards or the RNG, not from who is betting or how they have been doing.

If you want to know more, our answers to are live casino games rigged and is online roulette random set out the checks.

Atmosphere, limits and features compared

Live games add things software can't. Evolution's Dual Play tables sit inside land-based casinos, including in the UK, so you can bet on a real casino-floor table. Immersive Roulette shows slow-motion replays, and game shows such as Crazy Time are built around presenters and bonus rounds. RNG games give you privacy, speed and a wider spread of rules. Read about live casino table limits before you pick a table.

UK rules for live and RNG casino games

Since 17 January 2025, the Commission's rules have treated live and RNG casino games alike on the main points. Autoplay is banned for all online casino games, and the Commission saw no convincing reason to exclude live casino (opens in a new tab); a re-bet button isn't autoplay. Non-slot games need at least 5 seconds per round, you can't play several games at once, and your net spend and time played must be shown in real time.

The £5 and £2 stake limits are for online slots only, so they don't apply to live or RNG roulette, blackjack or baccarat. Our UK rules for live casino page lists every rule with its date.

Live vs RNG myths

• "Live games pay out more than RNG." Only if the rules are better. Same rules, same edge.
• "RNG games know when you're winning." UK RNGs map random numbers to outcomes by the published probabilities; adaptive games aren't allowed.
• "You can count cards at live blackjack online." Shuffling methods used at live tables generally defeat it, and RNG games reshuffle every hand.
• "A dealer can spin to hit a number." Some live wheels, such as those in Lightning Roulette and Auto Roulette, spin the ball automatically, and results are random either way. See can you predict roulette numbers.

How to choose between live and RNG play

1. Pick the game and open its rules screen in both formats.
2. Compare the rules that change the edge: zeros on the wheel, La Partage, blackjack payout and soft 17, side-bet pay tables.
3. Check the table limits and the minimum stake against your budget.
4. Estimate rounds per hour: slow for live tables, as fast as you choose for RNG.
5. Work out the hourly cost: stake × rounds × house edge.
6. Set a deposit limit and a reality check before you start.

Live casino or RNG: who each suits

Live casino suits players who want a real dealer, a social feel and a naturally slow pace that keeps hourly costs down. It's also the home of game shows and land-based-style tables. Our live casino strategy guide covers sensible play.

RNG games suit players who want privacy, low minimums, a range of rule sets and the option to try a demo first. Be aware that speed is the main risk to your budget.

Both formats are paid entertainment, and the house edge means losses are the expected result over time.

Where to play live and RNG games with our partners

None of our featured offers is built for live casino or RNG table games: they're slot-focused, and table and live games are often excluded from bonus wagering or count for less. Read can I use a bonus on live casino and the casino's terms, and check each lobby for the live and RNG tables it runs.

18+ and full terms apply. Casumo's welcome offer is a 50% bonus up to £100 on a first deposit of at least £20 for new customers who opt in, with 10x bonus wagering inside 7 days, a £5 maximum bet while the bonus is live, and game, play and payment restrictions. 10bet offers new UK customers who choose the casino bonus at sign-up a 100% match up to £25 on a first deposit made within 7 days; the bonus is wagered 10x on slots within 3 days, bonus winnings are capped at £1,000, and Skrill and Neteller deposits are excluded. Coral gives new players 100 free spins at 10p on selected slots after a deposit and £10+ of slot bets; accept them within 48 hours and use them within 7 days, with no wagering on winnings, and note that Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards don't qualify.

18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.