About James

When I'm not busy calculating RTP percentages or dissecting bonus terms, you might find me arguing with my cat about the statistical improbability of her always landing on my keyboard during live casino sessions. After 15 years in the gambling industry, I've learned two things: the house always has an edge, and my coffee consumption has no upper limit.

My journey into the world of online pokies began in 2009 when I took a job as a customer support representative for a major online casino. What started as a way to pay for university quickly became a genuine passion. I was fascinated by the mathematics behind slot machines, the psychology of game design, and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Over the years, I've worn many hats in this industry. I've worked as a compliance officer, ensuring casinos met their licensing requirements. I've consulted for game developers, providing feedback on new pokie concepts. And for the past seven years, I've focused on what I love most: helping players like you navigate the complex world of online gambling.

My Expertise

My speciality lies in the technical analysis of slot games. I can tell you exactly why Megaways mechanics tend to produce more volatile results than traditional paylines, or why certain bonus features are mathematically more valuable than others. But I also understand that most players don't want a statistics lecture – they want to know which games are actually fun to play.

That's the balance I strive for in my reviews. Yes, I'll tell you the RTP and volatility of every pokie I review. But I'll also tell you whether the bonus round is genuinely exciting or a tedious grind, whether the theme is immersive or feels phoned in, and whether the game is worth your time and money.

My Philosophy

I believe gambling should be entertainment, full stop. The moment it stops being fun, something has gone wrong. That's why I'm such a strong advocate for responsible gambling practices and why I'm not afraid to call out casinos with predatory terms or games designed to exploit vulnerable players.

I also believe in radical honesty. If a highly-promoted new release is actually mediocre, I'll say so. If a casino's welcome bonus looks generous but has terrible wagering requirements, I'll break it down for you. My loyalty is to my readers, not to casino marketing departments.

Beyond the Reels

When I'm not writing about pokies, I'm an enthusiastic amateur chef who has finally mastered the art of not burning garlic. I'm also a dedicated tramper who has explored most of New Zealand's Great Walks, though my fitness level suggests I should probably do them more often. My guilty pleasure? Those terrible direct-to-streaming action movies that somehow keep getting sequels.

I live in Auckland with my aforementioned keyboard-obsessed cat, Scatter (yes, I named her after a slot symbol – don't judge me), and a worrying number of unread books about probability theory.

Get in Touch

I genuinely enjoy hearing from readers. Whether you want to discuss the finer points of variance in bonus buy features, suggest a pokie for me to review, or just share your own gambling experiences, my inbox is always open. Just don't ask me to pick lottery numbers – I may understand probability, but I'm not that optimistic.

Email: [email protected]