My name is Gary Valera, and I’m a casino blogger living in Canada. My journey into the world of casinos, both virtual and physical, has been nothing short of thrilling, filled with highs and lows, and more importantly, lessons that I now share with my readers. But before I get into how I found myself at the intersection of gambling and blogging, let me take you back to where it all started.
Early Life
I was born in a small town in Ontario, where life was simple, and the idea of a casino was something I only saw in movies or heard about in stories. My parents weren’t gamblers, but they loved cards. I remember how we’d gather around the dining room table for hours, playing games like poker, blackjack, and even rummy. Those nights are some of my fondest memories—there was always laughter, friendly competition, and the sound of shuffling cards in the air. It was during those games that I fell in love with the strategy and psychology behind each move. Little did I know that those simple card games would lead me down a path I’d never expected.
As a teenager, I became obsessed with understanding how games worked. I wasn’t interested in playing just to win—I wanted to know why I won or lost. I’d spend hours researching odds, probabilities, and strategies, particularly for poker. I was fascinated by the idea that with the right skills and mindset, you could influence the outcome of a game. It was more than luck—it was a mental challenge, a way to outsmart the house or the player across the table.
First Casino Experience
It wasn’t until I turned 19 that I stepped foot in a real casino. The lights, the sounds of slot machines, the clinking of chips—it was intoxicating. I remember walking in with a mix of excitement and nerves, unsure of what to expect. My first game was blackjack, a game I had played countless times at home but never with real money on the line. I won my first hand, then my second. Before I knew it, I was hooked. The rush of winning, even in small amounts, was unlike anything I had felt before.
But, like all gamblers eventually learn, the house always has the edge. I lost that night, but it wasn’t the loss that stuck with me—it was the realization that I had to be smarter if I wanted to keep playing. That was the moment I decided to take my passion for games to the next level.
Discovering Online Casinos
When online casinos started becoming popular in Canada, I was one of the early adopters. The convenience of playing from home, combined with the variety of games, was too good to pass up. I quickly found myself spending more time online, testing out different platforms, strategies, and even experimenting with new games like slots, which I hadn’t paid much attention to before.
It was around this time that I noticed something. While there was plenty of information online about casinos and strategies, much of it was either outdated or overly complicated. There were no voices that spoke to regular players like me—people who loved the thrill of the game but weren’t necessarily high rollers. That’s when the idea of starting a casino blog hit me. I could share my experiences, provide tips, and help others navigate the world of online and land-based casinos.
The Birth of My Casino Blog
I started my blog as a side project, more as a way to document my journey and share what I’d learned over the years. At first, I wasn’t sure anyone would even read it. I posted reviews of casinos I’d tried, strategies that worked (and didn’t), and personal stories of wins and losses. To my surprise, people started engaging. They commented on my posts, asking questions, sharing their own experiences, and requesting more content.
Before I knew it, my blog started gaining traction. I was no longer just playing casinos—I was writing about them, analyzing them, and offering insights to others. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-time career. Brands began reaching out for collaborations, and I became a trusted voice in the Canadian casino blogging scene.
Challenges Along the Way
But it wasn’t always easy. Running a blog, especially one centered around gambling, comes with its own set of challenges. For one, I had to make sure my content was always responsible. I didn’t want to encourage reckless gambling, so I made it a point to emphasize responsible gaming in every post. I also faced criticism from those who saw gambling as a vice. It took time to explain that for many people, gambling is a form of entertainment—much like going to a concert or a sports game. When done responsibly, it can be an enjoyable and social activity.
The other challenge was staying updated in an industry that’s constantly evolving. New games, new regulations, new platforms—there’s always something changing. But that’s also what I love about it. It keeps me on my toes and ensures that my content is always fresh and relevant.
Life in Canada’s Casino Scene
Living in Canada has also been a huge advantage. The country has a vibrant casino culture, with both land-based and online casinos thriving. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some of the best casinos across the country, from the glamour of Casino Niagara to the luxurious tables at Casino de Montréal. Each casino has its own charm, and I’ve made it my mission to explore them all.
Online, Canadian players have access to some of the best platforms in the world. I’ve seen firsthand how the online casino landscape has evolved, from basic sites with a handful of games to fully immersive experiences with live dealers, mobile apps, and even virtual reality. And I’ve been there to review, test, and share it all with my readers.
Looking Ahead
Today, I’m proud to call myself a full-time casino blogger. What started as a personal passion has turned into a platform where I get to connect with thousands of readers across Canada and beyond. I continue to share my experiences, offer tips, and provide honest reviews of casinos and games. And while I’ve come a long way from that first game of blackjack, my love for the thrill of the game remains as strong as ever.
The world of casinos is constantly changing, and I’m excited to see where it goes next. Whether it’s the rise of crypto casinos, the integration of new technologies, or the changing regulations in Canada, I’ll be here—playing, learning, and sharing my journey with all of you.
After all, it’s not just about winning or losing. For me, it’s about the experience, the strategy, and the stories that come with each game. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
