JC

James Cooper

Editor-in-Chief
4 articles 20 guides 20 reviews

James Cooper is the Editor-in-Chief of iGamingNavigator with over 12 years of experience in the online gambling industry. A former software engineer turned casino analyst, James has reviewed more than 500 online casinos across six continents and specialises in US-regulated gaming markets. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Manchester and is a regular speaker at ICE London and SBC Summit. James is particularly passionate about responsible gambling technology and player protection standards.

Expert Reviews

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Online Casinos9.4Mar 2026
Bet365 Review 2026

Bet365 remains the global benchmark for online sports betting — more live markets, better streaming coverage, and greater in-play depth than any competitor. For serious sports bettors, bet365 is the essential account.

PI
Online Casinos9.2May 2026
Pinnacle Review 2026

Pinnacle is the definitive reference point for sharp sports bettors — the tightest margins in the industry combined with a strict no-restrictions policy makes Pinnacle the only bookmaker that actively welcomes winning customers. Required in every serious bettor's account portfolio.

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Poker Rooms9.1Jan 2026
GGPoker Review 2026

GGPoker is the world's best online poker room for MTT players and WSOP bracelet chasers. Unmatched tournament volume, innovative software, and the most exciting high-stakes action available online.

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Online Casinos9.0Feb 2026
Videoslots Casino Review 2026

Videoslots is the undisputed best destination for slot enthusiasts — 7,500+ games from 200+ providers, multi-player Battle of Slots tournaments, and the Weekend Booster cashback system are industry-leading.

LeoVegas
Online Casinos8.8Jan 2026
LeoVegas Casino Review 2026

LeoVegas is the mobile casino benchmark — no other casino matches the native app experience, speed, and design quality. MGM's acquisition has added stability without sacrificing the product's distinctive quality.

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Sportsbooks8.7Mar 2026
BetMGM Sportsbook Review 2026

BetMGM brings the MGM Resorts brand prestige to US sports betting, with competitive same-game parlay markets, a generous loyalty programme, and strong coverage of major US sports. The best US operator for MGM loyalty programme members.

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Poker Rooms8.7Mar 2026
WPT Global Review 2026

WPT Global combines the World Poker Tour's prestigious live event brand with a modern online platform — the WPT Passport live event packages and the $50M+ WPT World Online Championship are genuinely exciting features that justify the account.

BE
Online Casinos8.7Feb 2026
Betsson Casino Review 2026

Betsson's Stockholm Stock Exchange listing, 60-year gambling heritage, and compliance with the strictest European regulations make it one of the most trustworthy online casinos available to European players.

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Poker Rooms8.7Jan 2026
partypoker Review 2026

partypoker is a reformed and resurgent poker brand — player-protection policies, massive Powerfest guarantees, and a rebuilt software platform make it a serious competitor to GGPoker for MTT players.

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Poker Rooms8.7Jan 2026
PokerStars Casino Review 2026

PokerStars Casino leverages the world's most trusted poker brand to deliver a premium multi-product casino experience — strong live casino, Stars Rewards loyalty, and the reassurance of Flutter Entertainment ownership.

Betway Casino
Online Casinos8.7Jan 2026
Betway Casino Review 2026

Betway is a reliable, well-regulated casino with strong live dealer content, a solid sportsbook, and generous VIP rewards. Our recommended choice for players wanting a single-account gambling home.

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Online Casinos8.6May 2026
Marathonbet Review 2026

Marathonbet is the essential account for professional and semi-professional sports bettors — the highest maximum stake limits in European betting combined with sharp independent odds pricing creates unmatched value for serious high-volume bettors.

32Red Casino
Online Casinos8.6Feb 2026
32Red Casino Review 2026

32Red has won Casinomeister's Best Casino award a record six times for one reason: customer service quality that consistently exceeds industry standards. A trusted Microgaming casino for UK players.

CO
Online Casinos8.5Jun 2026
Coolbet Review 2026

Coolbet is a Nordic value-betting specialist with independent odds pricing that consistently offers 5-10% better odds than traditional bookmakers on key markets. The GAN Limited backing and MGA licence make Coolbet the best choice for odds-conscious European bettors outside the UK.

