About Liam Thompson - New Zealand's Leading Online Casino Reviewer & booo-casino-new-zealand Specialist
Kia ora! I'm Liam Thompson. I'm the main casino reviewer at booo-casino.com-and, honestly, if you're a Kiwi, I get what matters most. I cut through the usual noise. Instead of industry waffle, I'll just tell you straight: if you like a punt online-especially at places like booo-casino-new-zealand-I'm here to help. Over the last four years, I've built a bit of a rep for deep dives-sometimes maybe too deep, if you ask my mates. Sometimes I get sidetracked comparing pokies-old habits die hard! To be honest, I used to get lost in all the casino jargon too-at first, I thought it was just me! Once I figured it out, I wanted to help other Kiwis do the same.
Sure, anyone can scribble a casino review-but actually knowing our weird local rules and banking quirks? That's a different ball game. Sometimes I still get surprised! That's what I try to do at booo-casino.com. Cut through the fluff. Give Kiwis the real deal-so you don't get stung.
I'll call a spade a spade, even if it ruffles feathers. Not here to sweet-talk anyone.
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2. Expertise and Credentials
You can't just bluff your way around online casinos-trust me, I've tried. It shows. I've spent four years focused entirely on reviewing online casinos for New Zealanders, and I've got a strong background in digital content analysis. Honestly, at first, compliance and responsible gambling stuff just seemed like boring paperwork. But then I saw how much it matters-especially when a bonus looks too good to be true. My deep dive started with compliance and responsible gambling, but soon enough I was picking apart how pokies actually work, digging into bonus T&Cs, sussing out mobile app glitches, and getting my head around the nitty-gritty of MGA licensing.
As for my education, I know my way around research methods and stats-comes in handy when I'm picking apart payout rates or bonus wagering requirements. Didn't study gambling at uni-no such degree! But I did join the New Zealand Gambling Association after a mate's advice, and those training sessions have actually saved me from a few review blunders. That's crucial in an industry that's always shifting, both in terms of rules and potential risks.
Over the years, I've contributed in-depth analysis to digital gambling publications, turned up at a few workshops on player protection and data privacy (some more interesting than others), and kept right up to date with the Malta Gaming Authority's standards. I know how to spot a legit remote gaming licence (including those held by operators like booo-casino-new-zealand), and I'm not shy about calling out dodgy ones-even if it means a late-night rewrite.
3. Specialisation Areas
Specialisation isn't just a buzzword in the casino world-it's survival, honestly. Here's what I actually spend my time on: pokie reviews, picking apart bonus offers, double-checking POLi works, and-yeah-making sure the casino isn't dodgy.
- Thorough reviews of online casino games, including pokies (slots), table games, and live dealer platforms - the stuff Kiwis actually play, not just what's advertised.
- Breaking down bonus structures-giving no-nonsense verdicts on what's genuinely worthwhile for New Zealand players and what's just marketing spin. Sometimes I'll even test the withdrawal just to see if it's a sneaky trick.
- NZ payment methods: I keep a sharp eye on which eWallets, bank transfer options, and instant payment platforms are both safe and practical for locals, like POLi and bank transfers that actually work with our banks-none of that 'not available in your country' nonsense.
- Digging into software providers, from the big names to up-and-coming studios, always with an eye on fairness and transparency. If something smells off, you'll hear about it.
- Highlighting responsible gambling resources and NZ-specific support, including current contact details for national helplines like Gambling Helpline NZ. If you need a chat, there's always someone at 0800 654 655.
No faffing about-if a casino's dodgy, I'll say so. If it's a beaut, you'll know.
4. Achievements and Publications
I've published more than 80 in-depth casino reviews and guides-some of them proper marathons-including key analysis like "How to Spot a Fair Casino Bonus in New Zealand" and "Understanding MGA Licensing for Kiwi Players." My work's popped up at local industry meet-ups and online forums, and a few responsible gambling groups have given my guides a nod-makes me a bit chuffed, honestly. No fluff, just facts.
