The pace of evolution that drives adaption and advancement across iGaming has witnessed the emergence in popularity of numerous niche segments. But within what position does that leave live dealer.

In the concluding portion of our latest roundtable, our panel addresses whether traditional formats trump those newer entrants, in addition to how emerging technology could shape its future.

Natasha Giorgio, Head of Business Development and Sales at Live88, Ady Totah, LuckyStreak CEO and Co-founder, Adam Lahouiri, Head of Product at BetGames, and Graeme Powrie, Chief Commercial Officer at Eeze, conclude the conversation.

iGX: When it comes to player engagement and retention, are traditional live dealer table games still the dominant force, or are the more flamboyant, game show-style formats starting to capture a larger share of the market? What factors contribute to the popularity of each?

Natasha Giorgio: While traditional table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat still have their appeal and remain vital for the retention of players who prefer familiarity and consistency, our game show type formats are increasingly popular.

These titles have the power to draw casual and first-time players with vibrant visuals, a heightened level of unpredictability and engaging hosts.

Whether traditional or more unique formats, each title appeals to different player styles and while table games have traditionally offered more strategy and depth, game show styles offer a multisensory spectacle. Our operator partners recognise that there is a need to offer a varied portfolio in order to sustain engagement across different segments.

Ady Totah: Live table games are a fundamental and enduring sector of online casinos. The classics like blackjack, roulette and baccarat have been around for centuries, and are played across the globe.

They account for over a quarter of online casino revenues, and they’ve grown consistently for the last 30 years despite the introduction of slots games, esports, crash games and more recently game show formats.

And it’s easy to see why. They are serious games for discerning gamblers, providing a level of realism, trust and immersion that no other format can match. And with a real, warm, relatable, and sometimes fallible human dealer at their core, they are the closest to authentic, exciting gameplay you will find.

Adam Lahouiri: Traditional live dealer games, such as blackjack and roulette, remain popular, especially among experienced players who appreciate familiarity, strategy, and a classic casino atmosphere. Yet, there’s no denying that game show-style formats are quickly gaining popularity. We’ve observed a noticeable shift, with some players engaging solely with game shows.

These formats attract a wider audience, including slot and instant-win players, thanks to their visual vibrancy, engaging hosts, lower perceived learning curve, and entertaining themes. For operators, the challenge is balancing the preservation of the prestige and trust associated with traditional games with the innovation of more interactive, entertainment-focused experiences.

Graeme Powrie: It is a real balancing act at present. Traditional table games continue to attract a loyal base of players who value familiarity, strategy, and that classic casino atmosphere. These titles offer a sense of control and routine, and they are often preferred by more experienced players who tend to stay for longer sessions and appreciate the pace and structure of games like blackjack or baccarat.

That said, game show formats have established a significant and expanding presence in the market. They’re especially popular among newer or more casual players who are attracted to the entertainment, spontaneity, and social energy of fast-paced gameplay.

The blend of charismatic hosts, unexpected bonus rounds, and less daunting mechanics has made live dealer gaming accessible to audiences who might not have engaged with it previously.

Both formats offer something different. Table games rely on familiarity, clear rules, and direct dealer interaction, while game shows bring energy, unpredictability, and group participation. As a result, they are not just co-existing but also expanding the market in different directions, each attracting its own kind of player.

iGX: Looking ahead, what emerging technologies are poised to further revolutionise the live dealer vertical, and how might these impact both traditional and new game formats in the coming years?

AT: Live casino has embraced technological advancements and consistently pushed the boundaries of online entertainment. It’s a pure entertainment genre, brimming with creativity, with customisable green screens, social elements and localisation, becoming increasingly sophisticated, enhancing player enjoyment through compelling real audio and visual presentation.

I can absolutely see AI playing a key role in the customisation of player experiences, from personalised game design, to augmented winning experiences, and individualised challenges and rewards.

Technology undoubtedly offers incredible enhancements to the player experience. However, if these innovations come at the cost of the human element that live dealer players desire, we are completely missing the point.

AL: There’s no doubt that traditional live dealer games will retain a strong position in the market. But the big question we often ask ourselves – and I think about several times a day – is: what’s next? New technologies are constantly emerging, and we continually assess what can improve the player experience.

For instance, AI-driven personalisation might customise game experiences in real-time, adjusting visuals, personalising rewards, or even altering dealer interactions based on player behaviour. Better data analytics and predictive modelling will also influence how we optimise game formats and studio layouts.

That said, not every new technology is suitable – but even a small, clever innovation can be transformative. Sometimes, it’s not the most revolutionary idea, but the most intuitive one, that captures the audience and propels the next leap forward.

GP: Looking to the future, several key technologies could significantly transform the live dealer experience. Artificial intelligence is expected to play a larger role in personalisation, with systems that recommend games based on player preferences, customise the look and feel of the lobby, and even moderate chat in real time to foster a more positive player environment.

Virtual and augmented reality are expected to grow more significant. The concept of entering a fully immersive virtual casino with interactive tables and social elements is no longer science fiction. Although we’re not there yet, the groundwork is being laid for a future where players can navigate digital casino environments, join friends at tables, and interact with their surroundings in ways that surpass traditional screens.

Ultimately, whether players prefer the familiarity of classic table games or the high-octane energy of newer formats, the live dealer category is rapidly evolving. Thanks to these emerging technologies, it is becoming more personalised, more interactive, and more immersive with each passing year.

NG: Emerging technologies such as augmented reality, AI and blockchain are the likely trio set to revolutionise the live dealer space. Even the rabble of combining augmented and virtual reality to create an extended reality product will create even more immersive and interactive environments than we’re already seeing where players can engage with dealers and other players in highly realistic virtual casino settings. Real red pill stuff!

AI will enhance personalisation, game moderation and hopefully fraud detection, which will obviously improve player security. Blockchain technology and crypto payments will enable transparent transactions and verifiable fairness, appealing to tech-savvy players. 

These innovations will impact both traditional and new game formats by transforming classics like blackjack and roulette with immersive 3D environments, and by enabling novel, skill-based or hybrid games that blend gambling with video game mechanics.

The result? Live dealer casinos that cater to a wider demographic, bridging the gap between gamers and gamblers, offering more engaging, social and secure gaming experiences.

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