About Emily Thompson - Canadian Casino Analyst Behind the Only Win Review

About the Author - Emily Thompson, Canadian Online Casino & Bonus Analyst

Hi - I'm Emily Thompson. I'm based in Ontario, and I spend a lot of time reading the stuff most people skip: bonus terms, withdrawal rules, and payment fine print. I focus a lot on Curacao-licensed casinos - the kind Canadians can still access, but that don't come with Ontario-style protections - and I'm interested in how they actually behave for people here, not just how they present themselves in ads.

On OnlyWin-bet.ca, my main job is to research, fact-check, and write clear, honest reviews and guides - including our in-depth coverage of Only Win for Canadian players (our Only Win review for Canada). I've been doing this kind of review work for about four years - mostly Curacao sites that Canadians actually use - with a particular focus on how international casinos serve (and sometimes underserve) Canadians who deposit, play, and cash out in CAD.

1. Professional Identification

I work as an iGaming content analyst and casino review specialist for OnlyWin-bet.ca. Most weeks, I'm doing a mix of:

• Reviewing Curacao-licensed casinos that accept Canadian players, like Only Win, and seeing how they stack up against locally regulated options you'll find in Ontario or other provinces
• I actually click around the site: promos, the game lobby, deposits, withdrawals, KYC - the real "will this be annoying?" stuff - on both desktop and mobile, and always from a Canadian point of view
• Translating complex terms & conditions into plain language with concrete, real-world examples that make sense if you're playing from Canada and using Canadian banking tools

Because I'm based in Ontario, Canada, I'm dealing with the same split you are: the iGO/AGCO sites versus offshore casinos like Only Win. And no - Only Win isn't on the iGO list. If you're in Ontario, you've seen it: iGO ads during NHL broadcasts - and then offshore brands when you search around online. I work right in that middle space, trying to explain what that actually means once you hit "sign up", send your documents, and press "withdraw".

What usually sets my work apart is a mix of hands-on testing, structured note-taking, and a stubborn obsession with being upfront about the trade-offs. When I review a place like Only Win, I'm not only thinking "is it fun?" I'm thinking about the messy parts - licensing, cashouts, and what happens if support ghosts you.

• "What licence is this running under, and what does that realistically mean for a Canadian player?"
• "What protections do Canadian players actually have if something goes wrong?"
• "How risky is it to keep a balance here compared to withdrawing quickly to a Canadian bank or e-wallet?"

2. Expertise & Credentials

My experience comes from structured analysis work inside the online gambling niche and several years of focusing almost exclusively on casinos that serve Canadian players, including those that operate in the grey area between offshore licensing and Canadian usage. A lot of my work is the unglamorous stuff: checking small print, testing limits, and seeing how sites behave when things are slightly inconvenient, not just when everything goes perfectly.

Online gambling analysis & review experience

• 4 years specialising in Curacao-licensed casinos, including many under Antillephone N.V., and looking at how their rules, support practices, and banking setups impact Canadians in real life.
• Here's what I usually do when I'm testing a casino:
  • I create an account and go as far as I reasonably can through KYC, so I can describe what you'll actually be asked for. If a site suddenly wants a selfie with your ID or rejects a perfectly clear utility bill, I make a note of it.
  • I test deposits/withdrawals using the methods Canadians actually reach for - usually Interac first, then cards if needed - and I pay attention to FX fees, pending times, and any surprise extra steps.
  • I compare bonus terms (wagering, max cashout, game weighting, country restrictions) against what's typical in the wider CA market, and I flag anything that looks like it could turn into a problem at withdrawal time.
  • I check complaint histories, reputation, and regulatory context where that's publicly available, then weigh those reports against my own testing so I'm not relying on marketing claims alone.
• I write in-depth reviews of casinos, bonuses, and payment systems built specifically for a Canadian audience, so the advice reflects how Canadians actually deposit, play, and withdraw - not just a generic "international player" profile.

