Stopping rules that don’t rely on willpower alone
Timers and prepaid cards beat pep talks. What I recommend to readers this winter. I’ve covered gambling products as a journalist and…
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Author: Samuel Lewis
Journalist, analyst and practitioner covering New Zealand online gambling for 10+ years.
Three questions before raising a blackjack bet
After ten years I still ask the same three things before I bump a unit. I’ve covered gambling products as a journalist…
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Unit sizing when NZD banking rails change
Instant banks come and go during transitions. I size units to the slowest reliable rail. I’ve covered gambling products as a journalist…
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Managing chase behaviour when ads disappear
When public casino advertising tightens, chase behaviour does not vanish—it relocates. I have watched this pattern across more than a decade: remove…
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Cash-game first: my rule before any free spins
Free spins are marketing. Cash rules decide whether I stay. I’ve covered gambling products as a journalist and analyst for more than…
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Why I ignore multi-stage reloads this quarter
Reload packages look generous while only 15 licences hang in the air. I stick to simple cash play. I’ve covered gambling products…
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Stake ladders for blackjack when tables feel sticky
A ladder I still use when live dealers run slow and I’m tempted to jump seats. I’ve covered gambling products as a…
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Tracking EV without pretending RNG owes you
House edge is not a personality trait. Notes from reviewing RTP sheets while EOIs run through mid-August. I’ve covered gambling products as…
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Loss limits that survive late-night Auckland sessions
Practical caps I use when work finishes late and the phone is already in my hand. I’ve covered gambling products as a…
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How I stress-test withdrawal speed claims in 2026
Licence auctions are coming in September. Until then I only trust payouts I’ve verified with small NZD tests. I’ve covered gambling products…
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