Since its launch in 2017, CasinoAus has swiftly risen to become one of Australia’s leading casino comparison platforms. Known for its comprehensive and reliable reviews, the site has established itself as a key player in the Australian online gaming community and served as a trusted resource for almost 1 million players seeking the best online gambling experiences.
In this exclusive interview, Philip Hoey, Director of CoinJournal, sat down with Jamie Bungaree, the Head of Casino Games at CasinoAus, to discuss the growth of the CasinoAus platform. Jamie delves into how CasinoAus evaluates online casinos, the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in the online gambling sector, and the potential impacts of Australia’s recent ban on crypto payments to online casinos.
Jamie Bungaree, Head of Casino Games at CasinoAus
Philip Hoey: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with CoinJournal, Jamie. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the online casino industry?
Jamie Bungaree: Certainly Philip, my background is in journalism, where I spent several years covering various aspects of the gaming world. My fascination with casino games, especially pokies and table games, naturally led me to delve deeper into the industry. About eight years ago, I made the transition from writing about games to working directly within the iGaming sector. This move allowed me to combine my writing skills with my passion for gaming. I’ve been involved in the industry ever since, working with several iGaming brands before joining CasinoAus which continues to be the major casino review brand that I have worked for in my professional career.
PH: What’s your role at CasinoAus, and what do you enjoy most about the role?
JB: As the Head of Casino Games at CasinoAus, I lead our team in evaluating and reviewing the latest casino games. My role involves ensuring our content is informative, engaging, and helps players find the best games to suit their preferences. What I enjoy most is the thrill of discovering new games and the challenge of dissecting their mechanics to provide valuable insights. Being part of a constantly evolving industry is exciting, and I love sharing my passion for gaming with our readers.
PH: What sets CasinoAus apart from other online casino comparison services?
JB: What truly sets CasinoAus apart is our dedication to providing detailed, unbiased reviews and the latest industry insights. Our team is deeply passionate about gaming, and we always go the extra mile to evaluate each casino or game thoroughly. We prioritise transparency and honesty, ensuring our readers get a clear and accurate picture of their options. Adding to that, we prioritise aligning ourselves with government regulations to ensure our users are kept safe from blacklisted casino sites. And we are committed to educating our users about responsible gambling by providing comprehensive guides where new players can learn about gambling and casino games. This dedication to quality, safety, and local relevance makes us a trusted resource for Australian players.
PH: How much research and analysis goes into each casino or gaming site review on CasinoAus?
JB: At CasinoAus, we take our research and analysis very seriously. Each review involves a comprehensive evaluation process, examining various aspects of the casino or game being reviewed. This includes assessing the game selection, user interface, customer service, payment options, and overall user experience. We also look into the site’s licensing and regulatory compliance to ensure it meets high standards of fairness and security. Our team spends considerable time playing the games, and initiating chats with the support team, creating tickets to investigate how the casino treats its users and how effectively they solve issues. This gives a genuine first-hand experience when testing the features. Further to that, the reviews we produce are not only from a player’s perspective, we also offer feedback to the operator when reviewing their brand, this can be great for the continual improvement of their services and portfolio.
PH: What are ‘pokies’, and are they unique to the Australian gambling sector?
JB: ‘Pokies’ is the colloquial term used in Australia and New Zealand for slot machines. It originates from the original ‘poker machines’ which were so called because the winning lines are similar to poker hands, 3 of a kind, 4 of a kind and so on, over time, ‘pokies’ became an easily recognised abbreviation. While they operate on the same principles as slot machines found worldwide, pokies hold a special cultural significance in Australia. They are trendy in pubs, clubs, and casinos across the country. Although slot machines are a global phenomenon, the term ‘pokies‘ and their widespread presence in local establishments are unique to the Australian gambling sector. Their design can sometimes reflect Australian themes and preferences, adding a distinct flavour to the gaming experience.
PH: How do you see the online gambling market evolving in the next five years?
JB: The online gambling market is poised for significant evolution over the next five years. I anticipate a continued shift towards mobile gaming as more players prefer the convenience of accessing their favourite games on smartphones and tablets. We will likely see technological advancements, particularly in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), enhancing the immersive experience. Then, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are already revolutionising payment methods, offering greater security and transparency. The industry will also see increased regulation and focus on responsible gambling practices, ensuring a safer environment for players. Overall, the future of online gambling looks dynamic and innovative, with technology driving much of the change.
PH: How do you see the relationship between traditional casinos and online casinos evolving?
JB: I see the relationship between traditional and online casinos becoming increasingly symbiotic over the next few years. Traditional casinos recognise the value of having a solid online presence and invest in digital platforms to complement their physical locations. This hybrid approach allows them to reach a broader audience and offer a more diverse range of experiences. On the other hand, online casinos are benefiting from the credibility and brand recognition that traditional casinos bring. We’re also likely to see more integrated loyalty programs where players can earn rewards both online and in physical casinos. This evolving relationship will enhance the overall gaming experience, offering players the best of both worlds.
