Read more about live casinos
On this page, you can find everything important about live casinos. What games you can play, how to play them, what bonuses are available and where to find good live casinos.
Live casino [Canada]
Bojoko brings you the best casinos for live casino games. Live casino streams classic casino games real-time to your desktop or mobile device. You can play roulette, blackjack, and other games against a human dealer for real money. The games are interactive and the dealer will act based on your choices. Enjoy the real casino atmosphere in Canadian live casinos.
Find the best live online casinos in Canada
Live games are a common thing on casinos, but finding a good one might take some time. We are here to help you find a live casino that works best for you.
Browse our list of the best live casinos in Canada in 2021. Use the quick filters to find different types and the latest bonuses, or create your own filtering to find just the live casinos that match your preferences.
Bojoko helps you find the best live casinos
When going through different online casinos, players should carefully look at different features. You want the most reliable, safe but still an entertaining place to play live games. We facilitate this process and have created a comprehensive search tool to help you find live casinos easier and better than anywhere else.
We are constantly testing casinos and reviewing them to give you a better picture of what it's like to play there. As a member, you can also join in and tell others of your experiences.
Not a member yet? Join Bojoko for free!Find the best live casinos
What can you expect in the best Canadian live casinos?
![Live casinos [Canada]](https://i.bojoko.com/a7/ac2b0659_500x500.589f105e103cbd355a7ff9eb5a049fb3/live-casino-canada.png)
The best live casinos offer a versatile, high-quality game selection in a neat package. Here's what you can expect:
- Dozens, if not hundreds of live dealer games
- Licensed game suppliers
- Outgoing dealers
- Every aspect fully optimised for mobile
- Live casino bonuses with fair terms
- Several banking methods with low fees
- Multi-channel customer support
Because most live casino tables are available 24/7, you can play classic games in many quality casinos whenever you want.
Live casino bonus
Canadian players love online casino bonuses. Players can also claim bonuses for live games, but not as often as other games. Sometimes live games are even completely excluded from bonus wagering. However, there are live casinos that either
- offer separate bonuses, or
- let you wager your first deposit bonus on their live casino tables
Here's how a live dealer casino bonus works:
- With actual live casino promotions, you can usually play live dealer games only. No slots allowed!
- The wagering requirements for a live casino bonus are often higher than in regular bonuses.
- Bets placed in live dealer games contribute 100% towards meeting the target.
You can also play live games with some regular bonuses:
- A bonus you can wager on live dealer games is a normal casino bonus with a weighted contribution.
- Only part of your total live dealer bets is accepted for wagering.
- The standard contribution percentage usually varies between 5-10%.
With 10% live dealer casino bonus wagering contribution, C$10 wagered in blackjack counts as much as C$1 wagered in slots, which is a big difference.
Check the examples below to understand how this all works.
EXAMPLE 1: Live casino bonus
You get a 50% live casino bonus up to C$100. The wagering requirement is 60x (B). This means you have to make a C$200 deposit to get the full bonus amount. If you lose your deposit, you start playing with the bonus funds.
You'll need to bet a total of C$6,000 (60 x C$100) on table games to turn the remaining bonus balance into withdrawable cash. However, every bet counts as its full value. And if you place only Banker bets, the house edge is just 1.06%.
To calculate the value of the bonus in relation to your original deposit, here's how you do it:
(Bonus sum - (total wagering sum x house edge)) ÷ original deposit = bonus value
Or in this case:
(C$100 - (C$6,000 x 1.06%)) ÷ C$200 = 0.182 = 18.2%
EXAMPLE 2: Standard bonus with partial contribution
You get a 100% welcome bonus up to C$100. The wagering requirement is 20x (B), and table games contribute 10%. You'll need to deposit C$100 to get the bonus and start using the bonus funds once your deposit runs out.
Normally, you'd need to bet a total of C$2,000 (C$100 x 20) to turn the bonus into cash. However, table games only contribute 10% of their value, so you'll actually need to bet C$20,000.
