With the rise of Twitch slots, where casino players wager on online slots and thousands of viewers joining the action, there is another genre of games that is accumulating popularity – live slots. Playtech is the pioneer of live casino slots, with Evolution following, whereby a live host is presenting the game and narrates the action. Hundreds of players wager at once on the same live slot, with Age of the Gods and Buffalo Blitz live being the most prominent titles, while they can also engage with each other and the host through the live chat. Not sure what live slots are and how to play them? Join us as we provide you an overview of live slots.
Online Slots vs Live Slots
Online slots have many benefits over land-based slot machines, as many similarities. When it comes to live slots though, these games are less straightforward. Playtech went about developing live pokies so that it addresses the following weaknesses of slot machines online:
- Solo game
- Lack of comradery and teamplay
- Lack of interactivity and ability to communicate your thoughts
The above are all common across RNG-based online casino games, as dealers are not apparent, nor other players. Land based casinos offered dealers and communal gambling in table games but even pokies machines players often communicate with each other.
With live slots, players can enjoy luck based games that require no skill, feel that they are supported by a host, as well as communicate with other players that experience the same game with them with similar outcomes. The main differences between online and live slots are:
- The concept of RTP differs here. The pokies RTP is generally calculated over a million spins, determining the payouts of the slot machine. However, when hundreds or thousands of players bet at the same time on the same live slot, the way that the payouts work can differ from singular video slots. Think of it in relation to the classic land-based slot machine that used to pay after a punter had wagered a lot of cash in it; the ‘lookers’ would then sit on the machine hoping to cashout on the losses of the previous player.
- As with online slots, the players of live slots set the stakes, limits and the number of spins that they wish to play. However, the actual spinning is not under their control, rather on the dealer’s.
- Live pokies take place in live studios – offering a mix of land-based pokies and online pokies. Themes and backgrounds of the games can also vary from casino to casino since the studio teams can get quite innovative.
- Interaction with the host or other players was never a thing with online pokies. Live slots mitigate this through the live chat feature and the live show element.
- Lever based pokies, also known as one-armed bandits, got a massive comeback with live pokies, although the latter involve a buzzer instead. Still, the live host does not need to press it for the game to begin, although they often do.
Benefits of live slots
(+) Hosts are fun personalities that add one extra element of excitement to the game.
(+) Players can communicate as they play.
(+) More insights into how a pokies machine performs without wagering money.
(+) Background may differ from casino to casino.
Cons of Live Slots
(-) Dealer unnecessary unlike on table games
(-) Similar to slots live streaming on twitch but dealer does not really have in-depth knowledge of the game.
(-) The host is not invested in the game as when someone plays on twitch.
(-) Not all players wager nor win the same amounts, which means that the shared experience is not reflective of the actual gameplay.
How to Play Live Slots?
The main idea behind the gameplay of online slots and live pokies is the same, although there are some differences that are justified due to the different format of the two genres. In specific:
- Players do not have an individual screen that they can place wagers at etc. Instead, they are watching a big screen, placed behind the game host, standing next to the buzzer.
- To join, players have to set a number of automatic spins, bet per spin, and limits on losses and wins.
- Then, players can watch the action unfolding, without doing anything. Winning combos and payouts are displayed individually since the bet levels of each player differ.
It is important to note that minimum and maximum stakes might differ from the online version of the same games; since live slots usually require higher bets to join the game. Nonetheless, when winning big, players will see the total multiplier that will then be calculated according to their set stakes. Keep in mind that live pokies are not available to play in demo mode, but you can see how they operate by joining one of the live slots’ casinos apparent on this page.
Popular Live Slots Games
Live pokies were first introduced in 2011 but they were not met with equal popularity as live casino games and live game shows. Nevertheless, today there are a few live pokies that are preferred by punters worldwide.
Gonzos Treasure Hunt Live
Released in 19.05.2021 by Evolution Gaming, the Gonzo live slot has an RTP of 96.56% and a maximum win of 20,000x the players’ bet. As with online Gonzos Quest, the action takes place in an Inca Temple, whereby players pick symbols that come with multipliers, which they must then match with the hidden stones. Players will pay according to the multiplier they pick and the number of hidden stones they will be turning. Stones multipliers range from 1x – 65x, with the higher multiplier stones being harder to find on the stone wall. Players get 1 – 20 picks, while there are 70 total stones that you can choose from to uncover. Pretty much like keno!
Live Buffalo Blitz
Launched in 2019 by Playtech, this live slot is identical to the game under the same name that operates as all online slots. Bets range from $0.40 – $4, while the live host takes a journey as you try to match wild animals on the reels. There are wilds and multipliers in the game, while punters can win an unlimited amount of free spins through the scatter symbols. This game seems to be the most popular live slot ever created, with over 100 players wagering on it at once on individual Playtech casinos.
