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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 specializes in verifying sports betting information and reviewing sportsbook platforms to ensure Nigerian punters receive accurate and clear data. Her daily work involves scrutinizing betting claims, validating odds-related data, and confirming essential details about betting markets and operators. When she is not analyzing the latest industry trends, 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 track record in the betting industry

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

Iliana is highly regarded for her hands-on experience in verifying claims and analyzing betting and casino platforms. She employs rigorous source verification, systematic platform testing, and transparent reporting to identify inconsistencies and confirm facts. Her extensive background in platform analysis means she understands the common pitfalls in iGaming data, such as errors in software integration from providers like Pragmatic Play, Spribe, or SmartSoft Gaming. This blend of practical analysis, disciplined research, and straightforward explanations makes her a dependable fact checker for BettingRanker.

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

Common betting questions answered by Iliana

How do you verify a new claim about a sportsbook?

I start by tracing the original source, checking official license registries like the NLRC, and comparing the claim against the sportsbook’s terms and conditions. If I find a discrepancy, I reach out to the operator or consult other trusted industry experts for clarification.

What do you do when different sources report conflicting information?

I prioritize primary sources, including regulators, official legal documents, and the specific terms of the sportsbook. If the uncertainty persists, I explain the conflict to our readers and present the most credible evidence available to help them decide.

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

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, and payment provider details for services like Opaywallet, Verve, and PalmPay Push are essential. I also use archived webpages to track 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, hidden Wagering requirements, and outdated licensing information. I focus on making these clear so that Nigerian players understand the actual conditions attached to any offer.

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