The live casino vertical has evolved from a secondary feature to become a defining part of iGaming. Its appeal lies in bridging two worlds: the convenience and reach of online platforms with the familiarity of a real casino environment. For players, it delivers interaction and authenticity that automated games cannot match. For operators, it is not just an additional category of games but a driver of engagement, retention, and differentiation in an increasingly competitive field.
We spoke with Joonas Karhu, Co-founder of Bojoko, to examine this development in greater detail. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the momentum behind live casino products, the strategic considerations they bring to affiliates and operators, and how they may shape the direction of iGaming in the years to come.
What factors are driving the growing demand for the live casino vertical within iGaming?
There are several reasons behind this growth. On the player side, the live casino vertical adds something that traditional RNG-based games cannot provide: interaction and authenticity. Watching a real dealer shuffle cards or spin the wheel makes the experience feel more engaging and connected.
From a business perspective, the growth has also been enabled by technology. Streaming quality has improved to the point where live games can run smoothly on mobile devices, which is now the dominant way people access iGaming.
I also believe my background in poker gives me a unique perspective here. Poker has always thrived on live interaction, and we now see that same principle applying in iGaming more broadly. Players want to feel part of something, not just isolated in front of a screen. The live casino vertical taps into that demand.
Why is building trust especially critical in the context of live casino play?
In live dealer games, trust becomes absolutely central. Players are not just clicking a button and watching an animation on a screen. They are interacting with real people in real time, and that creates an expectation that everything they see is genuine and fair.
I have discussed earlier about trust and transparency being key reasons behind Bojoko’s success. The same mindset is clear in what players expect from live dealer gaming. When someone joins a table, they want to feel that what they see on the screen is authentic, that the technology is reliable, and that the interaction is genuine.
Technology has played a massive part in making this possible. High-quality streaming, mobile-optimised platforms, and localised tables have raised the standard across the industry. When players can log in on their phone, watch a game unfold smoothly, and interact in their own language, it gives them confidence that the product can be trusted.
For operators and affiliates, that also means there is nowhere to hide. The live environment is unforgiving if the stream stutters, the setup feels unprofessional, or the information provided is inaccurate. Getting it right builds loyalty. Getting it wrong damages credibility fast.
How does Bojoko approach the live dealer games section compared to other parts of an online casino?
At Bojoko, we approach every review with the same goal, which is to give players a clear and transparent picture of what they can expect before they sign up. That principle applies to all casinos, but the way we evaluate the live dealer games section naturally differs from how we look at slots or other products.
With a traditional online casino, the emphasis is often on slot variety, themes, or bonuses. In the live dealer games section, the focus shifts to factors that directly shape the real-time experience. We look at which providers power the tables, how stable the streams are across devices, and the range of table limits that are available. Practical details also matter, such as interface design and the professionalism of the dealers, since these all influence immersion and quality of play.
For players, these details make a real difference. Simply stating that an operator offers live games does not mean much on its own. People want to know the depth and quality of what is available, and our role is to present that information in a structured way so they can compare options and choose with confidence. That is one of the reasons why our overview of live casinos available in the UK has become so popular among players.
Looking ahead, what role do you see the live casino vertical playing in the broader future of iGaming?
I believe the live casino vertical will continue to grow as a central part of iGaming. Players increasingly value experiences that feel real and interactive, and these products deliver on both.
We are likely to see more personalisation, where players can choose dealer language, table themes, or even additional interactive features. Mobile will continue to dominate, and I think social elements will also expand, with formats that encourage interaction not only with dealers but also between players.
The live casino vertical is set to remain one of the most dynamic parts of iGaming. Continued innovation in technology and product design will shape how it evolves, and those who can adapt quickly will be best positioned to capture long-term growth.
