In the Australian gambling scene, Mike Waters is a rare voice with both extensive practical experience and the courage to speak out. Having been a professional poker player and active behind the scenes at casinos, he now serves as the chief casino analyst and principal author for the "Australian Gamblers" website. This site not only provides in-depth commentary but also uniquely intervenes to help players resolve disputes with casinos.
In an exclusive media interview, Mike shared his views on the unique legal environment of Australian online casinos and offered practical advice on how to identify quality sites. He recalled starting as a poker novice in the late 1990s and gradually becoming a professional player, competing in Melbourne and Monte Carlo, accumulating a wealth of experience, which also motivated him to establish Australian Gamblers.
Regarding the complaint resolution service, Mike candidly stated, "Most review sites on the market just tell players to 'contact customer service,' and the issue is shelved. We use our experience and connections to actively intervene, ensuring that players' voices are taken seriously by casinos."
Concerning Australian law, Mike pointed out that currently there are no domestic online casino licenses, but players are free to bet on offshore platforms. "It's like banning local coffee shops from operating while allowing orders from overseas coffee shops. Overseas sites dominate the market, leading to tax revenue loss and insufficient player protection." He believes that while policies may not change in the short term, establishing a domestic licensing system in the long run will help hold operators accountable and retain tax revenue.
On selecting safe websites, Mike advises players to focus on casinos that have undergone actual testing, i.e., operators that have been experienced in deposit, withdrawal, and customer service processes. He emphasizes that although online casinos rely on luck, there are significant differences in payout speed, service quality, and fairness, making the choice of the right platform crucial. He summarized, "Cash out when you win, don't chase losses—choose a site you are willing to visit repeatedly."
In the future, Mike plans to continue expanding testing scopes, writing review articles, and improving the complaint resolution mechanism, committed to providing Australian players with the safest, most transparent gambling experience while promoting industry integrity and regulatory improvements.
