Comparing Live Casino and RNG Games: What Actually Affects Outcomes?

1

Live dealer games and RNG games each have their own unique attributes that appeal to different types of players. But what actually impacts results in each format? This guide breaks down the key differences.

How Live Dealer Games Work

Live games at Nine Casino online and other websites feature real human dealers that operate table games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat in studios. Players join remotely via video streams and place bets on a digital interface.

The dealer then proceeds with standard game rules and gameplay unfolds in real-time based on actual dealt cards, wheel spins, etc. This brings an authentic casino atmosphere into players’ homes.

Outcomes rely entirely on random chance, just as in a land-based casino. The human element adds transparency that the game is fair and not manipulated digitally behind the scenes.

Key Factors in Live Dealer Game Results

• True random results from real dealing of cards, spins of wheels, rolls of dice, etc.
• The skills of the human dealer – but most games rely purely on chance.
• The number of decks used, position of zeros on roulette wheels etc can technically alter odds.
• Whether games offer side bets, some of which tweak house edge.

How RNG Games Work

RNG stands for Random Number Generator. As the name suggests, outcomes for RNG games are determined by computer software that generates random results for each spin or hand.

The algorithms powering RNG games are tested by third-party agencies to ensure fair results. But the gameplay itself is virtual, without real tables, cards or wheels in action.

Graphics and sounds immerse players visually, but the behind-the-scenes software is what ultimately decides outcomes. Different casinos may skin the games differently, but generally use games from the same major providers.

Key Factors in RNG Game Outcomes

• The RNG algorithms that produce random outcomes.
• Theoretical RTP (return-to-player) percentages set per game.
• Whether a game has fixed or progressive jackpots that alter payout potential.
• Some slots have bonus features that can improve payouts.

Comparing House Edge and Odds

Both live casino games and RNG games are designed to give the house an inherent mathematical edge built into the rules and payouts. This ensures the casino profits long-term.

But the house advantage typically ranges from around 1% to 5% depending on specific games. Skillful play can reduce the casino edge, especially in blackjack.

Ultimately, short-term results come down to random chance. But the house edge favors the casino over huge numbers of bets and hands. This makes outcomes predictable over the long run.

Here’s how key games compare for house edge:

Live Games

• Blackjack: Under 1% (with perfect strategy)
• Roulette: Between 2-5% depending on version
• Baccarat: Just over 1% on base bets

RNG Games

• Blackjack: Typically under 1%
• Roulette: Between 2-5%
• Video slots: Around 5% or higher

So you can see live games and RNG games generally provide similar house edge percentages across corresponding titles.

The difference lies in how those edges are derived – via true random outcomes or computer software algorithms.

Do Dealers and Algorithms Ever Make Mistakes?

Given the human element, it’s understandable for occasional errors to occur with live games. Misplaced bets or miscues handling cards or chips generally get corrected quickly.

But it’s extraordinarily rare for anything major like incorrect payouts to slip through. Casinos take game integrity very seriously to maintain player trust.

RNG algorithms also sometimes have glitches. But these pose zero advantage for players, since the results have already been randomly determined. Any tech issues get corrected and players receive proper payouts.

So while both live and RNG games have tiny margins for error, players are always paid correctly. Monitoring by casinos and game providers ensures fair results.

Can You Predict Outcomes in Live Games or RNG Games?

Seasoned gamblers love to track table trends and stats to try to gain an advantage. But ultimately, any single live spin or hand remains random.

That said, some factors provide hints on what could happen next:

• Past results – Previous spins in roulette offer no concrete edge. But if you see “red” hitting frequently, mathematically black becomes more “due”.
• Bet spreads – How remaining players bet provides clues on their held hand strength in blackjack or poker.
• Dealer/Croupier tells – Subtle dealer quirks can potentially betray their hand or upcoming actions. But casinos train staff to avoid these.

Meanwhile, RNG game results are determined instantly. No amount of tracking past results or software behavior affects what’s already been decided for the next outcome.

In both live casino games and RNG games, no strategy definitively enables predicting precise outcomes on individual bets. Only over time do the built-in house edges guarantee that the casino eventually profits.

Which Game Format Offers Better Payouts?

Both RNG and live table games must adhere to the same standardized rules and payouts. A blackjack hand pays 3:2, a roulette number offers 35:1 odds, etc, regardless which format you play.

But some key differences to consider:

• Live games come in more variants – for example, single zero or double zero roulette, different blackjack side bets etc. So you can pick specific rule sets.
• Slot jackpots occasionally rise higher when lots of players are wagering across online casinos.
• Live dealer bonuses/promotions sometimes offer better value as casinos compete for live table fans.

So neither live games nor RNG inherently pay better overall. But hunting around can find you the best payout potentials in certain titles.

Just beware that high paying bets or jackpots also have higher variance – you’ll win big occasionally, but smaller wins occur more frequently.

Which Game Offers More Trust and Transparency?

For many players, seeing real dealers operating table games provides huge peace of mind the games are fair. It’s easy to follow shuffled cards, spins and outcomes.
But live studios also use optical character recognition (OCR) tech to detect cheating. Game data gets monitored remotely too for fraud.

RNG algorithms lack the visible transparency. But these also get evaluated by independent third parties to verify fairness. Reputable casinos share this certification.
So both live dealer games and RNG games are legitimate and secure. But for complete confidence nothing shady is happening behind the scenes, real human-run games understandably appeal to many gamblers.

Key Differences Summarized

Live and RNG casino games share many commonalities, but have distinct differences:

• Live games offer real physical equipment, cards, wheels etc operated by human dealers in real-time. RNG games feature computer-generated graphics and outcomes.
• Results rely on true randomness in live games and certified algorithms for RNG games. Both are fair but live games allow players to visually verify game integrity.
• House edge works similarly to give the casino a small mathematical advantage in all games regardless of format. But live games come in more rule set variants.
• Outcomes can’t be predicted reliably on any individual bet for either game type. In the long run, the house edge guarantees casino profits.
• Payouts follow the same standardized rules for corresponding games. But some RNG jackpots and live bonuses provide big short-term potential.

For most, live dealer games provide maximum entertainment thanks to their social, immersive qualities. But RNG titles appeal to players wanting convenience and accessibility. Ultimately, both game formats deliver fair, random outcomes for a fun gaming experience.