Roulette is a game that’s been around for centuries, and it hasn’t changed all that much, even with the advent of new technology. What has changed is how players access the game, with options for digital and live games of Roulette online.
Where digital Roulette uses random number generators (RNGs) to determine its outcomes, live Roulette makes use of a variety of technology to bring together physical game elements with an online player interface.
Read on as we take a closer look at the technology that drives live Roulette games.
Live streaming tech
One of the most important pieces of technology behind live Roulette games is the live streaming setup. Without the ability to stream high-quality video, online games with live dealers simply wouldn’t work.
High-definition cameras are installed around the studio setup, capturing various angles of the table and Roulette wheel. This allows players to choose which views they would prefer to focus on, customising the game to their preferences. With multiple camera angles, it’s clear exactly how the game plays out.
Something known as the game control unit (GCU) is another essential component. This works to ensure that the video feed runs with minimal latency, as well as helping to sync up the online interface with the live actions of the dealer.
Optical character recognition
Part of what allows online players to stay in step with the live feed is optical character recognition (OCR) technology.
When the cameras capture images of the Roulette wheel, this isn’t automatically readable by the game’s software. OCR is what allows the computer to ‘read’ the images of the physical wheel and its pockets, instantly identifying the result of a spin.
By converting the image into data, OCR allows for the player interface to be updated in real-time to reflect the outcome of the game. Removing the potential lag between an outcome being called and the interface updating, OCR technology is a big part of what makes live Roulette games run seamlessly.
The user interface and player tools
For online players to interact with the game they have to rely on the player interface. Through this, players can observe the video feed, customise their view of the game and place their wagers ahead of the wheel’s spin.
Many platforms now also incorporate tools such as game history logs. These record the outcomes of previous spins of the wheel, allowing players to review them ahead of making a wager. Of course, the outcome of any individual spin is completely random so these logs have no bearing on the odds.
Safeguards like settings to confirm a bet before submission and automated cut-offs for invalid wagers are also in place. In tandem with timed windows for players to make their wagers, these help to maintain the smooth running of the game.
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The technology behind live Roulette acts as a bridge between the online and land-based elements of this classic table game. From the high-definition cameras and OCR to the elements of the player interface, these all work together to maintain transparent and fair gameplay.
