Live casinos are becoming more and more popular with each passing day. There are plenty of online casinos that are adapting to this new innovative way of gambling and every day more online casinos are offering a captivating live casino section where online players can enjoy their favourite card or table game from the comfort of their own home. Live casinos have been developed to resemble real life casino gaming and to capture the essence and atmosphere of a land-based casino. The action on the table is streamed in real time, thanks to high-tech cameras placed around the table, and broadcasted live over the World Wide Web. Professional live dealers operate these live dealer games and players can interact with them through a live chat facility.
Live casinos are growing in popularity amongst online players from across the globe. This is especially true for online players residing in European countries. The best European live casinos will cater to these online players and will offer them high-quality graphics and sound effects along with high-end gambling directly to their doorstep. Some of the best characteristics associated with this intriguing type of betting include a stellar reputation and a gambling license to provide live dealer services to several European countries. Players can also look forward to a high level of security, beautiful and professional live dealers, a wide range of high-quality casino games, smooth streaming without any delays, an excellent range of banking options, safe and secure transactions, and a friendly and helpful customer support desk.
Top European Casinos with Live Dealers
| Rank | Online Casino | Bonus | Devices | Rating | Review | Play |
1st |
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$888Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | |||
2nd |
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£100Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | |||
3rd |
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$1000Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | |||
4th |
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$2500Welcome Bonus |
Play Now | |||
5th |
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£300Welcome Bonus |
Play Now |
These are the most important factors to consider when looking for a European-friendly live casino to register with. You will also need to brush up on the latest developments of the law against online gambling and therefore I decided to include the current gambling laws across Europe along with the top European live casinos you can sign up with without having to spend hours on research yourself.
Legality of live casinos in Europe
Although Europe is basically considered a ‘single state’ when it comes to economic significance, and by some extent governed by the legislation passed by the European Union, each individual country is still responsible for passing their own laws.
This is especially true when you look at the gambling industry since there’s no regulation or legislation that standardizes gaming and betting throughout Europe.
Therefore, keeping up with the legalities surrounding gambling, especially online gambling, throughout Europe can be quite challenging. The European market is accepted by most of the leading gambling sites, but what’s not allowed and what is allowed can differ quite significantly in each individual country spread across Europe.
Online Gambling Jurisdictions in Europe
There are numerous online gambling jurisdictions situated in Europe. Most of the jurisdictions are members of the European Union (EU), and are therefore subject to the various regulations and rules of that body, while other online gambling jurisdictions are independent. Every online gambling jurisdiction has an authority that is responsible for the approval of gambling licenses, enabling them to offer their services legally. These gambling jurisdictions also regulate their licensees. The following online gambling jurisdictions are available in Europe:
- Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- Malta Gaming Authority
European Gaming and Betting Association
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), is an organization that was established implement a regulated, competitive, and fair market for online gambling establishments wanting to offer their services in Europe. The organization was established in 2007 and is situated in Brussels. Although the organization is quite far from achieving its goals, they’ve had some achievements since their inception. Currently, it only has a handful of companies, but as regulation and legislation becomes a larger issue for gambling operators, it might expand and in turn, give them more influence.
Gambling laws in France
In France, most forms of gambling are legal and there are three primary bodies responsible for its regulation. The ARJEL deals with online gambling, the Francaise des Jeux deals with lotteries and betting games, and the Pari Mutuel Urbain deals with horse racing.
The French government introduced a new legislation bill in 2009 relating to online gambling and in 2010 there were three forms of online gambling that were officially legalized. These included horse racing, sports betting, and poker. ARJEL issues licenses to operators wanting to offer their services to the residents of France. Currently, there are no licenses being issued for exchange betting, spread betting, or casino games.
Gambling laws in Germany
In Germany, the gambling laws are somewhat complex, and have changed several times in recent years. The legislation was introduced in 2008 effectively banning all forms of betting and online gambling, except horse race betting, not offered by the state. In 2010, the European Court of Justice rules that the industry was monopolized in the country and had become more liberal.
In 2012, the Interstate Treaty on Gambling was introduced allowing private companies to offer some gambling services. The Interstate Treat on Gambling was implement in all German states except for Schleswig Holstein. This state passed its own legislation that was more liberal. In 2013, a newly elected government scrapped the legislation. However, the licenses issued by Schleswig Holstein is still in effect until 2018. Most operators hold one of these licenses due to Germany being one of Europe’s largest gambling markets. The question is, did the Interstate Treat of Gambling do enough to prevent the monopoly of online gambling in Germany.
Gambling laws in Spain
In Spain, the gambling laws have been amended several times recently with the most recent changes taking effect in 2012. Operators can apply for licenses to provide their services in the region under certain conditions. Numerous companies successfully received licenses by the Spanish National Gaming Commission and are operating in the country accordingly. Spanish residents can bet and wager on any sites licensed in the country.
Gambling in Italy
In Italy, the gambling laws are quite liberal when compared to other European countries. In 2006, Italy introduced legislation that allowed companies to offer sports betting services over the internet and in retail locations.
There were numerous changes made to this legislation, such as the one in 2011 allowing licensees to offer casino games and poker to customers too.
Top Rated Live Casinos in Europe
I am often asked what are the best live casinos to play at in Europe. This is an extremely difficult question to answer as there are so many variables to consider. For me, to locate the best live casino I look at a wide range of various aspects including the right stakes at each table and if the live casino processes my withdrawal request in a timely manner. I also consider the ambience provided by each live casino, the variety of games on offer, and the quality of their video feed in both land-based casinos and dedicated studios, depending on the live casino I review. There are plenty of other factors to consider, but it will depend on player to player. Therefore, I have produced my own list of top live casinos in Europe that I would consider the best online.
Leo Vegas Casino
Leo Vegas Casino might only have invested in their live casino offering in 2015, but they are currently going bonkers with 7 different software providers providing power to their live casino. With so many software providers, I’m sure you can guess that the game selection is just as impressive.
Players can look forward to live dealer games, such as 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Dreamcatcher, Casino Hold’em, Baccarat, Roulette, and Blackjack, streamed from studios along with a range of roulette tables streamed from land based casinos. They offer a great selection of stakes on all their tables with a wide variety of banking options and promotion. They further impress with a stellar customer support desk.
William Hill Live Casino
William Hill is probably the best all round live casino for European players. They offer the most extensive set of dedicated tables when compared to other live casinos and getting a seat at a live dealer table is never a problem.
William Hill utilises both Evolution Gaming and Playtech software providers to power their live casino and offer a fantastic range of live dealer games, including Dreamcatcher, Caribbean Stud Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Casino Hold’em, Roulette, Baccarat, and Blackjack with a great selection of side bets. William Hill not only provides marvellous promotions, a great customer support desk, and a wide range of payment methods, but also offers both low and high states on their live dealer tables, catering to both inexperienced and high rollers alike.
Bet365 Live Casino
Bet365 has made quite a name for itself over the last decade and it’s no surprise that this Playtech powered live casino made my list. What I like most about their live casino is their blackjack live dealer option, offering both Vegas and European rules.
In addition, the European and Asian studios provide plenty of variety as well, which I like. There is a massive selection of live dealer games from both studios including 3 Card Brag, Sic Bo, Hi-Lo, Baccarat, Blackjack, Casino Hold’em, Roulette, and Blackjack. There’s also a great range of stakes from high to low availability and a comprehensive set of payment methods. The promotions will certainly welcome you with open arms and the customer support will look after anything you might need during your stay.