Here's how you calculate the value of that bonus:
(C$100 - (C$20,000 x 1.06%)) ÷ C$100 = -1.12 = -112%
If you are playing table games, these conditions result in a negative value. In practice, your bonus funds will likely run out long before you complete the wagering.
Even though the bonus percentage is much worse and the wagering requirement 3 times higher, the 100% contribution makes all the difference in live casino bonuses.
How to find live casinos
1. Find a live casino from our list
We have a massive list of live casinos here on Bojoko. You can even add personal filters to find a live dealer casino that is perfect just for you.
2. Read what experts and other users have said
After you have chosen a live casino, you can read reviews from our experts and other users. They will give you a clear idea of what it's like to play there.
3. Go to the casino
Every review page has a green ‘PLAY HERE' button that will take you straight to the casino. It will also activate any special offers that we may have for that casino.
4. Register and play
First thing you need to do is register an account with the casino. Just fill out the required information and you can play there. Then just deposit and play your favourite live dealer games.
How does a live casino work?
Compared to online slots, casino table games are fairly straightforward. However, a lot of effort goes into bringing them live on your screen. Take a peek behind the curtain!
Dealers
The games are operated by live human dealers, also known as croupiers. They are thoroughly trained to lead the games in an elegant and efficient manner.
The dealers are usually young, attractive ladies and gents. In addition to knowing the games and equipment thoroughly, a good dealer will lift the general atmosphere of the table. This makes a huge difference, especially in game-show-style tables like Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher and Blackjack Party.
Dealers use monitors to stay on track of the players. Dealers need to be aware of betting decisions, wins, chat messages and new players entering the game and interact with the patrons.
What makes a great live dealer?
The best live dealers guarantee a fun, relaxed gaming atmosphere. Here's what it takes to be an awesome live casino dealer:
- Training - big live casino suppliers train their staff thoroughly and invest in continuous learning throughout their career
- Experience - many dealers start as shufflers and learn on the job
- Presence - good dealers are calm, polite and friendly
- Language skills - Fluent English is a must in the industry
Shufflers and shoes
Most dealers learn the ropes by working as a shuffler. Their job is to make sure every baccarat and blackjack table has randomly shuffled cards on hand.
Just like the brick-and-mortar casinos, also live dealer tables use a transparent box of cards called the shoe. Every shoe has a red card. When the dealer turns it over, it signals the last round before the reshuffle. After that, the dealer takes the new shoe to play. The shuffler then starts working on the cards of the previous shoe.
Sensors
Card games such as blackjack, baccarat, and poker utilise the optical character recognition technology. All the cards have a barcode printed in the middle and every table is equipped with a scanner.
When dealers take cards from a shoe - special container for multiple decks of cards - they scan each card before turning it over.
Also, the live roulette tables are highly automatised. The cameras and sensors can accurately read where the ball has landed, and the dealer doesn't need to enter this information manually.
Cameras
Live casino tables usually have multiple cameras to capture different angles of gameplay and produce an immersive experience.
Depending on the game supplier, you can see the whole table or various close-ups. Most tables have a built-in rhythm for changing camera views. Some live game providers also let you choose your preferred view manually as well.
Blackjack is the most notable exception to the multi-camera rule. The players need to see every card on the table at a glance, so a single camera is used to capture the whole table.
Game control unit
All the data gathered by sensors is interpreted and encoded by the Game Control Unit or GCU. This is a shoebox-sized piece of equipment is found in every live dealer table.
GCU is responsible for matching what happens on the physical table to the results on your screen. This is achieved by combining rigid game rules with accurate data and reliable software.
The order of play is pre-determined by the game rules. The GCU automatically knows where each card is going and whether or not they produce a winning combination.
User interface
The user interface of live dealer games enables you to have full control and flexibility over your bets and gaming experience. In all tables, you can select the chip value and repeat or double the bets of your previous round. Some providers also allow you to save your favorite betting combinations, which comes in handy in roulette.
Statistics
For players looking for patterns in the online live table games, most suppliers offer a handsome set of statistics. Often you see the results of previous rounds directly in the default view. You can access more detailed info by going to the history or statistics tab. Each supplier has their own way of communicating the game history.
