Live roulette is for the experience, RNG is for speed and testing”: Interview with Andrew Shepard, Head of Product at Roulette77

Online roulette has changed a lot in recent years. Before, most players used RNG games where everything was done by an algorithm. Now, live roulette is in the spotlight. Real dealers, nice studios, and the feeling that you are at a real table. Some people say this is the end of simulators. Is that true?

We spoke with Andrew Shepard, Head of Product at Roulette77. He explained why live is so popular now, why RNG is still important, and how new technologies like VR or AR could bring a new life to these games.

Andrew, why are players moving to live roulette?

Live roulette is more than just a game on screen now. A few years ago, simple animation was enough for most people. Today, they want more: emotions, real atmosphere, a real table. Companies like Evolution and Pragmatic Play did a lot here. Their studios look like professional TV shows with hosts and cameras in HD.

Also, trust is important. Players see a real wheel, not an algorithm, and it feels fair. Talking to a dealer and watching other bets also creates a feeling of live action. But I don’t think live will replace RNG. These are two different things. Live is for entertainment and the feeling of being there. RNG is for speed and for practice.

What role does RNG play in strategy testing?

For us, RNG is key. We test many betting strategies, and doing this in live mode is too slow. For example, 10,000 spins would take a week with a dealer, but RNG can do this in hours.

The main benefit is that RNG shows only pure data. No talking, no extra things, only numbers. We can see if a system works, where it fails, and how big a bankroll is needed. A few wins mean nothing. To know the truth, you need hundreds or thousands of spins. RNG is the only way to test this fast.

Can RNG’s speed make up for its lack of atmosphere?

I don’t think RNG is trying to fight live games on atmosphere. They are too different. What RNG gives is speed and control. You can run 20 spins in two minutes, switch your bets instantly, or test a risky idea without waiting for a dealer. That freedom is what many players want, especially when they are focused on strategy, not the show.

Another big advantage is free play. You can test systems without losing a single dollar, which is a huge plus for beginners. They can make mistakes, repeat the same bet ten times, and see how the bankroll changes without stress. It is also useful for experienced players who want to check a new idea quickly before they go to live tables. In this way, RNG becomes not just a game but a training ground.

Is live roulette a trend or the new standard?

Live is far from just a passing trend. It has already set the standard for the industry. Players want real emotions, and providers spend big budgets to deliver them — 4K cameras, professional hosts, themed studios, even game-show elements. Lightning Roulette is the best example of this. They took a classic table and added multipliers, lights, and fast action, and it became a completely new experience.

But RNG is not disappearing. It is not in competition with live because the purpose is different. RNG is more like a tool: you use it to test strategies, to warm up before a live session, or simply to play fast when you don’t want to wait. Tools like this don’t lose their place. They stay because they solve a problem that live games can’t.

Can VR or AR bring RNG back?

Yes, VR and AR can help RNG a lot. Imagine you put on VR glasses and see a big casino hall. You can walk around the table, look at the wheel, and still enjoy the speed of RNG.

AR is simpler. You point your phone camera on a table, and a roulette wheel appears there. No expensive devices. As this tech becomes cheaper, RNG will look and feel better, not just like a basic simulator.

Have you noticed a drop in RNG players?

No, not really. Even with live growing, RNG traffic is stable. People use it for practice and testing, not for excitement. Many live players come back to RNG to check new betting systems. For beginners, RNG is the best start. No time pressure, no chat, no stress. It’s safe and simple.

How do RNG and live connect with responsible gambling?

The connection is strong. RNG in demo mode is the safest way to start. You can test bets, learn bankroll control, and study strategies without losing money. Live is more emotional. Dealers, sounds, and chat make the game more intense. It is easy to play too fast. That is why we tell new players to start with RNG first. Experienced players also use RNG for analysis. It is more than just fun. It is a smart way to prepare and play better. Live and RNG are not rivals, they work together.