Live dealer casino games have exploded in popularity in recent years. Two of the leading providers in the space are Evolution and Pragmatic Play. Both offer high-quality streaming and a wide selection of games, but there are some key differences between the two.
Game Variety and Offerings
Both Evolution and Pragmatic Play have a solid lineup of the most popular live dealer games, including blackjack, roulette and baccarat. However, Evolution currently has a larger selection of games available.
Evolution
Evolution offers 200+ live dealer tables across 7 game types on various platforms like online casino My Stake:
- Blackjack (several varieties including Infinite Blackjack)
- Roulette (European, American, Speed)
- Baccarat (standard and no commission)
- Three Card Poker
- Caribbean Stud Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Game Shows (including Crazy Time, Mega Ball, Monopoly Live, Deal or No Deal and Lightning Roulette)
The unique game show selections have proven extremely popular. Evolution also frequently adds new titles and side bet options.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play has around 40 live dealer tables with a focus on the core games:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Dragon Tiger
While Pragmatic Play doesn’t have the variety of specialty games that Evolution offers, they provide a solid experience around classic table games. One unique option they do have is live baccarat squeeze – a popular variant for baccarat fans.
Streaming Quality and Technology
Both Evolution and Pragmatic Play invest heavily in providing a smooth HD streaming experience. Each offers multiple camera angles and high video quality even for mobile players.
Evolution streams its games from several state-of-the-art studios around Europe. Through optimization for latency and lag, Evolution aims to create a highly realistic experience where players feel part of the action. Custom-built interactive features like live chat add to the experience.
Pragmatic Play uses HTML5 technology for seamless integration across devices. Streams are smooth and clear. While Pragmatic Play doesn’t have some of the advanced features and customizations Evolution does, their experience competes well on user experience.
One advantage that Evolution has is the ability to handle a very large volume of players simultaneously. Some Pragmatic Play tables have lower maximum user limits. However, both deliver solid technology.
Live Dealer Personality and Professionalism
A huge part of the appeal of live games is interacting with real dealers. Both providers do an excellent job selecting personable and experienced dealers.
Evolution dealers go through extensive training to provide not just correct game play but engaging entertainment. As a result, Evolution tables consistently have energetic atmospheres where the chat box fills up with players reacting to dealers and outcomes.
Pragmatic Play dealers are also enthusiastic about their job without going over the top. One difference is Pragmatic Play dealers seem to interact a little less directly with players through the chat. But they maintain a good tempo at tables.
Overall, dealer talent is a strength for both providers. Evolution gets a slight edge for the lively personality at some tables – but both companies clearly recognize the importance of this.
Operational Metrics and Reliability
When choosing a live casino provider, operators rightly focus on metrics around uptime and reliability. Both Evolution and Pragmatic Play shine in their technical operations.
Evolution has an extensive track record as the early innovator in live casino technology. With nearly 20 years of experience, their platform has exceptional stability and reliability metrics. Tables stream essentially 24/7 with built-in failover capabilities across studios.
As a newer entrant, Pragmatic Play doesn’t quite have the long-term track record. However, since expanding into live casinos, they have demonstrated excellent reliability as well. Their platform uses robust enterprise-grade solutions that allow them to minimally meet 99% uptime standards.
Game Speed and Pace of Play
The pace at which games move is another area where Evolution excels. Internal metrics show roughly 60-80 rounds of play per hour across core games like blackjack and roulette. Rapid roulette formats speed up gameplay even further.
Pragmatic Play offers a solid tempo as well, though Evolution tables seem to play out a little quicker on average based on observations. This likely comes back to dealer training – Evolution prioritizes keeping games moving briskly.
For players, Evolution’s rapid pace builds excitement and enables playing more hands per session. Operators also benefit from maximizing rounds played.
Roadmap and Innovation
Both providers are committed to continued innovation around their live dealer offerings with new games and features slated for 2025.
Evolution is always working on the next new format – whether it be game show hybrids or sports betting crossover concepts. They pride themselves on building for the future with offerings centered around what players want. AR and VR integrations are on their radar as the tech matures.
Pragmatic Play takes a steady approach – expanding core games first before pursuing novel concepts. Given their resources, they likely aim to match Evolution’s breadth of offerings over time by starting with a solid foundation.
Final Verdict
Overall, Evolution still retains an edge over Pragmatic Play in breadth of content and technology features around live games. However, both provide a world-class experience. Pragmatic Play competes quite well on streaming quality and all core games.
For operators prioritizing reliability and operations, either makes an excellent choice. Evolution shines based on game variety and innovation – but comes at a higher cost. Pragmatic Play offers great value with a focus on classics rather than novelty.
As live dealer gaming continues gaining steam, both Evolution and Pragmatic Play should thrive. Each targets a slightly different angle – Evolution as the market leader, with Pragmatic Play delivering strong core games. In the end, players win when these two competing providers both keep raising the bar.
