In the world of online casinos, there are two primary types of games you’ll come across: Live Dealer Games and RNG (Random Number Generator) Games. Both offer unique experiences, but one often gets the edge in terms of payouts and overall player experience. If you’ve been wondering which type of game offers higher payouts in South Africa (SA), you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the differences between Live Dealer and RNG Games, and explore which might give you a better chance at winning.
What Are Live Dealer Games?
Live Dealer Games bring the atmosphere and excitement of a real-world casino straight to your screen, offering a more immersive gambling experience than traditional online games. Unlike conventional online casino games that use random number generators (RNG) to determine outcomes, live dealer games use actual human dealers, who operate the games in real-time. These dealers are streamed live from a casino studio, and players can interact with them as if they were sitting at a physical casino table.
The games are conducted through high-definition video streaming, offering a rich and interactive environment. Players can see every card dealt, wheel spun, or dice rolled, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. In addition to observing the action, players can engage with the dealer via a live chat feature, creating a personal touch that’s not typically available with traditional RNG games. This interaction brings a sense of realism that online players often seek but can’t get from software-generated results.
The range of games available in live dealer formats includes classics such as Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Baccarat, and Live Poker. Each game is handled by a professional dealer, who ensures that the action is fair and transparent. As players place their bets, they can watch the dealer interact with the cards, chips, or wheels, just like in a brick-and-mortar casino. This real-time interaction and live streaming technology give players the feeling of being part of an actual casino game, no matter where they are located.
In many live dealer casinos, multiple camera angles are used to provide players with a clear view of the game. The dealers and their actions are streamed from different angles to capture every detail. This attention to detail makes the game more engaging, as it feels as though players are right there at the casino table. With real dealers and live video streams, live dealer games offer a level of immersion and excitement that cannot be matched by RNG-based games, making them increasingly popular among online casino enthusiasts.
What Are RNG Games?
RNG Games, short for Random Number Generator Games, are a type of online casino game that relies on software algorithms to determine the outcomes, as opposed to real dealers or physical equipment. These games are powered by sophisticated Random Number Generators (RNGs), which generate unpredictable results based on complex mathematical algorithms. The RNG ensures fairness by creating a unique result each time a game is played, whether it’s a spin of the reels, a roll of the dice, or a shuffle of the cards.
- Online Slots: These are perhaps the most popular form of RNG games, where players spin reels and hope to match symbols to win. Each spin is entirely random, with outcomes determined by the RNG system. Players can find a vast variety of online slots, including classic fruit machines, video slots with immersive themes, and progressive jackpot slots that offer large payouts.
- Video Poker: Video poker games are another common form of RNG-based gambling. In these games, the player is dealt a hand of cards and aims to form the best possible poker hand. The RNG determines which cards are drawn and the final outcome. Video poker combines the excitement of slots with the strategic elements of poker.
- Blackjack: While traditional blackjack is a table game, the RNG version of blackjack allows players to enjoy the game without a dealer. The software shuffles and deals the cards randomly, and players aim to beat the dealer with the best hand, just like in the real-world version. It’s fast-paced, and the outcomes are generated instantly.
- Roulette: RNG roulette mimics the traditional roulette game but without a real dealer. The ball and wheel spin are simulated using the RNG software, generating random outcomes for each spin. The game follows the same rules as classic roulette, where players place bets on numbers, colors, or groups, and the ball lands on a number.
- Craps: This popular dice game is also available in an RNG format. Players place bets on the outcome of dice rolls, with the RNG determining the numbers that appear. While the visual experience may differ, the randomness and excitement of the game are retained through the use of RNG technology.
- Keno: Keno is a lottery-style game where players choose a set of numbers and hope they match the numbers drawn by the RNG. It’s a fast-paced game with simple rules, and the outcome is purely based on random number generation.
- Bingo: Online Bingo games are another example of RNG-based games, where players mark off numbers on their cards as they are drawn by the RNG. The objective is to complete a specific pattern on your card to win.
- Sic Bo: This is a popular dice game in which players bet on the outcome of three dice being rolled. The RNG algorithm simulates the roll, producing a result each time. Players can place various types of bets based on the possible dice combinations.
- Pontoon: Similar to blackjack, pontoon is another card game where the player and dealer each receive cards, and the goal is to get a higher hand total than the dealer without exceeding 21. The outcome is determined by the RNG, making it a digital version of the classic casino game.
