Iliana Petkova
Iliana Petkova
Fact Checker

About the author

Iliana Petkova — Fact Checker at BettingRanker. Originally from Plovdiv and now based in Sofia, she specializes in verifying sports betting data and reviewing sportsbook platforms to ensure Ghanaian punters receive accurate and clear information. Her daily work involves scrutinizing betting claims, validating odds-related data, and confirming essential details about betting markets and operators. When she isn't analyzing the latest iGaming trends, Iliana enjoys hiking, photography, reading contemporary fiction, and exploring 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 Ghanaian punters

Iliana is highly regarded for her hands-on experience in verifying claims and analyzing betting and casino platforms. She employs rigorous source verification, systematic platform testing, and transparent 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. This combination of practical analysis, disciplined research, and clear explanations makes her a reliable fact checker for BettingRanker, helping players in Ghana navigate the market with confidence.

“Facts guide my writing: I cross-check claims, test platform details, and explain findings clearly so players 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 like the Gaming Commission of Ghana where applicable, and compare the claim with the sportsbook’s terms and documentation. If something doesn’t match, I seek clarification from the operator or other credible industry sources.

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

Licensing databases, sportsbook rulebooks, and payment provider information—especially regarding MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, and Vodafone Cash—are essential. Archived webpages also help verify how operators have presented their services over time.

What do you do when different sources report conflicting information?

I prioritize primary sources first, such as regulators, official legal documents, and the specific sportsbook terms. If uncertainty remains, I explain the discrepancy clearly and provide the most credible evidence available to ensure transparency for the reader.

What common mistakes do you see in sports betting claims?

Misleading bonus terms, unclear wagering requirements, and outdated licensing details are the most frequent issues. I focus on clarifying these points so that players in Ghana understand the real conditions behind an offer before they commit.

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