Growing up in Auckland, I developed an early fascination with probability and games of chance—much to my mathematics teacher's delight and my parents' mild concern. That curiosity eventually led me to study statistics at the University of Auckland before pivoting into journalism, where I discovered I could combine both passions into something genuinely useful.
My career in gambling journalism began in 2012, covering the emerging New Zealand online casino market for several publications. Back then, many Kiwis had never heard of live dealer games or cryptocurrency deposits. Watching the industry evolve while helping players navigate its complexities has been remarkably rewarding—and occasionally amusing, given some of the outlandish claims I've encountered along the way.
I believe casino reviews should serve players, not operators. That might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many review sites function primarily as promotional vehicles. At CasinoTopNZ, I deposit real money, play real games, and test real withdrawals before sharing opinions. If a casino's customer support kept me waiting for three hours, you'll hear about it. If their slots ran smoothly and payouts arrived promptly, you'll hear about that too.
I'm particularly interested in the details most reviews overlook: how wagering requirements actually work in practice, whether bonus terms contain hidden gotchas, and how platforms treat players when things go wrong. Anyone can copy-paste a bonus offer from a casino's website. Understanding whether that offer delivers genuine value requires hands-on testing and honest analysis.
Before focusing exclusively on casino analysis, I spent five years as a consumer affairs journalist investigating various industries' marketing practices. That experience taught me to read fine print carefully, ask uncomfortable questions, and recognise when something seems too good to be true. Those skills transfer remarkably well to gambling industry coverage.
I've reviewed over 200 online casinos during my career, watched dozens rise and fall, and witnessed the industry's transformation from niche curiosity to mainstream entertainment. My perspective combines historical knowledge with current market awareness, helping readers understand not just what exists today, but how it compares to evolving standards.
While I review all casino categories, several areas particularly interest me. Live dealer technology fascinates me—the engineering required to stream real-time gameplay to thousands of simultaneous players represents remarkable achievement. I'm also deeply invested in responsible gambling initiatives, believing the industry has both moral and commercial incentives to protect vulnerable players.
On the technical side, I maintain strong interest in payment processing innovations, regulatory developments, and game mathematics. Understanding how slots actually work—not just how they appear to work—enables more meaningful analysis than surface-level feature descriptions.
Here's something I tell everyone who asks for gambling advice: the house always has an edge. No strategy, no system, no lucky charm changes fundamental mathematics. Online casinos are entertainment, not investment vehicles. If you're gambling with money you can't afford to lose, you're doing it wrong.
That said, gambling can be genuinely enjoyable when approached responsibly. The thrill of a well-timed blackjack hand, the anticipation as slot reels spin, the satisfaction of a successful sports bet—these experiences have value when kept in perspective. My job is helping players find platforms that deliver those experiences fairly and safely.
When not analysing bonus terms or testing withdrawal speeds, I'm likely found exploring New Zealand's remarkable landscape. Tramping the South Island's trails provides welcome contrast to screen-focused work, while local craft beer scene offers ongoing research opportunities (purely professional interest, of course).
I'm also passionate about financial literacy education, occasionally speaking at community events about gambling mathematics and consumer protection. Understanding probability shouldn't require a university degree, and helping people make informed decisions—whether about casinos or other consumer choices—feels genuinely meaningful.
I read every piece of feedback CasinoTopNZ receives and genuinely value reader input. If you've spotted an error in my reviews, disagree with an assessment, or want to share your own casino experience, please reach out. The best gambling coverage comes from community engagement, and I'm always learning from reader perspectives.
For professional enquiries, media requests, or speaking opportunities, contact me through CasinoTopNZ's general enquiry system. I respond to legitimate requests within 48 hours, though I cannot provide personal gambling advice or recommendations for specific situations.