Age of The Gods: God of Storms Live
Due to the success of Buffalo Blitz, Playtech went on to develop Age of the Gods: God of Storms live slot in 17.07.2020. It comes with a 96.14% RTP and stakes between $0.10 – $250 per spin. The game looks identical with the online slot under the same name, except that a host is apparent within the castle background. Further, a live chat is available, whereby players can talk with each other as they are chasing the four progressive jackpots apparent in this live slot game.
Mermaids Fortune Live
This was the first ever live slot by Evolution, launched in 2011. I have never found the game at any online casino, as it failed massively. Still, it was a clever take, whereby a real mermaid gives a spin on a bonus wheel every eight minutes, giving out win multipliers. Players can get to the bonus by gathering 50 pearls or when three scatters land on the reels. The game is entertaining, and it is interesting to see how online slots are mixed with live hosts during the bonus round.
Live Slots Streaming
When researching live slots, slots streaming seems to be what most players are searching for. One can also argue that Evolution and Playtech have been big in live slots, since they noticed the boom at platforms of famous slots streamers. Such practices take place on YouTube, Twitch or independent streaming platforms.
This is the best way to learn games, strategies and chat with other players that share your interests – without paying a penny.
Twitch Slots
Streaming on Twitch is nothing new, as players of Call of Duty, Dota and such games have been monetizing their gameplay for ages. Although the above video games are skill-based, offering an obvious entertainment element, watching a fun and charismatic player wagering on slots can be equally fun. The only difference from normal online slots and twitch live slots is that players do not spend their money to enjoy a session.
Benefits of watching players live
There are not many benefits of watching live slots but there are seven obvious ones:
- Enjoying your favourite pokies without spending a penny.
- The entertainment side can be equal to watching a podcast or a funny YouTube video if the streamer is charismatic.
- Can learn the slot games that are being streamed to find one to play for yourself.
- Exploring strategies and techniques that could help you win at slots.
- Making contacts and friends with like-minded individuals.
- Growing your own streaming platform.
- Unlike live slots, the streamer has an actual stake in the game.
Other live streaming platforms
Depending on the types of games that you are into live watching, you might need to follow different people. Some streamers use Twitch, as it offers clear monetization schemes, based on viewers. YouTube is another big one, although gambling videos are very likely to get demonetized; still, many casinos would pay for ads and banners on popular videos from slots streamers.
Most professional casino games streamers will also have their own personal website, where players can find their content regularly. Facebook live, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram live are also employed by some less known live streamers.
The main takeaway is that slots streaming is apparent on pretty much any social media network that would offer some incentives to streamers.
Fun to Watch Slots Streamers
There are a few major players in the casino streaming business, which you could check out if that’s what you are into:
- NG Slots – with over 250k subscribers on YouTube alone, this pokies player often makes live videos and normal posts at least once per month. Expect bets on progressive pokies with NG Slot streamer, ranging between $50 – $250 per spin.
- Roshtein – describes himself as a casino philosopher. He started streaming with $2 wagers five years ago and today, you can see him buying slots bonus rounds for $50k on Twitch. For extreme bets and millions in wins and losses, check out his channel.
- Classy Beef – is one of the fascinating collectives of streamers, with seven people operating together. Millions of viewing hours and over 100k followers on this twitch slots channel.
- Casino Daddy – is a team of three brothers, which have been steadily playing pokies online and streaming, reaching thousands of eyeballs daily.
- Deuce Ace – is one of the Roshtein friends, who operates his own channel offering fun and entertaining content with bets at the $20 – $50 range.
- Xposed – is the best guy to follow on Twitch, as he is mostly chasing jackpots.
- TheLateNightSlots – this channel is a bit different and newer. It resembles more a game show and less a game stream. Still, thousands are watching daily and there is a lot of betting involved.
It is also important to know that most streamers also corporate with casinos, by making profit through any players they send to them. Casinos have their own streamers too, although such channels are less successful since they are a bit forced.
What’s the Point of Live and Twitch Slots?
There is no main point or singular reason that you should play live slots. I find them a good change if I am bored to play alone or want to take the piss along with some other people that also love slots. You don’t have to try them, but they are not bad.
With Twitch, although it might seem a bit dump to watch live streams, I have to personally admit that I am really into it. This method allows me to discover different slots, see how the games perform on higher bets and enjoy the communal atmosphere that is inherent to it. Beware though, if you join one of the 7 slots live streamers above, don’t freak out with the size of the bets, neither try something similar unless you are outrageously wealthy!
Providers of Live Casino Slots
Now, back to live slots. Although we expect many companies to produce live pokies in the near future, there has only been two software giants that have taken a swing at it.
