Behind the Scenes of Gamblizard with Casino Analyst Jamie Wall

Can you tell us about your role as a Casino Analyst at Gamblizard?

The Gamblizard project started back in 2020 when, due to the pandemic, the iGaming industry skyrocketed. I already had many years of experience in the field, so I thought to use my expertise to help the growing number of players. We offer people a reliable platform where they can find all sorts of information just like if they were asking a friend. This is pretty much my role: I make sure that what we publish is factual and helpful, digging into all fine print and details of promos, games, casinos’ T&Cs, and so forth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the online casino industry?

I’ve always been curious about all sorts of games, particularly card games. Growing up, I was fascinated by how casinos were portrayed in movies, but I didn’t just want to emulate James Bond in Casino Royale. I wanted to make others have fun, and the best way of doing so was to study how to create games. Luckily, I didn’t have to go far to achieve that! I first got a BA in Game Theory at the University of Manchester. Then I moved to London to specialise in Game Development at the LSE. From there, it was easy to land a job at some game development companies; the rest is history… I’m one of those lucky people who managed to keep focus on their teenage dream and, eventually, achieve it.

How do you evaluate and select the best casino bonuses for Gamblizard’s audience?

The core of my job at Gamblizard is to put myself in the player’s shoes. I know it might sound cliché, but it’s really one of the most important aspects of our success. Would I claim these online casino welcome bonuses? Would I manage to satisfy the T&Cs on time? Can I really have fun playing the games linked to this promo? These, and others, are all questions that I need to ask myself before suggesting the best bonuses for our audience.

What are the key factors you consider when reviewing an online casino?

Without delving into deep casino analytics, let’s say that I mainly focus on three factors: safety, games, and promotions. As casinos are popping up like mushrooms, separating the wheat from the chaff is crucial; analysing their licenses and safety measures goes a long way. Then, of course, we go to a casino for entertainment, so we need a good variety of games crafted by the top names in the industry. Finally, who doesn’t like a nice promotion? However, we need to make sure bonuses aren’t smoke and mirrors, but realistic offers that give the player a chance to actually win something or at least have some fun.

How has Gamblizard evolved since you joined the team?

Our team started with plenty of experienced members so the biggest difficulty was to break through in such a competitive industry. Most of us had some contacts who helped move the first steps but we quickly made a name for ourselves. We continue to grow and attract always more partners and readers, which we’re quite proud of.

Could you explain your process for testing and analyzing casino games?

I started testing games when I was still studying for my MA. I still remember juggling between preparing for one of my last exams in casino analytics and testing games for a company where I was doing an internship. So, I have more years of experience in this than I’d like to admit! Anyway, the process is relatively simple. I don’t only play the game as a normal player would do but I also keep track of certain mechanics and use statistical data to understand if certain mechanisms work as advertised. Also, being a former game developer helps me spot things that a normal player or casino expert might not notice.

What are the most common mistakes players make when choosing casino bonuses?

I’d say not reading the T&Cs. We can never stress enough how important it is to check at least basics like wagering requirements, as well as betting and time limits.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and changes in the online gambling industry?

This is something that comes naturally. If we want to remain competitive and provide reliable information, we need to keep up with the top casino trends. We’re lucky to be in such a dynamic industry, so visiting new casinos or simply scanning social media will unveil a new developer, a new payment method, or a particular game that became popular because some famous streamer liked it so much.

What challenges do you face when assessing the fairness and reliability of online casinos?

The biggest challenge is consistency. I could have played in a casino for years and never experienced an issue, yet a change of management or a simple ignored technical issue can change that very quickly. So, it’s crucial that we keep on checking and double-checking the sites we recommend without resting on our laurels.

What advice would you give to players looking to maximize their casino bonus benefits?

It might be a bit counter-intuitive but the best suggestion is not to set their expectations too high when it comes to bonuses. Both my studies and experience in gambling analytics taught me that most bonuses are great for testing new games or a new site and having some fun for free. So the best recommendation I can give is pretty simple: select a bonus that fits your interests.
Especially when it comes to welcome offers, there’s plenty to choose from. Do you like slots? Go for free spins. Never tried live casino games? Get a reload bonus that lets you try some of those titles. We all want to strike it rich but, at the end of the day, playing at a casino is just for fun and anything extra is a plus. So focus on having fun and that’s how you’ll maximize your bonuses!