Evolution is well over two months into their launch of online live games in Delaware via Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers platform, and Jacob Claesson, CEO Evolution North America, says more live dealer games are in the pipeline for the state over the near-term future.

Evolution, which launched in 2006, develops, produces and markets B2B live casino solutions to gaming operators. Evolution’s live games are available at Delaware online casinos – Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort and Harrington Raceway & Casino. 

Players access the Delaware Park and Harrington sites through the BetRivers casino platform. Bally’s has its own standalone app. Live dealer games have been very popular since going live in June, according to a BetRivers spokesperson, with the top games being Blackjack, Roulette and Craps.

Gambling.com spoke with Claesson about the launch so far.

Why is live dealer better, or how does it complement, face-to-face interactions with a dealer in a land-based casino?

The player-dealer interaction is surely one of the most important aspects of stepping into a land-based casino. Evolution ensures this component is still front and center in our live dealer casino games with dynamic game presenters offering the same engaging experience, just virtually. The option of a live chat allows players to directly communicate with game presenters and other players as if they were sitting together in person. The ultra-HD streaming capabilities and on-screen animations also create a more immersive and realistic gaming experience overall. 

There are studies that say live casino complements land-based casino, that it pushes traffic into land-based casinos. Do you agree with that and if so, why do you think that is?

Yes, there is certainly a complementary aspect of live dealer casinos versus land-based casinos. There can potentially be a correlation of live online casinos pushing traffic into land-based casinos with specific incentives for players such as credits, complementary hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other entertainment offerings that land based casinos provide. 

Likewise, the right marketing and promotions in land-based casinos can help to push players to discover the interactive experience and convenience of live dealer online casinos. 

What can players in Delaware, Connecticut and West Virginia expect to see from evolution over the course of the next few years?

Online players in Delaware, Connecticut and West Virginia can expect an expanded network of live games; both slot, live dealer table games, and new, innovative live dealer game shows. Evolution, with the help of our partners, are also consistently releasing new and exciting technologically advanced games that are pushing the boundaries of the traditional online casino experience. 

How has the launch of live casino gone in Delaware? What has surprised you about it?

[In July] Evolution eagerly announced our partnership with Rush Street Interactive to bring our live dealer casino games in Delaware. We could not be more thrilled with the rollout and early success of the launch in what is now our sixth U.S. state. We’re very happy with the early activity levels and player feedback and looking forward to introducing the world of live online casinos to more players in Delaware as we continue to add more entertaining live dealer games from our innovative portfolio.

How popular is live casino in Connecticut and West Virginia?

Live casino in Connecticut and West Virginia is certainly very popular and rapidly growing, we have seen exponential growth in these states since launching there and look forward to being a big part of the future to come in these communities.

What are some of the reasons for the popularity of live casino?

The captivating blend of traditional land-based casinos and the convenience of ground-breaking online gambling is what makes live online casino games so popular with players. It truly brings the best of both worlds in gaming and entertainment. Players can enjoy the advantages of both from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to travel. They can also experience a similar atmosphere and charm that you find in land-based casinos, with exciting sights, sounds, and the same instant interaction with dealers and players in live chats. 

With the physical limitations land-based casinos have, there is a much wider range and variety of games to choose from with live online casinos, whether traditional table games and slots or new and innovative live game shows such as Crazy Time. 

Doing so also offers a multitude of betting options to suit all bankrolls, and extra online bonuses and promotions can help make games that much more exciting. Best of all, there’s always room at the tables which gives players the instant gratification so many look for in our current social landscape.