Playtech
This company is a real gaming giant, powering exclusively thousands of casinos, while also distributing its casino games on almost every reputable online casino. It is most known for its branded slot games that offer progressive jackpots, like Superman, Gladiator and Flash, but also for progressive networks, such as Age of the Gods and Fire Blaze Classics games. Still, Playtech has been also involved in live casino games, with the Quantum Roulette being their very best game. But with their recent releases of live slots, it seems that Playtech won’t stop with just a few of their games being turned into this entertaining alternative. We expect much more there.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution is no stranger to live dealer games, as they are the number one provider of such titles to casinos over the globe. With their carefully set up independent studios, with dealers from over 10 languages, and live games ranging from roulette to Football Studio – the title of the live casino king rightfully belongs to them. When it comes to live slots, the difference from Playtech is that Evolution does not develop slot machines, so all their live slots are likely to be original, matching the genre perfectly.
Ezugi?
Ezugi has not powered any live slots yet, but the provider is a fierce competitor of Evolution, powering equally recognized and fun live dealer games. The two companies have been going head to head in the US states that allow gambling, opening their own studios and fighting about who will power the most casinos. It will be interesting to see if Ezugi comes up with their own unique live slots.
Best 10 Casinos to Play Live Slots in Australia
If you are feeling that live slots are something that you could try out, you should check out these Australian live casinos:
- King Johnnie – great welcome package, rewarding up to the 10th deposit.
- Kings Chance – huge range of providers and games.
- GunsBet – fastest bitcoin withdrawals.
- Ozwin Casino – both real money and free games.
- Spin Samurai Casino – match bonus and free spins.
- WooCasino – one of the oldest live casinos.
- PlayAmo – huge player base and therefore good live casino audience.
- Casinonic – over 200% match bonuses and huge range of live dealer games.
- Loki Casino – one of the best branded live casinos out there.
- Bitstarz – best live casino accepting all cryptocurrencies.
We have added links to the reviews of each, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of bonuses, customer support and other gaming options on those recommended live dealer casinos.
Other Live Casino Games to Play
Live pokies online are something new and innovative but live dealer games have been around for over a decade. There are quite a few categories of live dealer games, other than slots, which we will briefly outline below:
- Classic Live Games: Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat are the most played live casino games, which you are likely to find on all top online casinos. These games come with other live variants too, offering alternative bet levels and gameplay.
- Live Sports: Football Studio is one of the most popular live game shows that is focused on sports.
- Live Game Shows: Deal or No Deal, Crazy Time and Monopoly live are just a few of the TV host game shows that you can play at casinos. Often, such games offer over 250x jackpots.
- Live Poker: This gaming category comes in two different formats; firstly, you have the dealer and players engaging with their cards in a more Omaha style fashion. Then, you can have interactive live poker, such as Texas Live Poker, whereby the dealer shuffles cards to the players, who play against each other.
- New Live Games: Then of course, there is Sic Bo, Hi Lo, Andar Bahar and Dragon Tiger types of live casino games, where players from all over the world can find a game that they will fall in love with.
It is important to also note that live games come with dealers from different countries, offering the most personalized services. Further, live variants of the original versions are also commonplace, which can be played with different bet levels, game rules, payouts and house edge.
FAQs
Are live slots fair?
Yes, live slots are offered by Playtech and Evolution. Both software providers are licensed in multiple jurisdictions, their games are regularly tested by third parties, and they operate based on RNG.
Can I win real money on live pokies?
Yes, live pokies can actually be played for real money only, which means that players will also be able to win real money through them. All you need is luck by your side, since you will have to match same symbols on the reels, similarly to classic online slots.
Can I play free live slots?
No, demo games are not available when it comes to live casino games. This is due to the costs involved for managing a live studio. Nonetheless, you can join a live casino room and watch how the game is played without placing stakes.
Are there bonuses for live slots?
Yes, live slots are similar to online slots, so the welcome packages that you will receive will most likely apply to those games too. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions and even reach to the customer support team, so that you confirm whether live slots are qualifying games for their bonus wagering.
Can I play live casino games on mobile?
Yes, Playtech, Evolution and Ezugi are advanced software companies, powering their games through HTML5 technology. As such, the games operate identically on all devices and software systems, offering full screen and touch gameplay.
Which are the providers of live casino games?
Although we explored the most recognized developers of live games, namely Playtech, Evolution and Ezugi, there are a few other powerhouses that create live dealer games:
- Pragmatic Play Live
- Vivo
- Atmosphera
- Liveslots
- LuckyStreak
- TVBet
Most of them pioneer live roulette, blackjack and baccarat – but you can also find unique titles, like live keno, live bingo and live poker from the above casino developers.
