Meet Your NZ Casino Expert: Liam Thompson's Professional Profile

2. My Credentials & Experience

My background? It's the hands-on, "roll up your sleeves" kind-especially when it comes to online casino games, payment systems, and digital compliance. I've got a degree in Digital Media from Massey University (Auckland), and I've done a fair bit of extra training in responsible gambling frameworks and digital player verification-the sort of nitty-gritty the NZ Gambling Commission actually cares about. My experience isn't just theory: it's four years of reviewing, auditing, and reporting on casino and betting brands where your dollars-and your details-are on the line.

I'm part of the NZ Gambling Association-keeps me honest, and sometimes on the receiving end of long, boring compliance talks. I've slogged through more compliance documents than I care to admit. eCOGRA, ISO, the lot. Not that it makes me a robot-just means I've seen the inside of too many audits. I mess up sometimes-who doesn't? But I only recommend what I've checked, double-checked, and sometimes even lost a bet on (ouch).

3. What I Actually Specialise In

Here's what I actually care about: (And yeah, it's a mixed bag.) Before I get to lists, let me tell you about the first time a casino's payment option left me stranded for a weekend-spoiler: it wasn't pretty. People ask what I know best. To be honest, it's whatever tripped me up last week. Sometimes it's a payment glitch, sometimes it's a bonus that sounded too good. Here's my current hit list:

• Online slots-especially the high-volatility ones. Once lost $50 in five minutes, so yeah, I know how wild they get.
• Table games-classic blackjack, roulette, baccarat. (I still can't shuffle properly, but I know the odds.)
• NZD payment methods-bank transfers, POLi, debit cards, and e-wallets. By the way, if POLi ever glitches, you're not alone-it's a Kiwi thing.
• Bonus & wagering analysis-I read the fine print, get grumpy at 'rollover x40', and call out dodgy offers twice if I have to.

4. Achievements & Where My Work Has Been Featured

You might've seen my name in a couple of NZ iGaming mags-or maybe in a guide your mate forwarded you. I've written 60+ casino reviews. Some got rave feedback, others... well, I still get emails about a missed payout detail from last April. After 60-odd reviews, I've made a few slip-ups-someone always spots them. But I update fast when I do. For example:

• "Responsible Gambling in New Zealand: Tools That Actually Work" - practical advice for Kiwis, not just empty slogans.
• "NZD Payment Methods: The Truth About Fees and Processing Times" - this is the most-read payment guide on the site, with real feedback from local players and banking pros.
• "Spin Galaxy Casino Bonuses: What's Worth Claiming in 2025?" - a full breakdown of the real wagering requirements, not just the flashy promo numbers.

5. My Mission & Values

Let's cut to the chase: my main goal is unbiased, honest reviews that put Kiwi players first-even if that means giving affiliate partners the cold shoulder or calling out a brand that doesn't stack up. Responsible gambling isn't just a slogan for me; it's a personal and professional responsibility. I don't take incentives to change ratings or reviews. Every article is fact-checked at least twice a year, and all info is cross-referenced with current legal requirements and licensing data. I'm upfront about affiliate relationships, and I'm not shy about updating a review if the facts change. My commitment is to protecting NZ players, staying legal, and being transparent-full stop. If I say something's good, I've probably lost a tenner testing it. Not perfect, but I try. If I get something wrong, you'll get a quick correction and the story behind it. No excuses, just the truth.

Important: Casino games are strictly for entertainment. They're not a shortcut to easy money, and they carry real financial risk. Don't treat gambling as an investment-set your limits, stick to them, and never chase losses. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Responsible Gaming page has clear info on recognising the signs of gambling harm and the best ways to set boundaries or take a breather.

6. Local Knowledge & Regional Insights

Auckland born and bred-bit of a jafa, I guess. In NZ, we love a flutter, but if you sting us with fees, we'll walk. No mucking about. My reviews always pull in yarns from chats with casino support, a few grumpy regulators, and the odd mate who's lost a fiver on a dodgy slot. I keep a live log of changes to the NZ Gambling Commission rules and update my work as soon as anything shifts-no "I'll get to it later" attitude. Trends from the US? UK? Sometimes useful, but honestly, most of it's just noise for us down here... If a casino doesn't fit Kiwi banking or legal quirks, I'll call it out. No point sugar-coating it...

7. My Personal Approach

If you're looking for the typical "I love slots!" story, you won't find it here. Honestly, sometimes the fine print makes me want to throw my laptop out the window. But cracking it? Feels good. Even better if I save someone else the headache. First time I won? Blackjack at SkyCity. Not much, maybe enough for a pie and a flat white. But hey, I still remember double-checking the rules and thinking, 'not bad for a Tuesday.' In gambling and in life, being informed always beats hoping for the best.

8. My Work in Action

If you want the nitty-gritty: I've broken down bonuses (and called out the dodgy ones), tried every payment method-yes, even the ones that took days to clear-and grilled support about self-exclusion more than once. There's a pile of reviews and how-tos on the site, with plenty of war stories along the way.

I've written and published more than 60 articles and reviews on spin-galaxy-casino.com since 2021, including the go-to review of spin-galaxy-casino-new-zealand and all its features. Sometimes I get it wrong-miss a new rule or a sneaky term. But if you spot something, let me know. I'd rather fix it than leave someone in the lurch.

9. How to Get in Touch

Got a tip, a gripe, or just fancy a yarn? Flick me an email at [email protected]-promise I won't bite. Any questions, cheeky comments, or tall tales? Drop me a line-always keen for a chat, even if it's just to argue over payout speeds. If you want to challenge something I've written or suggest a correction, please do-I've copped my fair share, and that's all part of the gig. In this space, transparency isn't optional-it's the bare minimum.