Iliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Fact Checker

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. 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

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 Iliana is a trusted expert for Zimbabweans

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 and how to test them methodically. 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 in Zimbabwe and industry readers can make informed decisions.”

Q&A With Iliana

How do you verify a new claim about a sportsbook?

I trace the original source, check official license registries, 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 to ensure players in Zimbabwe get the truth.

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

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, payment provider information, and archived webpages are key. They help verify how operators present their services over time, especially regarding software from Evolution Gaming, Playtech, or Pragmatic Play.

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 so readers can understand the risks.

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 Zimbabwean players understand the real conditions behind an offer before they deposit via EcoCash or Skrill.

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