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Online Casinos8.5May 2026
Sky Bet Review 2026

Sky Bet is one of the UK's most popular sportsbooks, combining the Sky Sports TV brand with a strong football betting product, in-play live streaming, and the Super6 free-to-play game that has built one of sports betting's largest casual audiences.

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Sportsbooks8.5Apr 2026
BetRivers Sportsbook Review 2026

BetRivers is the most generous US sportsbook for loyalty rewards — the iRush Rewards programme returns more value per dollar wagered than any competing platform. For US sports bettors who prioritise ongoing rewards over headline bonuses, BetRivers leads the market.

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Online Casinos8.5Jan 2026
888 Casino Review 2026

888 Casino's 29-year track record, exclusive game content, and publicly listed parent make it one of the safest and most established choices for online casino players.

PA
Online Casinos8.4May 2026
Paddy Power Review 2026

Paddy Power is Ireland's most distinctive betting brand, famous for irreverent marketing and Money Back Specials that refund losing bets under specific conditions. The brand's entertainment value and consistent promotional offers make it a top choice for UK and Irish recreational bettors.

Ladbrokes
Online Casinos8.4May 2026
Ladbrokes Review 2026

Ladbrokes is one of Britain's most iconic betting brands with over 130 years of history, now powered by Entain's technology platform. The combination of brand recognition, extensive promotional calendar, and strong football markets makes Ladbrokes a solid primary sportsbook for UK bettors.

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Sportsbooks8.4Apr 2026
Betway Sportsbook Review 2026

Betway is a globally recognised sports betting brand with strong sponsorship presence across Premier League and cricket, delivering competitive odds, a clean mobile experience, and reliable UKGC-regulated payments. The best sportsbook for cricket betting across UK and international markets.

News Articles

Guides

Slot Machine Myths vs. Reality

Slot machines are surrounded by myths. Learn which common beliefs about timing, 'hot' machines, and loyalty cards are false — and what the RNG actually means for your play.

15 Jun 20265 min readJames Cooper

How to Play Sic Bo

Sic Bo is a three-dice casino game where you bet on roll outcomes. Learn the main bet types, how payouts relate to probability, and which bets have the lowest house edge.

15 Jun 20266 min readJames Cooper

How to Play Three Card Poker

Three Card Poker is played against the dealer with three cards each. Learn the two bet types, the unique hand rankings, and the dealer qualification rule.

15 Jun 20266 min readJames Cooper

How Slot Machines Work

A clear explanation of how slot machines work: the RNG, what RTP really means, high vs low volatility, and the common features you will encounter on modern slots.

15 Jun 20266 min readJames Cooper

How to Play Blackjack

Learn the rules of blackjack: card values, how a round works, and your options during play. A beginner-friendly overview of the most widely played casino table game.

15 Jun 20267 min readJames Cooper

Race Class Systems Explained — UK, USA, Europe and Australia Compared

Every major racing jurisdiction uses a different system to classify and grade the quality of races. Understanding how the UK Class 1-7 system, US Grade 1-3 and claiming structure, European Group 1-3 pattern, and Australian Black Type races relate to each other is essential for cross-jurisdiction form analysis.

11 Jun 20267 min readJames Cooper

Draw Bias in Horse Racing — How Stall Position Affects Your Bet

Draw bias — where a horse starts from in the stalls — can have a decisive influence on the outcome of flat races on straight courses. At some tracks and distances, draw bias is so significant that backing against it is consistently losing. This guide explains how to identify and exploit draw bias.

11 Jun 20266 min readJames Cooper

Horse Racing Ante-Post Calendar — When to Bet Each Major Race

The ante-post betting calendar has a rhythm — specific windows when prices are longest, when key form reveals itself, and when the market tightens ahead of major races. Understanding the annual ante-post cycle lets you position at maximum value for each Classic and championship race.

11 Jun 20267 min readJames Cooper

Pari-Mutuel Betting Explained — How Totalisator Pools Work

Pari-mutuel (totalisator) betting is the foundation of horse racing betting worldwide — not fixed-odds pricing, but a shared pool where the final odds are determined by how much money has been staked on each horse. Understanding pari-mutuel pools is essential for assessing value.

11 Jun 20266 min readJames Cooper