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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 data and reviewing sportsbook platforms to ensure Filipino players receive accurate and clear information. Her daily work involves scrutinizing betting claims, validating odds data, and confirming essential details about betting markets and operators. When she isn't deep-diving into data, Iliana enjoys hiking, photography, reading contemporary fiction, and exploring the rich local history of her city.

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

Industry Footprint

8+
Years of industry experience
60+
Online casino platforms evaluated
250+
Articles published
20+
Industry reports and research contributions
Why Filipino Players Can Trust Iliana’s Reviews

Iliana is highly regarded for her hands-on experience in verifying claims and analyzing betting and casino platforms. She employs rigorous source verification, systematic testing of platforms, and transparent reporting to identify inconsistencies. Her extensive background in platform analysis means she understands the common pitfalls in iGaming data, especially regarding software providers like Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. By combining disciplined research with plain-language explanations, she ensures that BettingRanker remains a reliable resource for players in the Philippines.

“Facts guide my writing: I cross-check claims, test platform details, and explain findings clearly so players and industry readers can make informed decisions.”

Expert Insights: A Q&A with Iliana Petkova

How do you verify a new claim about a sportsbook?

I trace the original source, check official license registries such as PAGCOR or other international regulators, and compare the claim with the sportsbook’s terms and documentation. If I find a discrepancy, I reach out to the operator or consult other trusted industry sources for clarification.

What do you do when different sources report conflicting information?

I prioritize primary sources, including regulators, official legal documents, and the specific sportsbook terms. If the information remains unclear, I explain the discrepancy to the readers and provide the most credible evidence available to help them stay informed.

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

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, and payment provider details for services like GCash, Maya, and GrabPay are essential. I also use archived webpages to verify how operators have presented their services and terms 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 clarifying these points so that players in the Philippines understand the actual conditions behind an offer before they commit.

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