Roulette stats
Roulette stats include the distribution of spins on each number and group, as well as hot and cold numbers. In addition, you can often see the raw data of up to 500 spins.
Blackjack stats
In blackjack, the stats are less robust, because the casinos don't want to encourage card counting. Usually, you won't see the results of previous rounds anywhere.
Baccarat stats
In baccarat, there are many traditional ways to keep track of the results. Depending on the supplier, you can select between different scoreboards. In Evolution Gaming's tables, you can simultaneously see:
- bead road
- big road
- big eye road
- small road
- cockroach road
You can also zoom in to take a closer look at your preferred scoreboard.
Studios
In a live dealer studio, there are usually several tables for different games. The dealers work in shifts, especially if the tables are open 24/7.
Asian and South American live dealer studios are getting more common, but the majority are still in Europe. Here are some of the top locations:
- London
- Malta
- Riga
Some studios are built to mimic the style of the brick-and-mortar casino floors or a more futuristic setting. Others take full advantage of the blue screen. With some digital wizardry, you may even find yourself playing blackjack on the deck of a pirate ship.
Unfortunately, you won't find any studios that are located in Canada. The stricter laws on gambling on Canadian soil would be difficult to navigate, so the game providers go where operating games is easier.
Live streams from brick-and-mortar casinos
Not all live dealer games take place in a studio environment. Many live suppliers also have set up cameras in brick-and-mortar casinos. This enables streaming roulette from tables that are open for the physical casino patrons as well as their online peers.
Since the tables occasionally get quite busy, the atmosphere is a big part of the live streaming. However, dealing out the winnings and raking in the chips takes time.
Authentic Gaming has come up with a way to solve this problem. The company has dedicated tables on the casino floor for online players only.
Casino branded tables
Some live dealer suppliers offer online casinos dedicated tables with the site's own branding. These branded tables feature the casino logo and are only available in those specific online casinos.
A live dealer table is a flexible and scalable product. Understandably, having a branded table for a single casino isn't cheap. That's why only the most established online casinos have their very own live dealer tables.
Live casino games
Jump to: Live roulette | Live poker | Live blackjack | Live baccarat
Live casino is the best place to play classic table games in an authentic setting. Online casino live dealer games consist mainly of the staples from land-based casinos. The most innovative suppliers launch also a new live casino games every now and then. New online casino sites also tend to come up with great live casino games to attract players.
Live roulette
Online live roulette works just like the ordinary roulette in land-based casinos. You place your bets, the dealer spins the wheel and you collect your winnings. Simple as pie!
Best live roulette casinos have plenty of different live roulette games to choose from. Players don't have to wait until there's an open seat. It's more convenient to play live casino games online than in land-based casinos where tables might be full and players need to wait their turn.
Live roulette games are streamed either from:
- a dedicated studio, or
- a brick-and-mortar casino
In addition, live roulette games come in a completely digital variant called auto-roulette. There's no dealer, but the round results are the same for every player.
There are many types of live roulette games in Canadian casinos.
Discover the different versions below and play live roulette online.
American roulette
American roulette is a live casino roulette variant with an additional number: 00 or double-zero. Because of the extra zero, the RTP percentage 94.73% (36/38) of American roulette is worse than in other roulette versions.
Live American roulette is available on many online casinos. With bets ranging from 20¢ to C$10,000, you can find American live roulette on most Evolution Gaming casinos.
European Roulette
European live roulette is the standard version available on EVERY live-dealer casino. In addition to a regular, dealer-operated variant, you can find live European roulette as:
- Slingshot auto roulette
- RNG auto roulette
- Mini live roulette
- Speed live roulette
Depending on the version you pick, the minimum bet in automatic live roulette tables is usually 10¢.
If you're looking for a human touch, live-dealer European roulette minimum bets start from 50¢.
French roulette (la partage)
French roulette uses the European layout but comes with the 'la partage' rule. When the ball lands on zero, half of all even money bets are returned.
