About the author
Iliana Petkova — Fact Checker at BettingRanker. Born in Plovdiv and now based in Sofia, she focuses on verifying sports betting information and reviewing sportsbook platforms to ensure accuracy and clarity for punters globally, including those in South Africa. Her work involves checking betting claims, validating odds-related data, and confirming key details about betting markets and operators. Outside of work, Iliana enjoys hiking, photography, reading contemporary fiction, and exploring Sofia’s local history.
Professional experience
Education
Industry Footprint
Iliana is trusted for her hands-on experience checking claims and analyzing betting and casino platforms. She uses careful source verification, systematic platform testing, and clear reporting to spot inconsistencies and verify facts. Her work history in platform analysis and research means she knows common pitfalls in iGaming data, from evaluating software providers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Spribe to testing local payment integrations. That combination of practical analysis, disciplined research methods, and plain-language explanations makes her a reliable fact checker for BettingRanker.
“Facts guide my writing: I cross-check claims, test platform details, and explain findings clearly so players and industry readers can make informed decisions.”
Common questions about betting site verification
How do you verify a new claim about a sportsbook?
I trace the original source, check official license registries like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or the National Gambling Board, and compare the claim with sportsbook terms and documentation. If something doesn’t match, I look for clarification from the operator or other reliable industry sources.
Which resources are most important in your fact-checking work?
Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, payment provider information for services like Ozow, EasyEFT, and Visa, and archived webpages are key. They help verify how operators present their services over time.
What do you do when different sources report conflicting information?
I rely on primary sources first—regulators, official documents, and sportsbook terms. If uncertainty remains, I explain the discrepancy and provide the most credible evidence available to ensure South African punters have the full picture.
What common mistakes do you see in sports betting claims?
Misleading bonus terms, unclear Wagering requirements, and outdated licensing details are the most common issues. I focus on clarifying these so readers understand the real conditions behind an offer before they commit their Rands.
Explore Other BettingRanker Authors
Thando Dlamini
writer
Thando Dlamini is a dedicated Writer at CasinoRank, specializing in South African online casino reviews, local iGaming trends, and platform analysis. He leverages years of experience researching game mechanics, license compliance, and user
Show more
Emily Thompson
expert
Emily Thompson leads content and analysis across all verticals within the CasinoRank network. For more than ten years, she has reviewed online casino platforms with a simple mindset: look closely, understand how things work, and explain the
Show more