Betfair Casino Review

Back in the day, when I first played at Betfair casino back in 2006 or thereabouts, it used Chartwell casino software, a Flash based suite of games that just didn't really cut it for slots players. The table games were OK, but I didn't last long there. But in 2009, Betfair casino moved to the Playtech software platform which, while requiring a download for the best of the games, is a far better platform with a much more interesting array of games and has their popular Zero Lounge concept with no house edge on games like Blackjack, Baccarat and Jacks or Better video poker.

Games

Betfair casino has plenty of table games alongside the traditional casino games everyone has come to expect in an online casino. There are also a very good array of Video Poker games, although you'd have to go some way to beat the range of video pokers at Microgaming casinos like 32Red or Ladbrokes, but it's in the slots department that things have really taken a turn for the better.

A unique feature of Betfair casino is their "Zero Lounge", available in Flash via the website or in the casino software itself. This offers Baccarat, Blackjack and Jacks or Better video poker with 100% expected returns when the correct strategy is applied. No house edge! For those that know their strategies, you won't find a better deal than this - anywhere!

Like the excellent Bet365 casino, betfair have licenced a large range of Playtech slots including the classic "Gladiator" and the newer but equally entertaining Marvel slots "Hulk" and "Iron Man". I'd also urge slots players to check out the fantastic "Great Blue" with it's stacked wilds and big free spin multipliers and the less heralded "Rome & Glory" which has a free spins bonus with extra scatter symbol.

Betfair has also built in some arcade games into the software along with Mahjong and a number of progressive jackpot games.

Support & Service

All I can say here is that I've had no problems myslef on this front but betfair does have a reputation for sticking it's head in the sand when it comes to major issues (the ill-fated Happy Hour promotion for one!). Service in general is prompt, if not exceptional, and Live Chat is responsive. As you may know, most casinos will at some point ask players who are cashing out for ID to verify their identity and address - it's a licensing requirement - but Betfair have a feature in their website where you can log in and upload your documents from the moment you sign up to pre-empt the request and avoid delays when you come to getting your first payment. Neat idea.

The one slightly annoying oddity is that you have to deposit and withdraw money through the Betfair website rather than in the casino software and then transfer it into the casino using the casino cashier. It's not as simple as it could be but it works ok, and cashouts are done very quickly so it's a small price to pay.

Conclusion

In 2011, Betfair made a couple of cockups which were exacerbated by poor communication. Firstly, they reneged on their "Happy Hour" promotion with poorly written rules, then they "reclaimed" a payout from a users eWallet account and finally there was the much publicised racing "incident" where a punter was able to lay an in-running bet way beyond his means! These actions were strange and a bit alarming to be honest but overall I feel Betfair are honest enough, even if they clearly put shareholders before customers when the chips are down (forgive the pun). I play there occasionally, but I can see why many would choose not to, especially considering the compettion like Bet365 Casino and Paddy Power Casino seem more customer-focused and offer pretty much the same suite of games.