Payouts in Live Dealer Games vs RNG Games
| Factor | Live Dealer Games | RNG Games | Payout Frequency | House Edge |
| Game Types | Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, etc. | Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, etc. | Live Dealer games tend to have fewer variations, while RNG games offer a wider range of options. | RNG games typically have a higher number of game types, offering frequent payouts due to faster game cycles. |
| Betting Interaction | Players interact with human dealers, increasing the element of strategy and decision-making. | Players rely on RNG to determine outcomes, with no human interaction. | Live Dealer games might offer higher payouts for skilled players who can apply strategies effectively. | RNG games provide standard payouts, with less opportunity for player influence. |
| Payouts for Specific Games | Payouts are often close to traditional casino games, with slight variations based on the dealer’s decisions. | RNG games often have more consistent and fixed payouts, especially in slots. | For example, Live Blackjack can pay 3:2 for a natural blackjack, whereas slots can offer a wide range of payouts based on the game’s RTP. | RNG games have fixed RTP (Return to Player) percentages, while live dealer games can vary depending on the casino’s specific payout structure. |
| Volatility | Generally, lower volatility due to real-time interaction, but can vary by the type of game (e.g., blackjack vs. roulette). | Higher volatility, especially in slot games, where the outcomes are based purely on chance and RNG. | Live dealer games may offer steadier payouts for players making calculated bets, while RNG games can have occasional high payouts but are unpredictable. | Live Dealer games may have lower volatility compared to RNG slots, which often feature larger jackpots but with greater risk. |
| Bonus & Promotions | Live dealer games typically offer fewer promotions due to the involvement of real dealers. | RNG games, especially slots, tend to offer more frequent promotions like free spins or deposit bonuses. | Promotions for Live Dealer games can affect payouts through things like bonus rounds or jackpot triggers. | RNG slots often offer large progressive jackpots, while Live Dealer games may have smaller, more frequent payouts. |
Live Dealer Games Payouts
Live dealer games generally offer a lower house edge compared to RNG games, especially in popular table games like Blackjack and Baccarat. The primary reason for this difference is that the outcomes in live dealer games are determined by real human dealers rather than being generated by software algorithms. This means that the decisions made by the dealer, such as shuffling cards or spinning the roulette wheel, are as close to a traditional casino experience as you can get online. As a result, players may feel a sense of authenticity and trust in the game’s fairness, as they can visually witness the actions that determine the outcome.
In terms of payouts, live dealer games are known for offering competitive rates, particularly in games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat. For example, when playing live blackjack, if you follow optimal strategy, you can achieve an impressive payout rate of up to 99.5%. This makes blackjack one of the most favorable games for players looking to minimize the house edge. The low house edge ensures that the odds are relatively favorable compared to many RNG games, where the outcomes are purely based on chance and software.
Live roulette in a live dealer setting has payouts similar to those in traditional land-based casinos. European roulette, which uses a single-zero wheel, offers a payout rate of around 97.3%, while American roulette, with its double-zero wheel, has a lower payout rate of approximately 94.7%. The difference in these percentages is primarily due to the additional zero on the American roulette wheel, which increases the house edge. However, in both versions, players are guaranteed a more authentic experience compared to the digital randomness of RNG-based roulette games.
Baccarat is another live dealer game known for its high payout rates, often reaching as high as 98.9% on banker bets. This makes it one of the highest-paying games in the casino. The game’s simplicity, with players betting on the banker or player hand, combined with its relatively low house edge, contributes to its popularity among live dealer enthusiasts. Because the game is dealer-driven, the results feel more transparent and engaging, and players can trust that the outcomes are as close to those in a land-based casino as possible.
RNG Games Payouts
RNG games, including online slots, video poker, and other software-driven games, tend to offer a wider range of payouts compared to live dealer games. While slots can offer massive jackpots, the house edge is typically higher, and the payouts can vary significantly depending on the game’s volatility and RTP (Return to Player) rate. These games rely on Random Number Generators, which means that outcomes are unpredictable and purely based on chance. Below is a detailed breakdown of various RNG game types and their associated payouts.
- Slot Machines
- Payout Range: Slots can offer diverse payout rates based on their RTP percentage, with typical returns ranging from 85% to 98%.