Being part of the New Zealand Gambling Association isn't just a line on the CV for me; it's how I stay linked in to the latest regulatory changes and problem gambling initiatives. My reviews are also referenced in collaborations with payment providers and local digital security experts, so readers get the benefit of a network of current, NZ-specific knowledge. I keep things honest and accurate-if something's dodgy, you'll hear it from me first.
5. Mission and Values
Look, I'm a bit stubborn when it comes to fairness-your cash deserves respect. If a casino's dodgy, I'll call it out. No sugar-coating here. If a site's great, I'll say it. If it's not, I'll say that too. Simple as. Every article I write for booo-casino.com? Honest, no-nonsense stuff. Safety's key-accuracy too, obvs. Every write-up I do is honest, no BS. Player safety? That's top of the heap.
Responsible gambling isn't just a box to tick-it's at the core of everything. I update my guides whenever the law changes and only work with brands-like booo-casino-new-zealand-that hold real MGA licences and are upfront about player welfare. I always disclose affiliate relationships, and I never let commercial interests get in the way of player trust or following the law.
My mission? To give Kiwis the knowledge to gamble safely and make fully informed choices, whether you're brand new to online casinos or you've been spinning the reels for years and are after your next trustworthy site.
6. Regional Expertise
I'm based in Auckland-so, yeah, I've copped a few weird looks dragging my laptop into the SkyCity food court to check casino sites before a show. Auckland's home. I've chatted with plenty of punters at SkyCity-some love tech, some stick to the old-school slots. It's always a mixed bag. That means knowing about the bright-line test, being familiar with local support organisations like Gambling Helpline NZ (0800 654 655), and understanding how payment systems like POLi, bank transfers, and eWallets actually work with casino accounts here.
I'll grab a coffee at SkyCity's café, eavesdrop on the regulars chatting about their latest wins (or losses), and see what's really changing in the NZ gaming scene. Had a yarn with a SkyCity dealer once about online slots-he reckoned most folks still trust real tables. Made me think twice about live dealer platforms. I get the inside scoop-well, most of the time. Sometimes I miss a trick, but I'm always chasing the real story.
7. Personal Touch
If I had to choose a favourite casino game, it'd be blackjack-mainly because it rewards patience and a cool head, not just chasing a quick win. That's pretty much how I approach my reviews too: measure twice, cut once. Every claim I make? I've either tested it myself or chased down the data. Sometimes both-just to be sure. Sometimes I mess up a detail-let me know if you spot one! I double-check, but hey, I'm human.
8. Work Examples
- Casino Bonuses in NZ: What's Worth Your Money? - A plain-English guide that breaks down what's actually valuable in bonus offers, and I keep it fresh-last time I checked was mid-2025.
- NZ Casino Payments: EWallets, Bank Transfers & Local Trends - A fact-based look at the safest and most efficient payment options for Kiwi players, including POLi and bank transfers.
- Responsible Gambling Resources for New Zealand - A directory and practical advice for anyone needing support or wanting to play safe.
- Best Online Casino Apps for NZ Players - In-depth testing and honest reviews of mobile apps, focusing on what actually works for Kiwis.
- NZ Online Casino FAQs - Frequently asked questions, answered with a nod to real NZ regulations and player experiences.
Across more than 80 articles and reviews, my focus is always the same: independent, Kiwi-centric (well, I try not to overuse the word!), and with player safety at the top of the list. My work with booo-casino-new-zealand has helped hundreds of local players understand the ins and outs of licensing, payment options, and bonus structures that actually matter. If there's one thing I want you to remember: I'm on your side, not the casino's. That's a promise.
9. Contact Information
Being upfront and easy to reach is important, especially with something as sensitive as online gambling. If you ever want to clarify something, suggest a topic, or challenge a point, flick me a message through the contact form on booo-casino.com (I check it myself, promise). I'm always keen to hear feedback and new perspectives-that's how we keep things accurate and genuinely useful for Kiwi readers.
Last updated: November 2025. This is an independent review for informational purposes only, not an official page of any casino. Casino games are a form of entertainment and carry financial risk-they are not a source of income or investment. Always play responsibly. For more information on safe gambling and support services, visit our Responsible Gaming section.