Okay, this is just weird. I may need more coffee before I’m ready to deal with it in the morning. And it’s a good thing that camera only works one way because I’m not ready to be seen yet. One way viewing of online gambling may be a good idea. I haven’t decided yet. But two way viewing would probably be downright scary.

Okay, here’s how it works. Palace Casino has launched palaceslive.com (which can be accessed from within their regular online casino). Palaces live lets players take part in certain games, such as blackjack and roulette, while viewing a live table and live dealer in the real Palaces Casino in Great Britian. It’s sort of a virtual casino trip to England.

The effect is accomplished by combine streaming video with 3D technology. The trick is that though it’s easy enough to stream you video of a roulette table in action, it’s a bit tricky for you to reach through your monitor and put a chip on the real table. (Don’t try. You’ll only bruise your knuckles.) So while you see the real dealer and actually view the real roulette wheel spin, you actually place your bet on a virtual 3D table. There is also an option to chat privately with the dealer, so you can have a conversation if you have a question. (I wonder how many people are going to start asking the dealers to wave just to prove the feed is live.)

Now, I expect this form of online casino will appeal to some people. It certainly is interesting to drop in and watch. But those who enjoy the non-personal aspect of playing only against a computer that doesn’t get impatient or wonder about your choices will probably still opt for the expected “virtual” virtual world of online casinos.

Coffee Quote: Computer, coffee, hot. In a cup this time! - Captain Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager