Live per hour; software per minimum stake.

Live vs Online Casino Games: Which Should You Play?

AnswerLive and software versions of a table game cost the same per pound staked. Live is slower and more sociable; software is faster with lower minimums.

Side by side

Line	Live	Software (RNG)
Dealt by	A person, on camera	A random number generator
Pace	About 40 to 60 rounds an hour	As fast as you click
Minimum stake	Usually higher	Often 10p to £1
House edge	The same	The same
Demo mode	No	Often
Available	Set hours for some tables	Always

Cost per hour

Version	Spins an hour	Average cost
Live	40	£1.08
Software, unhurried	120	£3.24
Software, fast	300	£8.10

The slower game is the cheaper hour.

Fairness

Both are tested and licensed. Live games use real equipment in audited studios; software games use certified random number generators.

Verdict

Choose live if

You want atmosphere, a slower pace and can meet the minimums.

Choose software if

You want low stakes, a demo mode or to play at your own speed.

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More comparisons: Blackjack vs roulette, Roulette vs baccarat and Slots vs blackjack.

Elsewhere on the site: Best casino games for beginners, Casino games glossary, Roulette systems, European roulette UK and Popular slots UK.

House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.

Live vs online casino games

Key takeaways

Side by side

Cost per hour

Fairness