Professional grounding

I started caring about the numbers after seeing how often a "big" bonus turns into a headache at withdrawal time. That naturally led me into gambling regulations, player protection, and bonus analysis. Over the last four years, I've focused that experience into casino reviews, payment method explainers, and responsible gambling content for OnlyWin-bet.ca. My work is there to help you understand not only where you can play, but also what you're giving up - or risking - when you choose a grey-market offshore casino instead of a provincially regulated option.

Industry awareness

I keep up with Canadian industry and regulatory updates (including Canadian Gaming Association news and iGO/AGCO releases) when they're relevant to how and where Canadians can play. That way, when rules shift or regulators make a move that affects offshore casinos, I can reflect that in new reviews and in updates to existing ones.

No made-up badges here. The receipts are in the reviews - you can follow how I got from the licence info to the withdrawal takeaways. My "credential" is simple: years of documented, public-facing analysis of casinos and bonuses that you can read, poke holes in, or disagree with if you like.

3. Specialization Areas

These days, my work mostly falls into a few buckets that matter a lot if you're a Canadian player trying to balance fun, cost, and risk.

Casino categories & games I focus on

• Online slots - including volatility, RTP where it's disclosed, and how game selection differs between Curacao casinos and locally licensed sites in Ontario or other provinces
• Live dealer and table games - with an eye on fairness claims, dealing procedures, and the reputation of the software provider (for example, big-name studios versus unknown in-house games)
• Mobile-friendly gameplay - testing how casinos run on phones and tablets, then feeding those notes into our mobile apps guides so players who mostly use their phones know what to expect on real devices, not just in screenshots

Canadian market & regulatory knowledge

• Understanding the difference between:
  • Ontario's regulated market (AGCO/iGO operators), which includes provincially licensed casinos and sportsbooks with clear local oversight, and
  • Grey-market sites like Only Win that operate from Curacao and are not listed with iGaming Ontario (iGO)
• Knowing that Ontario players at Only Win have no provincial consumer protection and are instead relying on Curacao oversight, general AML rules, and the casino's own policies and support team.
• Being familiar with how different provinces treat online gambling and what that means if you choose offshore casinos anyway - including the very common reality that many Canadians still do this for game variety or bonuses.

Bonuses, payments, and software

• Bonus analysis - breaking down wagering requirements, win caps, game contribution, bonus abuse clauses, and other "gotcha" terms in welcome offers and ongoing promos, so you see them before you click "accept".
• Payment methods - Interac, major cards, e-wallets, and other Canadian-friendly options, which I cover in depth in our payment methods resources, including typical processing times, limits, and where fees tend to sneak in.
• CAD banking considerations - things like FX conversion when a casino operates primarily in EUR or USD, and what that means for deposits and withdrawals when your bank account or card is in CAD.
• Software providers - how different studios (including those commonly found under Curacao licences) influence game fairness perception, game variety, and the overall experience for slot and live table fans.

Across all of this, the pattern is simple: I try to look at casinos the way a cautious Canadian player would - with questions about risk, licensing, fairness, and friction right at the front, and with the assumption that your bankroll is entertainment money, not something you can comfortably lose without thinking about it.

4. Achievements & Publications

Most of my "track record" is right here on OnlyWin-bet.ca, where my analysis is out in the open instead of tucked away in marketing decks or internal reports.

What I've published

I've written a substantial number of reviews and educational pieces for this site, including:

• A core explainer on bonuses & promotions for Canadian players, put together to help you understand bonus structures, wagering, and realistic expectations before you claim anything.
• Detailed breakdowns of Canadian-friendly payment methods, focusing on speed, fees, minimum/maximum limits, and the practical pros and cons for Canadian users at both offshore and locally regulated sites.
• Guidance on responsible gaming tools you can use to stay in control, especially when you're on grey-market sites that may not offer as many built-in protections as Ontario-regulated operators.
• Testing notes and commentary on casino mobile apps and browser-based mobile play, since a lot of Canadians now gamble primarily on their phones during commutes, downtime, or while watching games.
• In-depth brand reviews for casinos serving Canada, including a comprehensive analysis of Only Win (our Only Win review for Canadian players), where I dig into its Curacao licence, terms, banking setup, bonus design, and overall risk profile for Canadians.

