Meet Olivia Bennett: New Zealand's Leading Online Casino Expert & Leon Casino Reviewer

Expertise and Credentials

At first, I just loved spinning the reels for a bit of fun. Didn't expect I'd end up knee-deep in T&Cs and compliance docs! Took me a while to figure out the difference between Curacao and Kahnawake, not gonna lie. Even now, some rules trip me up-but I'll always dig for clarity. My background's in communications and research, and I'm always trying to stay sharp-finishing certified modules in responsible gambling and popping into iGaming compliance workshops when I can. I started out just playing for a laugh, honestly. Now? I'm that annoying mate who reads the bonus fine print for fun. At first, I thought all licenses were pretty much the same. Turns out, not even close. If I get something mixed up, I'll fix it.

Before landing at leon-nz.com, I wrote for a bunch of other industry blogs and online mags, especially digging into instant banking and mobile gaming trends that matter to Kiwi players. Some of my deep dives have even been picked up by local advocacy groups and my peers, which is always a buzz. Sometimes, even I get stumped by a regulation change-so I double-check with regulatory experts. There was a time I misunderstood a new rule-luckily, someone with compliance knowledge set me straight. I always keep up to date with the latest legal changes and industry standards in New Zealand. Every review and guide I write is grounded in this real-world experience. If I have a bias (like preferring blackjack over slots), I'll say so. Not every guide is totally neutral-sometimes I just can't help myself. Look, I try my best to be objective, but if I really rate a site, you'll probably notice.

Specialisation Areas

What do I actually care about? Loads. Pokies, blackjack, live dealers-bring it on! Bonus terms? Don't get me started... Let's be real: I'm picky. If a bonus is stingy, I'll say so. And if a game's a dud, you'll hear about it. Here's what's in my wheelhouse right now:

• Thorough, hands-on reviews of online casino games-pokies, table games, live dealer action, you name it
• Breaking down casino bonuses and wagering requirements in plain English, always hunting the best value for Kiwi punters
• Trying and testing payment and withdrawal options popular in NZ: instant banking, POLi, and crypto-all the stuff Kiwis actually use
• Simple guides on software providers and security, especially for trusted brands (sometimes it's Leon, sometimes another big name, but I'll always compare a few casinos side-by-side)
• Keeping an eye on compliance, responsible gambling tools, and the latest safety features for players
• Looking at how Māori and Pasifika values shape local gambling-making sure I'm never out of step with what's respectful and relevant for Aotearoa

Achievements and Publications

I've lost count of how many reviews I've written-well over fifty, anyway. I've churned out dozens of guides and reviews, probably more than I remember! Some of my most-read stuff? Deep looks at how the big brands get their licenses, including my breakdown of Leon's (and others') multi-jurisdictional licences (Curacao, Kahnawake, Anjouan)-those get referenced in industry forums and by NZ player groups all the time.

I've also talked at a bunch of responsible gambling webinars and chucked advice into gaming newsletters all around NZ. Look, I haven't won any fancy awards, but I do get the odd email from a happy reader or two. No trophies on my shelf, but if a player finds my review useful, I'm stoked. Sometimes, even I get stumped by a regulation change-so I double-check with regulatory experts. There was a time I misunderstood a new rule-luckily, someone with compliance knowledge set me straight. I make sure to stay in the loop with regulatory updates and best practices in New Zealand-so you can trust the info here is pretty up-to-date (but if you spot a mistake, just give me a nudge).

Mission and Values

Honestly, I get a kick out of helping someone dodge a dud site. Makes all the late-night writing worth it. I love it when someone emails me, saying they finally got a fast payout. That's what keeps me going! Here's what I stand for:

• Writing honest reviews that put Kiwi players first-not chasing affiliate deals
• Promoting responsible gambling with real talk, clear warnings, and links to support services
• Full transparency about affiliate partnerships and sponsored content-no hidden catches
• Fact-checking everything, with regular updates as NZ laws and casino policies change (full disclosure: I sometimes miss a law change, but I'll fix it quick. No one's perfect, right?)
• Making sure every guide and review meets New Zealand's legal and ethical standards (if I slip up or miss a dodgy T&C update, just give me a shout)

Important: Casino games are just meant for a bit of fun, not a way to get rich. There's always risk, and chasing losses is never a good idea. If you ever feel like gambling's taking over or you're struggling to stop, please know help's available. Our Responsible Gaming section has signs to watch for and tips to keep your play healthy. Look after yourself, eh-always play responsibly.

Regional Expertise

Born and bred in Auckland, I know what matters to Kiwi players. My local know-how covers all sorts:

• Breaking down the NZ Gambling Act and what it means for offshore online casinos-no faffing about, just the good oil for NZ players
• Keeping up with local payment options, from POLi and bank transfers to the latest crypto trends (if it doesn't work for Kiwis, I'll say so)
• Understanding how Māori and Pasifika communities approach gambling, so every review is written with respect for our diverse Aotearoa
• Having a solid NZ gaming industry network, so I can quickly check casino claims and respond to regulatory changes (if something seems fishy, you'll hear about it)

Personal Touch

Let's be honest, while I'm here to keep players safe and make sure casinos play by the rules, I'm a sucker for the thrill of live dealer blackjack. My most memorable moment? Jumping into a live game streamed from Malta-seeing just how much a good dealer (or a dodgy one!) and solid software can make or break your night. It's little things like these that shape my reviews for Kiwi players-so you know what you're in for before you hit "join table."

Work Examples

• NZ Casino Bonuses Guide - My deep dive into bonus terms, wagering rules, and tricks for getting the best value as a New Zealand player.
• Casino Payment Methods for NZ - Honest reviews of instant banking, crypto options, and withdrawal times; all about what real Kiwis use.
• Responsible Gambling in New Zealand - Essential resources and personal advice for safe play and how to use self-exclusion tools (I've helped mates with this stuff more than once).
• Leon Casino New Zealand FAQ - Straight-up answers to the most common questions about Leon, including licensing, support, and the odd curveball from readers.
• Leon Betting Review - A full review of Leon's sports betting options, covering odds, markets, and live features for NZ punters (and a few stories from my own dabbling).

That's just a taste. With over fifty reviews and guides under my belt, I always aim to keep it practical, fact-based, and tuned to what Kiwis actually care about. I've reviewed Leon plenty, but I don't play favourites-if another site blows me away, I'll let you know. Sometimes it's Leon, sometimes it's another brand-either way, you're getting the honest goods.

Contact Information

I like to keep things open and friendly. If you've got a question about one of my reviews, want to talk about responsible gambling, or need advice on NZ gaming regulations, use the contact form on the site or ping me on LinkedIn-no promises I'll reply instantly, but I do my best. Questions? Ping me via the site's help desk (I do check them, promise).