PH: How important is distributed finance to the growth of the online casino sector?
JB: Distributed finance, or DeFi, is becoming increasingly important to the growth of the online casino sector. DeFi offers enhanced security, transparency, and transaction efficiency, which are critical for building trust with players. By leveraging blockchain technology, online casinos can provide verifiable fairness in games, secure payment methods, and faster transaction processing times. Additionally, cryptocurrencies can attract a broader audience, particularly tech-savvy players who prefer these payment options. As the online casino industry continues to evolve, the integration of DeFi will likely play a significant role in shaping its future, providing a more secure and user-friendly gaming environment.
PH: What impact is Australia’s ban of crypto payments to gambling sites likely to have on the online casino market in your home market?
JB: The ban on crypto payments to gambling sites in Australia is likely to have a significant impact on the online casino market. For one, it will limit the payment options available to players, particularly those who prefer cryptocurrencies’ anonymity and security. This might drive some players to look for offshore sites that still accept crypto payments, potentially leading to a shift in player base and revenue being lost to the unregulated market. It could also slow the adoption of innovative blockchain technologies within the local industry, hindering advancements in transparency and security. However, this could also push local operators to boost their traditional payment methods and improve the overall user experience to retain and attract players.
PH: Is the changing regulatory landscape in Australia likely to affect CasinoAus’s own business model?
JB: The changing regulatory landscape in Australia will indeed impact CasinoAus’s business model. As regulations evolve, we are always ready and open to adapting to ensure our operations remain compliant while continuing to serve our readers effectively. This could involve updating our review criteria, again, something we are always open to, particularly around payment methods and game offerings, to reflect the new legal standards. It could also mean a greater emphasis on responsible gambling practices and promoting sites that adhere strictly to these regulations. While these changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities to reinforce our commitment to transparency and trustworthiness, ultimately benefiting our audience and maintaining CasinoAus as the leading casino review site in Australia.
PH: What are your views on GambleFi tokens?
JB: To me, GambleFi tokens represent an exciting development in connecting blockchain technology and the gambling industry. These tokens can provide enhanced transparency and security, as well as enabling innovative features like decentralised betting and smart contracts. However, we must approach them with caution. The regulatory environment around cryptocurrencies and gambling is still evolving, and there are risks associated with volatility and potential fraud. While GambleFi tokens have the potential to revolutionise the industry by offering new ways to engage and reward players, both operators and players must stay informed to ensure they are complying with the latest regulations and best practices.
PH: Are there any particular GambleFi coins or tokens you’d be keen to invest in yourself?
JB: Good question! While I find the concept of GambleFi tokens intriguing, I prefer to remain cautious and not endorse any specific coins or tokens publicly. The market for these tokens is still relatively new and volatile, and it’s essential to conduct thorough research before making any investments. Personally, I like to focus on understanding the technology and regulatory landscape surrounding these tokens rather than committing to specific investments. If you’re going to invest, it’s crucial to stay informed and consider the risks and potential benefits before diving into the GambleFi space.
PH: What about the OG of crypto – where do you see Bitcoin going in the next 1, 2 and 5 years?
JB: Bitcoin, the original and most well-known cryptocurrency, will likely continue playing a pivotal role in the crypto market over the next few years. In the next year, I expect Bitcoin to maintain its volatility but also see increasing acceptance as a legitimate form of payment and store of value. Within two years, as regulatory frameworks become clearer and more supportive, we could see broader institutional adoption, which would contribute to more stability and higher valuations. Over the next five years, Bitcoin might solidify its position as a digital gold, a hedge against economic uncertainties, and a core asset in diversified investment portfolios. However, we should keep in mind the crypto market is highly unpredictable, and any investments should be approached with careful consideration and awareness of the risks.
PH: Can you share any upcoming technological innovations or features that CasinoAus is working on at the moment?
JB: While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I can say that CasinoAus is indeed working on some exciting and innovative features. Our team constantly explores new technologies to enhance the user experience and provide even more valuable insights for our readers. We’re particularly focused on leveraging the latest advancements to improve our review processes and offer more personalised content. Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing more details soon, such as how AI could be leveraged to analyse player behaviour and provide personalised recommendations on bonuses and promotions. Rest assured, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the industry and bringing our audience the best possible experience.
PH: What are your future plans for CasinoAus in terms of growth and development? Any plans to launch your own GambleFin token?
JB: Our plans for CasinoAus are centred around continuing to grow our platform and enhance the value we provide to our readers. We aim to expand our content offerings, incorporating more in-depth reviews, industry news, and expert insights to keep our audience well-informed. As for launching our own GambleFi token, it’s an exciting idea that we are exploring, but there are no immediate plans at this stage. Our primary focus remains on improving our core services and ensuring we remain a trusted resource in the online casino review space. We are always on the lookout for new opportunities to innovate and grow, so who knows what the future might hold!