AI Live Dealer Boost for BetHog as it Raises $10M for Casino Expansion
AI live dealer games took another major step forward after crypto casino BetHog announced funding to expand its casino software. BetHog announced a $10 million financing deal to continue developing games that replace human dealers with artificial intelligence.
The iGaming operator has launched Sentient Studios as a B2B provider, allowing online casinos to add AI-generated dealers to their staff roster. In addition to BetHog, which already runs a range of crypto games, the company will roll out its AI live casino games to other platforms.
At a Glance:
- Firm secures a $10 million Series A finance deal
- Sentient Studios B2B provider to develop roulette and baccarat
- AI-powered live dealer games to roll out to more online casinos
- AI dealers are “10x more popular than live dealer,” BetHog says
- The future of traditional live dealer games remains unclear
AI casino games are ‘10x more popular than live dealers’
In a press statement, BetHog CEO Nigel Eccles said:
“We’ve tested out basic AI dealer over the past six months and have discovered that it is 10X more popular than its live dealer equivalent. In addition, we’ve seen better retention and player satisfaction.”
Key to the AI rollout is “scalability,” roughly translated as “the more, the merrier.” AI live dealers aren’t constrained by location or capacity.
In theory, online casinos can scale up their AI live dealer games to accommodate an unlimited number of players. Plus, the AI supports over 140 languages, eliminating the need to find trained human dealers in local jurisdictions.
The launch of Sentient Studios will help BetHog build on its first live-dealer AI model, introduced last year. Sunny is a live blackjack dealer, though roulette and baccarat versions will roll out this year.
Crypto-friendly casinos only
For now, Sunny’s human-like appearance is only available to players at BetHog Casino. The casino has its headquarters in Belize and is licensed by the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan.
Anjouan is not known for its stringent regulatory oversight of crypto casinos, but the same can’t be said for U.S. states like New Jersey. Sentient Studios may find itself subject to stricter conditions to convince regulators that its games are legit and fair.
Human dealers are safe ... for now
Sentient Studios isn’t the first developer to experiment with AI live dealers. In 2023, Live Solutions rolled out AI live dealers with options to add exclusive branding or change appearance.
“They [AI dealers] were originally conceived as a filler in for the live presenters, but we had requests from players to provide AI-only tables, and were happy to oblige,” said Jean-Pierre Houareau, Live Solutions CEO.
However, cutting-edge artificial intelligence isn’t just reserved for live casino games. Online casinos are turning to AI to power everything from customer support to targeted promotions.
For now, trained croupiers in studios in Malta, Gibraltar, and London are safe. However, with AI dealers never getting tired and able to assume any appearance, the future is uncertain.