Because OnlyWin-bet.ca is updated regularly, the exact number of pieces with my name on them changes over time, but you'll find me on most of the long-form casino reviews and major how-to guides on the site. I also help keep the rest of the content clear - from first-time player explainers on the homepage to small but important clarifications in the faq.

Awards & speaking engagements

I haven't gone after industry awards or big speaking slots. Right now, I'd rather spend that time pulling apart updated terms & conditions, cross-checking licensing claims, and tweaking reviews when casinos quietly change things in the fine print. I do follow conference coverage, regulatory updates, and association briefings, though, so what you read here reflects what's happening now in the Canadian market, not assumptions from a few years ago.

5. Mission & Values

I'm pretty stubborn about a few things when I write reviews for OnlyWin-bet.ca. Everything I publish starts from the idea that casino games are entertainment with real financial risk, not a shortcut to extra income or a way to "fix" money problems.

Player-first, not casino-first

• I don't promise wins, "systems", or guaranteed outcomes. Gambling always involves risk, and casino games are built so the house has the edge over time.
• Where OnlyWin-bet.ca may earn commissions or affiliate income, I still highlight risks, downsides, and reasons you might want to skip an offer, especially if the bonus terms are likely to frustrate casual players.
• If a term or policy looks unfair or confusing, I say that directly and give examples of how it might play out when you're actually trying to withdraw.
• I keep repeating that casino games should only ever sit in the "paid entertainment" part of your budget. They are not a reliable way to make money, pay bills, or recover losses.

Responsible gambling advocacy

• I actively encourage limits, breaks, and self-exclusion when needed, and I regularly point readers toward our responsible gaming information, where we outline common signs of gambling problems and practical ways to put limits in place.
• On our responsible gaming page, you'll find details on setting deposit limits, using reality checks, taking cooling-off periods, and activating full self-exclusion, plus links to professional support services that are available to Canadians if gambling stops feeling fun.
• I treat social, sweepstakes, and real-money gambling in a similar way: they can all be enjoyable only if you're in control, use money you can afford to lose, and are prepared to walk away.
• Whenever I write about bonuses or high-volatility games, I stress that these features increase risk and can speed up losses. They're optional add-ons to your entertainment, not a path to "profit".

Transparency & fact-checking

• I cross-check licensing claims (for example, Only Win's Curacao status) against what's visible in site footers, validator links, and public records when those exist, and I flag any gaps or weird inconsistencies.
• I revisit and update content when casinos change terms, add or remove software providers, tweak bonus structures, or alter payment conditions that matter to Canadian players.
• I avoid vague phrases like "safe and trustworthy" unless I can back them up with concrete points such as proper licensing, a clean recent complaint history, and clear, fair withdrawal rules.

I'm trying to help you make a call you won't regret later - especially when a site looks great until you hit withdrawal or KYC. If something looks like it could turn into a fight at cashout, I'll flag it.

6. Regional Expertise - Canada & Ontario

Because I live in Ontario and focus on the Canadian market, I write with a local lens that goes beyond switching the currency symbol to CAD. I think about how we actually move money around, how cautious many of us are by default, and how frustrating it feels when a withdrawal stalls for reasons that were buried in the fine print.