EXAMPLE: If you bet C$2 on red and hit zero, you get C$1 back.
The RTP in the French live roulette is a respectable 98.65% (36.5/37 odds). This makes the French version the best payout live roulette game available anywhere.
New live roulette variants
The last couple of years have seen some new live roulette games published by popular game suppliers. These include:
- Double ball roulette (Evolution Gaming)
- Lightning roulette (Evolution Gaming)
- Reel roulette (Extreme Live Gaming)
- Jackpot live roulette (Playtech)
Live poker
There are many different live poker casino games available, but one thing remains the same: you play live online poker against the dealer, not the other players.
The most popular live casino poker variants include:
- Casino holdem
- Caribbean stud
- Three-card poker
- Bet on poker
Discover the basics of live dealer poker and play your favourite version online.
Casino holdem
Texas holdem is an online poker variant with two face-up cards and five community cards. You'll go head-to-head against the dealer.
Live casino holdem is a fast-paced game blending luck and skill, but you don't need to bluff.
Live Holdem features a single hand for all players around the world. So, there are always seats available for everyone. In addition to the main game, you can also place side bets.
There are different versions of live dealer casino Texas holdem available online. All of them have slightly different rules, side bets and payouts:
- Casino hold'em
- Texas hold'em bonus poker
- Ultimate Texas hold'em
Depending on the game supplier, the minimum bet for texas holdem is usually 50¢.
Caribbean stud
Live Caribbean stud poker is a live-dealer poker version without any community cards. Featuring a 5+1 bonus bet and a progressive jackpot, Caribbean stud is the poker version with the highest individual payouts.
The minimum bet in live dealer Caribbean stud poker is C$1.
Three card poker
Live three-card poker is a beginner-friendly live dealer poker variation. The hand rankings are simple and the dealer needs a queen high to qualify.
In addition to the main game, live 3-card poker features:
- An automatic ante bonus
- Pair plus bonus bet
- Six card bonus bet
The minimum bet in three-card live casino poker is C$1.
Bet on poker
Bet on poker is a live poker variant made by Betgames.tv. Instead of playing against the dealer, you're trying to guess which hand will win the round of Texas holdem.
Bet on poker features:
- 6 hands dealt every round
- Constantly updating odds
- Betting rounds before deal, flop, river and turn
If it seems like your earlier bet is going to lose, you can rectify the situation with a new bet on another hand.
Bet on poker is a unique, exciting live dealer poker game. However, the RTP of c. 90% is much worse than in the traditional live casino poker versions.
Live blackjack
Live dealer blackjack is the cornerstone of live casinos. With an RTP of 99.50%, live casino blackjack online is single-handedly the best payout casino game.
Live blackjack is one of the most popular live dealer games in Canadian casinos. The basic rules are simple to learn. However, understanding the basic strategy takes a bit of effort. That's why blackjack is the choice of seasoned casino players.
There are different live blackjack online games to suit every skill level and budget.
Classic Blackjack
Live Blackjack is very close to the same experience you get when you walk to an actual blackjack table in a casino. Now you just sit on a virtual chair instead of a real chair. You can see all the other players that are in and the cards they are dealt.
In the classic version of the game, you play the same game as you would in a brick-and-mortar casino. The rules and payouts are printed on the table, so you always know for example where the dealer will stand.
This is the game for you if you just want to play blackjack like they do in casinos.
Bet-behind
When you enter a live blackjack table, you see the other players. Instead of taking a vacant seat, you can place your bets behind your fellow gamblers. They will call the shots; when they win, you win.
Bet-behind live casino blackjack is the perfect option when you:
- Are just learning the ropes
- Want to play with smaller minimum bets (50¢ per hand)
- Play live blackjack online but there's no room at the table
Infinite Blackjack
Infinite Blackjack combines the classic live casino blackjack with bet behind.
All players from casinos all over the world play the same hand. You can hit, stand, double down and split, just like in a regular version.
Because a single dealer can serve all the players simultaneously, the minimum bet in Infinite Blackjack is only C$1.
