Cole brings more than a decade of experience covering the gambling industry — from sports betting and online casinos to sweepstakes gaming and emerging prediction markets. He writes with a player-first perspective, having spent hundreds of hours testing platforms and breaking down real-world experiences into clear, insightful guidance for both new and seasoned players.
Cole has contributed to a wide range of respected gambling and gaming publications, including Gaming Today, PlayUSA, iGaming Business, Reactor Mag, The Quill To Live and more. His work spans in-depth reviews, industry features and player-focused guides, and he co-writes the monthly gambling newsletter Odd Balls with Dan Holmes.
Over the years, Cole’s bylines have appeared across major iGaming outlets and niche pop culture sites alike — blending industry insight with engaging storytelling.
When he’s not dissecting bonuses or exploring the latest betting trends, Cole can usually be found immersed in thick fantasy novels or playing video games. A Chicago native and sports fan, he cheers loudly for the Bears and Bulls. In 2022, he even appeared on NBC’s Password alongside Jimmy Fallon and Heidi Klum.
I’m a writer at Bonus.com, where I focus on building in-depth casino, sportsbook, sweepstakes and prediction market reviews that break down what really matters to players. Most of my time is spent testing platforms, analyzing bonuses and translating complex terms into straightforward advice. My goal is simple: help readers understand not just what an offer says, but whether it’s actually worth their time and money.
I’ve been writing about the gambling industry for more than a decade, covering everything from online casinos and slots to sports betting and emerging markets. Before going freelance, I worked for a major lottery and slots provider, which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how gaming products are built and marketed. In 2020, I took that experience and launched my freelance career. Since then, I’ve written for Catena Media for more than three years, contributing to Bonus.com and other leading publications in the space.
My work has appeared in outlets including Gaming Today, Play Illinois, iGaming Business, Reactor Mag and The Quill To Live. I also co-write the monthly gambling newsletter Odd Balls with Dan Holmes. I bring hands-on experience — from hundreds of hours spent sports betting, playing online casino games and exploring sweepstakes platforms — but always write with new and casual players in mind. If you’re on the fence about a bonus, platform or game, I aim to give you the clarity you need to decide confidently.
Outside of gambling content, I’m usually buried in a thick fantasy novel or playing video games. In 2022, I appeared on NBC’s Password, competing alongside Jimmy Fallon and Heidi Klum. I’m also working on my first novel, It Happened in Renwood, which I promise will arrive… eventually.
Catena Media
Freelance Writer
2020-present
iGaming Business
Feature and Interviews Contributor
2020-2024
Scientific Games
Communications and Marketing Manager
2013-2020
University of Iowa
B.A. in Creative Writing
2014
Bylines
Appearances
DA BEARS!
“Ocean’s Eleven” — (the one with the Rat Pack).
The Fishmonger (love me any fish-themed game).
Mississippi Stud
I love slots, especially anything with a fish theme. Lately, I’ve been really into Gold Fish
Feeding Time Deluxe.
Stop with these insane playthrough requirements! Online casinos rake in money, and they
don’t need to force me to play my money 30 times to turn a profit. I’ve seen the earnings
reports!
Limited fine print. If I have to read a novel’s worth of legalese to figure out when I’ll get my money, I’m OUT.
Play, play, play. What good am I as an expert if I don’t get my boots on the ground and actually test the site out firsthand?
I’m a real sucker for a solid free spins bonus with some wilds thrown in there. What can I say, I’m a simple guy!