- High RTP Slots: Some high RTP slots can offer a return rate of up to 96%, but the risk of variance is present. This means that while you could hit a substantial jackpot, you may also face long losing streaks.
- Jackpots: Progressive jackpot slots, like Mega Moolah or Divine Fortune, can provide enormous payouts, though they are much harder to win and have a lower RTP due to the size of the jackpot.
- Low RTP Slots: On the other hand, low RTP slots often feature higher volatility, meaning smaller and less frequent wins but a higher chance of larger payoffs on occasion.
- Volatility: Slot machines have a varied volatility, meaning that some slots pay out frequently with small amounts (low volatility), while others offer large but rare payouts (high volatility).
- Video Poker
- Payout Range: Video poker offers better payout percentages compared to many other RNG games, typically ranging from 97% to 99.5%, depending on the variant.
- Optimal Strategy: The payout rate in video poker is highly influenced by the player’s strategy. By playing optimally (for example, in Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild), you can maximize your chances of achieving higher payouts.
- Jackpots and Bonus Rounds: Some video poker games come with bonus rounds or progressive jackpots, offering the potential for big payouts.
- Game Variants: Different video poker variants have different payout structures, so it’s essential to choose the right game variant. For instance, “Deuces Wild” may offer higher payouts for certain hands compared to “Jacks or Better.”
- House Edge: The house edge in video poker can be quite low, especially with perfect play. This makes it one of the more attractive RNG games in terms of payouts, as skilled players can reduce the house edge significantly.
How RTP Affects Payouts in RNG Games vs Live Dealer Games
| Game Type | RTP Range (%) | House Edge | Game Variance | Game Features |
| Live Dealer Games (Blackjack) | 99.5 | Low | Lower | Skill-based Strategy |
| Live Dealer Games (Roulette) | 97.3 – 94.7 | Medium | Medium | Fixed Payout Structure |
| Live Dealer Games (Baccarat) | 98.9 | Low | Lower | Fixed Payout Structure |
| RNG Games (Slots) | 85 – 98 | Higher for Slots | High Variance for Jackpots | Jackpots Available |
| RNG Games (Video Poker) | 97 – 99.5 | Low with Optimal Strategy | Low for Optimal Play | Jackpots and Bonus Rounds |
Variances in Payouts Based on Game Types
When comparing payouts between Live Dealer games and RNG games, it’s essential to understand how each game’s structure influences the potential returns. Live Dealer games, where human dealers interact with players in real-time, typically offer more predictable payouts, as they follow traditional casino payout standards. For example, in Live Dealer Blackjack, if you use perfect strategy, payouts can reach up to 99.5%, with a low house edge, making it one of the most favorable games in terms of player returns. However, the pressure of a live dealer and the real-time nature of the game can impact your pace, leading to a more intense gaming experience.
RNG games, such as online slots and video poker, offer different dynamics. While RNG Blackjack has a slightly lower payout percentage of around 99%, it allows players to play at their own pace, without the stress of time limits or human interaction. This can appeal to those who prefer a more laid-back approach to gaming. However, the lack of a live dealer means that outcomes are determined by software, making the experience less immersive and more reliant on the game’s algorithm.
Roulette is another game where the variance between Live Dealer and RNG versions is noticeable but not drastic. In Live Dealer Roulette, payouts remain consistent with traditional casino settings, offering a payout rate of around 97.3% for European Roulette. This gives players a reliable experience akin to what they would expect in a physical casino. On the other hand, RNG Roulette may have similar payouts, but some online casinos provide variants with higher RTPs, adding another layer of variation to the experience. These variants can increase a player’s chances of winning but may come with different rules or features that affect the overall gameplay.
When it comes to slots, the difference between Live Dealer and RNG games becomes more significant. Live Dealer Slots are not commonly offered in online casinos, as the nature of the game doesn’t align with live dealer formats. RNG Slots, however, can vary greatly in terms of payouts. The RTP can range widely, from as low as 85% to as high as 98%, depending on the game and provider. Additionally, jackpot slots provide the potential for enormous payouts, something that live dealer games simply cannot offer. While RNG games have the advantage of providing big jackpots, the higher RTP slots generally come with a higher degree of variance, which means players can experience significant swings in their gameplay.