Betfair launches zero-edge casino

Adapted versions of Blackjack, Roulette, Jacks or Better and Baccarat are currently being offered in the Zero Lounge.

For roulette, the zero has been removed. This means that for players betting on a colour, there is a 50 percent chance of winning, rather than the 48.6 percent offered in standard European roulette. Players betting on Zero Roulette will be paid fairly according to the chance they take.

"The words fair and casino no longer contradict each other," said Betfair spokesman Oliver Bowen. "For these adapted games, the rules maintaining a consistent house edge have been changed so that players are given a fair chance.

"The Zero Lounge is a very attractive proposition for anyone who plays online casinos."

Players will have to play the correct strategy on Zero Lounge games of Blackjack, Baccarat and Jacks or Better in order to take advantage of the zero house edge. Roulette will consistently offer zero edge regardless of strategy.

For Blackjack, the dealer stands on soft 17, will not surrender late, and there is a 2-1 payout on suited natural Blackjack and five card 21. By lowering the commission charge from 5 percent to ~2.75 percent, the house edge in Baccarat is decreased to zero and for Jacks or Better, the royal flush payout is increased.

A larger portfolio of traditional casino games is offered in the standard Betfair Casino.