Understanding Canadian gambling law in practice

• Recognising that Only Win operates in a grey area for Canadians - licensed in Curacao, but not licensed by Ontario's regulators and not covered by provincial-level consumer protection or dispute resolution.
• Highlighting that, in the absence of public financials or clear segregated player fund policies, balances at offshore casinos should be treated as at risk until successfully withdrawn to your bank, card, or e-wallet.
• Clarifying the difference between federal rules, provincial regimes (such as Ontario's regulated market), and what that actually means when you sign up with an offshore casino like Only Win from anywhere in Canada.

Banking methods & player habits

• A focus on Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and other Canadian-friendly options, including potential FX fees, processing times, reversal rules, and common friction points that Canadian players run into again and again.
• An awareness that many Canadian players are slot-heavy, prefer mobile-friendly sites and apps, and often want straightforward bonuses with transparent conditions rather than complicated offers that feel like traps.

Cultural attitudes & risk perception

Canadians tend to be cautious but curious. Plenty of us are open to trying offshore casinos like Only Win for game variety or certain bonuses, but we also care a lot about fairness, data security, and whether we'll actually receive our withdrawals. I'll tell you what's good - and what would make me cash out fast and leave. Offshore sites can be fun, and they can also get messy when it's time to withdraw.

7. A Quick Personal Note

On the personal side: I'm mostly a slots-first player. I'll happily test new releases for work, but when I'm playing with my own money, I keep circling back to the same few games when I'm unwinding. I pay attention to volatility, bonus rounds, and features like expanding wilds, but I also know that none of that changes the basic house edge.

My gambling philosophy is simple: if I wouldn't be okay losing the money outright, I don't stake it. That mindset shapes how I look at bonuses, "high roller" features, and anything that encourages you to push your limits. I treat it like any paid night out - fun, but budgeted. If I'd feel sick losing it, it doesn't go into my casino balance.

8. Work You'll See From Me on OnlyWin-bet.ca

If you want the short version of what I work on most: bonuses, cashout rules, the nuts and bolts of payments, responsible gaming, and how all of that feels on mobile and desktop for Canadian players.

• A long-form guide to bonuses & promotions for Canadian players, where I walk through how wagering works, how to spot restrictive terms, and when a flashy "big" offer might not be worth taking at all.
• Deep dives into payment methods that Canadians actually use, looking at speed, limits, and potential fees when you deposit or withdraw at offshore sites like Only Win or at provincially regulated casinos.
• A practical overview of responsible gaming tools and support options, including what you can still do to protect yourself when a grey-market casino offers fewer built-in tools than an Ontario-regulated site.
• Ongoing testing and commentary on mobile apps and browser-based mobile play for casinos that accept Canadian players, based on how they run on real devices rather than how they look in promo materials.
• Brand-specific reviews for casinos serving Canada - including my detailed Only Win Casino write-up, our Only Win review for Canadian players, where I cover licensing, games, bonus structure, CAD banking, and the practical risk level for Canadians.

You'll also see my fingerprints on sitewide clarity: how we explain terms in the faq, how we talk about data and tracking in the privacy policy, and the way we outline rights and obligations in the terms & conditions. Wherever you land on OnlyWin-bet.ca, my aim is that the language feels straightforward, honest, and clearly written for Canadian players.

If you're ever unsure about a specific part of my analysis - especially in a review of Only Win or another offshore brand - I'd actually encourage you to compare my comments directly with the casino's terms and help pages. You should be able to see how I got from their wording to my conclusions and decide for yourself whether the level of risk matches what you're comfortable with.

9. How to Reach Me

If you have questions about something I've written, spot a change at a casino that isn't reflected here yet, or want to share your own experience with Only Win or another brand we've covered, you can reach out via the OnlyWin-bet.ca team:

Contact: Please use the OnlyWin-bet.ca contact us page.

I can't give personalised financial or legal advice, and I can't tell you what you "should" gamble, but I do read feedback carefully and use it to shape future reviews and guides for Canadian players.

Last updated: November 2025. This page is an independent author profile and analysis page for OnlyWin-bet.ca and is not an official casino page or marketing communication from Only Win itself.