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Betting OnlineIliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Fact Checker
Email Iliana Petkova

About the author

Iliana Petkova is a dedicated Fact Checker at BettingRanker. Originally from Plovdiv and currently based in Sofia, she specialises in verifying sports betting data and reviewing sportsbook platforms to ensure New Zealand punters receive accurate and clear information. Her daily work involves scrutinising betting claims, validating odds-related data, and confirming essential details about betting markets and operators. When she isn’t cross-referencing data, Iliana enjoys hiking, photography, reading contemporary fiction, and exploring the local history of Sofia.

Professional experience

Betting Ranker
Fact Checker
September 2024 – Present
Gaming Insights Network (Sofia)
Senior Researcher, iGaming & Platform Analysis
March 2015 – May 2019
Betting Platforms Lab (Sofia)
Lead Platform Analyst
June 2019 – August 2024

Education

Bachelor of Journalism
Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv
2008 – 2012
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
2013 – 2015

Iliana’s impact on the iGaming industry

8+
Years of industry experience
60+
Online casino platforms evaluated
250+
Articles published
20+
Industry reports and research contributions
Why New Zealand punters can trust Iliana’s expertise

Iliana is highly regarded for her hands-on experience in verifying claims and analysing both betting and casino platforms. She employs rigorous source verification, systematic testing of platforms featuring software from Evolution Gaming and Gaming Corps, and transparent reporting to identify inconsistencies. Her extensive background in platform analysis means she understands the common pitfalls in iGaming data and knows how to test them methodically. This blend of practical analysis, disciplined research, and clear communication makes her a dependable fact checker for the New Zealand market.

“Facts are the foundation of my work: I cross-check every claim, test platform details, and explain my findings clearly so that players in New Zealand can make well-informed decisions.”

Common questions for our fact checker

How do you verify a new claim about a sportsbook?

I trace the original source, check official license registries, and compare the claim against the sportsbook’s specific terms and conditions. If I find a discrepancy, I seek direct clarification from the operator or other trusted industry authorities.

What do you do when different sources report conflicting information?

I prioritise primary sources, such as government regulators, official legal documents, and the sportsbook’s own terms. If the uncertainty persists, I explain the conflict to our readers and provide the most credible evidence available.

Which resources are most important in your fact-checking work?

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, and payment provider information for services like POLi and Pay by Mobile are essential. Archived webpages also help me verify how operators have presented their services to players over time.

What common mistakes do you see in sports betting claims?

The most frequent issues involve misleading bonus terms, vague wagering requirements, and outdated licensing information. I focus on clarifying these details so New Zealand readers understand the actual conditions attached to any offer.

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