Live baccarat
Live casino baccarat comes in all shapes and sizes. There's always a version to suit your rhythm. The variants range from fast-paced speed baccarat to the almost ritualistic baccarat squeeze.
While the banker is always your safest bet, there are also side bet options in live baccarat online.
In addition to the universally available basic game, you can also play live baccarat online variations. These include no-commission baccarat and the simplified baccarat version called Dragon Tiger.
Online baccarat with a live dealer usually has a minimum bet of C$1.
Live sic bo
Sic bo is a traditional Chinese gambling game played with three dice. Live dealer sic bo is a very simple game and easy to learn. You can bet on specific number combinations or the total sum of the throw.
Evolution Gaming has recently launched its own live sic bo version called Super Sic Bo. It offers dozens of different bets. The table limits range from 20¢ to C$5,000.
Live money wheel
Live money wheel is the online version of the iconic wheel of fortune found at many land-based casinos.
Playing live money wheel is gameshow-style gambling at its best. The outgoing, funny dealers chat with the players and make every round a unique, social experience.
There are currently two live money wheel versions available for Canadian players:
- Dream Catcher (Evolution Gaming)
- Monopoly Live (Evolution Gaming)
- Spin A Win (Playtech)
Live casino software providers
There are many suppliers for live dealer casino software. Here are the household names that make the top live casino games:
Play online live casino games for real money
Live dealer tables are only available to logged-in players and games are usually excluded from bonus wagering. This is why you can only play live casino games online for real money.
We've compiled a handy list of live casino games to suit both budget players and high rollers:
Low stakes live casino games
Here's a list of live dealer casino games with the lowest minimum bets under C$1:
- Evolution Gaming: Automatic roulettes: 10¢
- Evolution Gaming: Dream Catcher: 10¢
- Playtech: Spin a Win: 10¢
- Evolution Gaming: Lightning Roulette: 20¢
- Evolution Gaming: American Roulette: 20¢
- Evolution Gaming: Double Ball Roulette: 25¢
- Evolution Gaming: Speed Roulette: 50¢
- Playtech: Live Football Roulette: 50¢
- Evolution Gaming: Blackjack Bet Behind: 50¢
- Evolution Gaming: Casino Hold'em Poker: 50¢
High stakes live casino games
These are the games best suited for a high roller. Enjoy the live dealer tables with the highest maximum bets:
- Evolution Gaming: Three card poker: C$5,000
- Evolution Gaming: Exclusive blackjack: C$20,000
- Evolution Gaming: Baccarat: C$30,000
- Evolution Gaming: Auto Roulette: C$10,000
The best paying live casino games
Compared to slots, live-dealer games have an excellent payout percentage. The best payout online casino live games in Canada by RTP are:
- Blackjack: 99.5%
- Texas Hold'em Bonus Poker: 99.47%
- Baccarat: 98.95%
- French roulette: 98.65%
- Caribbean Stud Poker: 98.19%
Live casinos and responsible gaming
Live casinos are a great way to experience social gaming, but it can also be a double-edged sword.
By playing in a social environment, you are more likely to deposit more than you intended. People generally don't like to lose in front of others, so they deposit more to keep up the appearances. This can lead to bigger and bigger losses.
We encourage you to always gamble only with what you afford to lose. You should always be in control of your gambling and even though it can be fun, it might cause problems if it gets out of hand.
FAQ
Article by:
Lauri Ronkainen
Lauri is the Head of Content at Bojoko. He has worked in online gambling since 2016, reviewing hundreds of online casinos, bonuses and games. Lauri has a masters degree in history from the University of Tampere. He is a live casino aficionado who has also created his very own roulette strategy.
Article by:
Jussi Viljanen
Jussi has been working in the iGaming industry for over 7 years. Career in Good Game Ltd, the company behind Bojoko started already back in 2015.
Jussi has been contributing for both casino and sports betting websites and gained a solid knowledge about content writing, SEO and research. At the moment Jussi is the head of sports betting for bojoko.com.