Hey there! 👋
I’m Emily Northwood, a Toronto-based iGaming journalist, casino reviewer, and content strategist. I’m the founder of XPO Casino World, a platform I built for one simple reason — to give Canadian players real, honest, and transparent information about online casinos.
I’ve always believed that online gaming should be about entertainment, not frustration. Whether you’re spinning a slot, playing blackjack, or trying a live dealer table, you deserve to know that the platform is safe, fair, and licensed. That’s why I started XPO Casino World — a project that combines my love for digital media, gaming culture, and clear, player-first journalism.
My Story
I grew up in Toronto, surrounded by technology, arcades, and early console games. By the time I was a teenager, I was already writing mini reviews of games for fun — even though no one read them but my friends.
After high school, I studied Communications and Digital Media at the University of Toronto, where I learned how digital communities, media platforms, and online engagement really work. I was part of the UofT Gaming Society, ran small eSports tournaments on campus, and contributed to The Varsity, the student newspaper, where I wrote my first-ever gaming columns.
My Professional Journey
After graduating in 2015, I joined a small creative agency in downtown Toronto — PixelWorks Media — where I wrote digital content for entertainment and lifestyle brands. This was where I learned to balance storytelling with SEO and data-driven marketing.
By 2017, I decided to combine my professional writing background with my passion for gaming. I began freelancing for some of the biggest names in the iGaming world:
- Casino.org — writing in-depth casino reviews and bonus breakdowns
- Better Collective — as a content strategist focused on responsible gambling
- AskGamblers.com — reviewing casinos and helping players resolve disputes
- SlotsTemple — testing and reviewing new slot releases
- CasinoGuru — researching player protection and fair gaming
During this time, I learned to look beyond the flashy graphics and marketing slogans. I started to analyze casino licensing, payout rates, software providers, and player feedback. That’s when I realized how confusing — and sometimes misleading — casino information online could be.
Education & Certifications
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Digital Media from the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top-ranked universities. My studies focused on media ethics, journalism, and digital storytelling.
In 2020, I completed the Introduction to iGaming course from the iGaming Academy, an industry-recognized training program.
This certification covered everything from casino operations and licensing frameworks to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance, player safety, and responsible gambling.
I’ve also completed short courses in:
- Responsible Gaming and Player Protection
- Affiliate Compliance and Marketing Ethics
- SEO for Gambling Websites
Year-by-Year Journey
2011–2015 – Studied at UofT, started writing about gaming and digital communities.
2016 – Joined PixelWorks Media in Toronto as a content writer.
2017–2019 – Transitioned into iGaming full-time, freelancing for Casino.org and Better Collective.
2020 – Certified in iGaming fundamentals through iGaming Academy.
2021 – Spoke on “Women in Gaming Media” at ICE London.
2022 – Attended SiGMA Europe and Canadian Gaming Summit.
2023 – Collaborated with CasinoGuru on responsible gambling awareness campaigns.
2024 – Launched XPO Casino World — my independent, player-first platform for honest casino reviews.
2025 – Building a small editorial team, expanding into video content and responsible gaming education.
What I Do
I test and review online casinos licensed in Canada (especially those regulated by the AGCO) and international operators accepting Canadian players. My work involves:
- Testing real money gameplay
- Reviewing bonus terms and payout reliability
- Checking mobile usability and game performance
- Comparing casinos for fairness and transparency
I also cover updates on Ontario’s iGaming framework, trends in slot innovation, and tips for safe and responsible gambling.
Life Beyond the Screen
When I’m not reviewing casinos or testing a new slot, I’m probably:
- Hiking in Banff or Muskoka with friends
- Playing Overwatch 2 or Baldur’s Gate 3
- Visiting indie coffee shops (I’m that person who rates cappuccinos 😅)
- Supporting local game developers across Canada
I believe that gaming — whether it’s a story-driven video game or a quick spin at an online slot — is all about choice, fun, and responsibility.
Connect With Me
💌 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilynorthwood (placeholder)
🐦 Twitter: @EmilyPlaysNorth (placeholder)
📸 Instagram: @EmilyNorthwoodCasino (placeholder)
🌐 Website: https://xpocasino.world