Live Games: How Live-Dealer Games Work

Live games — in English, live-dealer games — are their own category of online gambling. Instead of a random number generator, a real human sits at a real table, spins a real roulette wheel or deals real cards, and you follow it all on live video. This page explains how that works technically, which game types are typical, and how live games differ conceptually from RNG-based games. Important note up front: Wunderino in Germany offers virtual slot machine games exclusively — live-dealer games are not part of our German offering. More on that at the end.

What live games actually are

A live-dealer game combines classic table gaming with video-streaming technology. The setup:

• A real table in a dedicated studio – usually operated by providers like Evolution or Pragmatic Play Live.
• Multiple cameras capturing the table from various angles.
• A trained dealer who runs the game.
• Optical character recognition (OCR) that automatically reads card values or roulette outcomes and passes them to the game interface.
• A chat function between players and the dealer.

You play from home on your device, but you see the real action in the studio in real time. You don't see other players at the same table personally — only their bets (anonymously) and any chat contributions.

How live games differ from RNG games

In classic online table games, a random number generator decides the outcome. In live games, the outcome arises physically in the studio — through a launched roulette ball, shuffled and dealt cards, spun wheels. Both variants are statistically equivalent and equally fair when licensed. They differ only in perception:

• RNG games are fast, available any time, no waiting. You play at your own pace.
• Live games have the rhythm of a real table. There are waits between rounds, a social component, and — for many players — a different atmosphere.

Which one is better depends on what you want from gambling.

Typical live game types

Most live studios offer a consistent line-up:

• Live Roulette – the most common live game type. Various variants (European, French, Speed Roulette, Lightning Roulette with extra multipliers).
• Live Blackjack – at classic tables with six or eight decks, often with side bets.
• Live Baccarat – fast gameplay, often with visualized "roadmaps" of past results.
• Live Poker – usually in the form of "Casino Hold'em" or similar player-vs-house variants, not classic multi-player poker.
• Live Game Shows – the younger category. Games like Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, Mega Wheel or Dream Catcher combine wheel-of-fortune mechanics with interactive hosts and bonus elements. Their own world, between game show and gambling.

The technical side — what to know

Streaming quality. Live studios broadcast in HD. A stable internet connection is required. On mobile, a live stream uses substantially more data than an RNG game.

Certification. Live studios are certified by the same independent labs as RNG games — for example eCOGRA or GLI. The studios have strict recording obligations; every game is recorded.

Minimum stakes. Live tables often have higher minimum stakes than RNG tables, because the physical setup creates per-hour costs. Micro stakes are rarer there.

Multi-tabling. Some live tables let you follow multiple games simultaneously. From a responsible-play perspective, this is a feature to use with care — it can lead to higher total stake per hour than it feels like.

How live games are regulated in Germany

Here's where it matters for Wunderino. The Gambling State Treaty (GlüStV 2021) and oversight by the GGL set up separate licence categories for Germany. The licence for virtual slot machine games (which Wunderino holds) permits offering slots. Live-dealer games fall into a different category and are only permitted to the extent a federal state regulates them through state-run providers. Private operators under GGL licence currently cannot offer live-dealer table games in Germany.

This is a deliberate legislative decision — online table games in Germany are largely reserved for state-controlled operators.

What this means for Wunderino

Wunderino doesn't offer live-dealer games in its German offering. The live section that was still visible on older versions of our website was removed as part of aligning with German regulation. If you landed on this page expecting live games at Wunderino: we can't offer you this game type under our German licence currently.

What we do offer is an extensive selection of virtual slot machine games with various volatilities, bonus mechanics and themes. Some slots, through their atmosphere and bonus rounds, have a distinctly "live-like" playing feel — game-show-inspired slots, or those with elaborate bonus staging. The Slot Machine Types overview helps you look around.

Common questions about live games

Are live games fairer than RNG games?
No, both are equally fair when licensed. RNG games are certified by RNG audits; live games by independent supervision, recording, and lab audits. The maths is identical in both cases.

Can I count cards in live games?
Theoretically limited possibility (especially live blackjack), but practically difficult given frequent shuffles and fast gameplay.

Do I need a specific internet connection for live games?
A stable broadband connection with at least 5 Mbps is recommended. On mobile, prefer Wi-Fi over pure mobile data.

Which providers lead in live games?
Evolution (market leader), Pragmatic Play Live, and Playtech Live are the best-known. These studios supply many international operators — where live games are permitted under the relevant licence.

Will live games come back to Wunderino?
That depends on regulation in Germany. Under the current GGL licence for virtual slot machine games, live-dealer games are not permitted.

Play responsibly

Live games often feel "more real" through the human component than RNG games — that can heighten emotional engagement. Whether live or RNG: set a budget before each session, avoid following multiple games at once, and use the limits in your Wunderino account under Play Safe. If your gambling is starting to worry you, free counselling is available through buwei.de.