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eSports BettingEmily Thompson
Emily Thompson
Emily Thompson
Expert

About the author

Emily Thompson leads content and analysis across all verticals within the CasinoRank network. For more than ten years, she has reviewed online casino platforms with a simple mindset: look closely, understand how things work, and explain them clearly to Kiwi players. She avoids dramatic conclusions and focuses instead on steady, careful evaluation of the sites punters in New Zealand use daily. Readers trust her work because it is measured, consistent, and grounded in detail. Outside of work, Emily enjoys tramping, reading non-fiction, photography, and playing poker — hobbies that reflect her preference for patience, observation, and making thoughtful decisions.

Professional experience

🏢 CasinoRank
Head of Content & Senior Industry Analyst
January 2022 – Present
Senior Industry Analyst
March 2020 – December 2021
🌐 Independent Industry Contributor (Freelance)
iGaming Analyst & Platform Reviewer
June 2017 – February 2020
🏙 Digital Media Publishing Agency (Sydney)
Content Researcher & Editorial Writer
April 2015 – May 2017
Junior Editorial Associate
September 2013 – March 2015

Education

🎓 Master of Media Practice (Digital Communication & Media Systems)
University of Sydney
2014 – 2016
🏛 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of Sydney
2010 – 2013

Industry Footprint

10+
Years of industry experience
800+
Online casino platforms evaluated
500+
Articles published
200+
Research pieces published
What makes Emily an expert for New Zealand players?

Emily’s expertise comes from years of working directly in the industry, across different roles that shaped how she evaluates platforms today. She has reviewed countless systems in practice, learning what tends to work well for players in New Zealand and what raises concerns over time. She looks at the details carefully—from payment reliability with POLi and Visa to the performance of software from Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play—and avoids quick conclusions. Her background in journalism and media supports that approach: verify first, explain clearly, and stay responsible in what you publish. Her credibility is built on consistency and careful judgment.

“When you’re responsible for the standard of what gets published, you learn to value careful work above everything else. Whether it’s research, analysis, or a guide, it has to be clear, fair, and something we can confidently stand behind. If readers in New Zealand are going to rely on our work, it has to deserve that trust.”

Featured in
Emily’s analysis and commentary have been referenced or distributed through respected industry channels and media platforms, including:
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Q&A With Emily

How do you maintain objectivity in your analysis?

By separating research from opinion. I focus on verified information first, then form conclusions based on what the data actually shows for the NZ market.

What’s one quality you value most in content?

Clarity. If something is clear, it’s usually been thought through properly.

Do you personally enjoy casino games?

Yes, especially poker. I appreciate games that involve strategy and discipline rather than pure chance.

What keeps you interested in covering the iGaming industry after so many years?

It’s an industry that constantly evolves—technology, player expectations, and business models. There’s always something to examine more closely, which keeps the work intellectually engaging.

What part of your work do people usually underestimate?

The time spent reading and checking facts before anything is written. Most of the work happens before the first sentence is even typed.

What makes a casino review truly reliable for Kiwis?

A reliable review doesn’t try to impress—it tries to inform. It should clearly explain terms, risks, and limitations, not just the benefits. If a reader finishes the review feeling they understand both the strengths and the trade-offs of a site, then we’ve done our job.

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Aria Mitchell

Aria Mitchell

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Aria Mitchell is a lead writer at CasinoRank, specialising in the New Zealand iGaming sector. Aria delivers clear, evidence-based reviews of online casinos and gaming platforms, ensuring Kiwi players get the full picture through hands-on testing and rigorous payout analysis. Her approach prioritises transparency and fair-play verification, offering practical guidance for players in New Zealand. This is backed by her extensive experience with global iGaming platforms and a deep understanding of local regulatory standards. She regularly contributes detailed reviews, comparison guides for top software providers like Evolution Gaming and Gaming Corps, and the latest industry updates relevant to the local market. When she’s not analysing the latest pokies or checking if a site accepts POLi and Pay by Mobile, Aria enjoys strategy board games, data visualisation projects, and following international esports tournaments. Her personal interests include poker study, chess, running, and reading up on the intricacies of game design.

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