Casino Writer & Editor
Ian Zerafa
iGaming Writer & Editor ยท Expert since 2021
Having spent my career at some of the industry's leading review sites, I've had the opportunity to cover hundreds of casinos. Based on my background in journalism, my two Master's degrees, and the number of years I've spent in the industry, I have an edge in spotting the vague terms and conditions that many gambling sites throw at players.
What Makes Ian an Expert?
I've worked at some of the biggest casino and sports betting review sites in the industry. Most notably, given my considerable experience with US markets.
In addition to my work as a reviewer for many of the leading review sites in the industry, I've also spent the last few years as an editor. One of the editor's tasks is to read the bonus terms and conditions - the same way a journalist might read a press release. This has led to a few deep dives into some of the terms and conditions of gambling sites.
"I aim to give casino insights that are quick, clean, and comprehensive. The goal is to cut through the noise and give players accurate, honest information - so you can make informed decisions every time you play."
- Ian Zerafa
Why Trust Ian
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4 years in iGaming Hundreds of gambling sites reviewed across multiple regulated markets
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Local market insight Based between Malta and Arizona, giving him ground-level perspective on European and US gambling
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Journalism background Worked in news before iGaming - knows how to fact-check claims and question sources
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Two Master's degrees Including from a world top-100 university. Served as a consultant to The British Library
How Ian Reviews a Casino
Bonus terms first
Wagering requirements are his first stop. If they're clear and player-friendly, most other things at the casino usually are too. If they're buried in complexity, he digs deeper.
Live chat test
He tests every casino's live support. There's a clear difference between knowledgeable staff who know the product and scripted responses that don't actually help anyone.
Licence verification
Every casino Ian covers is checked against the relevant regulator's public register - UKGC, MGA, Gibraltar, or otherwise. No licence claim goes unverified.
Payment track record
Withdrawal speed and payment reliability are core signals. Player community reports and payment history both factor into every evaluation.
Professional Experience
Leading iGaming Media
Content Manager
February 2024 - Present
Leading iGaming Media
Content Editor
October 2023 - February 2024
Time2play
US Content Team Lead
February 2023 - October 2023
Time2play
Senior Content Editor
June 2022 - February 2023
Time2play
Content Editor
May 2021 - June 2022
Education
University of Glasgow
M.Litt in English Literature
August 2019 - August 2020
University of Malta
M.A. in Digital Culture and Media
October 2018 - December 2020
University of Limerick
ERASMUS+ Exchange Program
September 2016 - December 2016
How Ian Stays Current
Due to the ever-changing nature of the online gambling industry, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest publications. These are some of the industry publications that I read regularly.
EGR Global
Leading business-to-business publication for the online gaming industry - regulation, M&A, and market data.
NEXT.io
Covers the technology side of gambling - innovations, platform developments, and industry infrastructure.
Gambling Insider
Industry news and analysis covering regulation, operator performance, and global market trends.
iGaming Events Worth Attending
I've attended a few industry conferences over the years. This is one of the conferences that I recommend for those who want to be aware of the future of the iGaming industry.
ICE London
"ICE London is where the industry showcases new tech and talks strategy. If you want to see where gaming is heading, this is the room to be in."
SiGMA World
"SiGMA rotates locations, but there's usually a Malta edition every year - which is always a big one for an islander. It brings together operators, regulators, and affiliates from everywhere."
CASINOBEATS Summit
"The Malta edition is a home-turf event for me. Presentations and panels that zero in on what's actually shaping the future of casinos - not just the hype."
Q&A with Ian
Why did you start writing about casinos?
I grew up playing various games of chance with my grandfather. One of my earliest memories is of my whole family playing Rummy for a few cents each hand during the holidays. When the online gambling industry arrived in Malta, a few thousand people from all over the world flocked to this small island where I grew up.
I first got into the industry due to my background in journalism. The industry's global reach, the games of chance I know from my childhood, and the chance to get pedantic about terms and conditions for players - it was a natural fit.
What's the first thing you check at an online casino?
Wagering requirements. As an obvious starting point for any visitor to a gambling site, wagering requirements are perhaps the most accurate barometer for the treatment of players by the casino in question.
The other test I use is the live chat function on the gambling site. The quality of the live chat representatives can tell you a lot about the level of experience in the company in relation to the product they are promoting.
If you could only play one casino game forever, what would it be?
Poker or blackjack. I used to play both, and I can't seem to find an interest in any game of chance that does not include a level of skill involved in playing. Games of pure luck simply do not interest me.
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