Marcus Wellington
About Marcus
My journey into the world of online gambling began in 2008 when I stumbled upon an online casino while avoiding actual work. What started as procrastination quickly evolved into genuine fascination. How do these games work? Why do some casinos vanish overnight while others thrive? And most importantly—how can Kiwi players protect themselves while having a bit of fun?
Before joining PokiesNZ, I spent eight years as a gaming floor manager at SkyCity Auckland, where I learned the industry from the ground up. I've also contributed to various international iGaming publications and have been quoted in the NZ Herald on matters of online gambling regulation. Not bad for someone who initially just wanted to understand why he kept losing at blackjack.
My Expertise
Over 15 years, I've developed deep expertise in several areas. I specialise in RTP and volatility analysis, breaking down the mathematics that determine your actual chances of winning. My casino security assessments help identify legitimate operators from dodgy ones before players risk their money. I also focus on NZ gambling regulations, understanding the legal landscape for Kiwi players, and game mechanics, explaining how bonus features, multipliers, and progressive jackpots actually function.
My Approach
I believe in straight talk. You won't find me promising secrets to guaranteed wins—because they don't exist. What you will find is honest analysis backed by data, a healthy dose of scepticism towards too-good-to-be-true offers, and the occasional terrible pun (I can't help myself).
Every casino I review gets the same treatment: weeks of testing across multiple devices, verification of licensing and security measures, actual deposits and withdrawals to test processing times, and conversations with customer support at inconvenient hours. If a casino makes my recommended list, it's because I'd trust it with my own money—and I'm notoriously tight-fisted.
Beyond the Reels
When I'm not analysing pokies, you'll find me cheering on the All Blacks (even during the disappointing years), attempting to perfect my pavlova recipe (the key is really slow baking), or hiking the Waitakere Ranges with my two rather energetic border collies. I'm also an enthusiastic but mediocre ukulele player—my neighbours are very patient people.
Get in Touch
Have questions about a specific pokie or casino? Spotted something in my reviews that doesn't add up? Just want to debate the merits of progressive versus fixed jackpots? Drop me a line at [email protected]. I read every email, though I can't promise I'll agree with your taste in pokies.
Remember: gambling should be entertainment, not income. If it stops being fun, it's time to step away. No jackpot is worth chasing into trouble.