Live dealer gaming continued its run as the fastest-growing iGaming segment in 2025. We examine the technology, the format innovations, and the game types that are capturing player spend.
Live dealer gaming has been the standout performer in the iGaming product landscape for several consecutive years, and 2025 was no exception. Player demand for human-dealt, real-time casino games continues to grow faster than the overall market, driven by improvements in streaming quality, game variety, and player interaction features.
The technology underpinning growth
The live dealer segment is technology-intensive. High-definition multi-camera setups, sub-second latency streaming, real-time game outcome verification, and seamless integration with platform wallet and bonus systems are table stakes for serious operators. The infrastructure investment required to build and operate live dealer studios has made the segment the domain of specialist providers, with operators integrating content via API rather than building their own studios.
Format innovation
Beyond traditional Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat, the live segment has seen significant format innovation. Lightning-enhanced versions of classic games, with multiplier features applied to random card values, have proven consistently popular. Game show-style formats blending wheel-of-fortune mechanics with live presentation continue to attract players who want entertainment value beyond pure gambling.
First-person 3D versions of classic live games, which blend CGI environments with real live feeds, are gaining traction as a hybrid format that bridges RNG and live content.
Multi-language and localisation
Live dealer content is increasingly being produced in local languages and formats tailored to specific markets. Portuguese-language tables for Brazil, Spanish-language content for LatAm, and dedicated Turkish-speaking tables represent the next wave of live dealer localisation. For operators targeting non-English-speaking markets, language-matched live content has a measurable impact on player conversion and retention.
What operators should be tracking
Operators evaluating their live dealer content strategy in 2026 should assess provider depth (number of concurrent tables), exclusive table availability, side bet options, and roadmap commitments for new format releases. Speed of integration and quality of the API documentation are also critical operational considerations, particularly for operators planning rapid market entry.