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Betting OnlineIliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Fact Checker
Email Iliana Petkova

About the author

Iliana Petkova — Fact Checker at BettingRanker. Originally from Plovdiv and now based in Sofia, Iliana specialises in verifying sports betting data and reviewing UK betting sites to ensure every detail is accurate and transparent. Her daily work involves scrutinising betting claims, validating odds data, and confirming essential details regarding markets and operators. When she isn't deep in data, 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

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 UK players

Iliana is highly regarded for her hands-on experience in verifying operator claims and analysing both betting and casino platforms. She employs rigorous source verification, systematic testing, and clear reporting to identify inconsistencies and confirm facts. Her extensive background in platform analysis means she understands the common pitfalls in iGaming data and knows exactly how to test them methodically. This blend of practical analysis, disciplined research, and straightforward explanations makes her an essential fact checker for BettingRanker.

“Facts are the foundation of my work: I cross-check every claim, test platform functionality, and explain my findings clearly so UK players can make informed, safe decisions.”

Q&A With Iliana

How do you verify a new claim about a UK sportsbook?

I trace the original source, check the official UK Gambling Commission license register, and compare the claim against the sportsbook’s specific terms and conditions. If I find a discrepancy, I seek direct clarification from the operator or other reputable industry authorities.

What is your process when sources report conflicting information?

I always prioritise primary sources, such as official regulators, legal documents, and the operator's own terms. If the uncertainty persists, I highlight the discrepancy to the reader and provide the most credible evidence available to ensure transparency.

Which resources are most important for your fact-checking?

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, and payment provider details for services like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Boku are vital. I also use archived webpages to track how operators have presented their services and terms over time.

What common mistakes do you find in sports betting claims?

The most frequent issues involve misleading bonus terms, unclear wagering requirements, and outdated licensing information. I focus on breaking down these complex details so readers understand the actual conditions attached to any offer.

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