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Slots & Bonus Expert

Tom Richards

5 years experience5 areas of expertise13 articles published

About Tom Richards

Tom Richards started reviewing online slots as an enthusiast before turning his passion into a full-time career in iGaming content. Over five years he has tested more than 500 slot titles, cataloguing RTP figures, volatility profiles, and bonus feature mechanics across suppliers including NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming. Tom developed the wagering-calculation methodology used internally at Gamblers Spot to score the true value of welcome bonuses and free spin offers. He is also an authority on mobile gaming, having assessed dozens of casino apps for performance, game selection, and payment speed. His detailed, jargon-free breakdowns help both new and experienced players make informed bonus decisions.

Credentials

  • 5 years reviewing online slots
  • Tested 500+ slot titles
  • Wagering calculation methodology developer

Areas of Expertise

Online SlotsWelcome BonusesFree SpinsWagering RequirementsMobile Gaming

Quick Facts

  • Experience5 years
  • Specialisms5 areas
  • Articles13 published

Editorial Standards

All Gamblers Spot content is independently researched and verified against UKGC standards. Authors declare conflicts of interest and follow our editorial code of conduct.

Articles by Tom Richards

How to Talk to Someone About a Gambling Problem (Without Making Things Worse)
Responsible Gambling

How to Talk to Someone About a Gambling Problem (Without Making Things Worse)

Raising a gambling problem with a loved one is one of the hardest conversations you'll have. This guide shows how to approach it with compassion, without issuing ultimatums that push them further away.

23 Mar 20267 min
Why the House Always Wins: The Maths Behind Casino Games
Strategy

Why the House Always Wins: The Maths Behind Casino Games

The saying "the house always wins" isn't just a cliché — it's a mathematical certainty. Here's an honest explanation of how casino games are structured to ensure the house makes money long-term, and what that means for you as a player.

23 Mar 20267 min
Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: What the Research Shows
Responsible Gambling

Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: What the Research Shows

Gambling disorder and mental health conditions don't just co-exist — they interact and reinforce each other. Here's what the research shows and why integrated support matters.

23 Mar 20268 min
How GamStop Works and How to Register — UK Self-Exclusion Explained
Responsible Gambling

How GamStop Works and How to Register — UK Self-Exclusion Explained

GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme. Here's exactly how it works, what it covers, how to register, and what to do alongside it for the best protection.

23 Mar 20266 min
How to Play Baccarat: Rules and Strategy for Beginners
Game Guides

How to Play Baccarat: Rules and Strategy for Beginners

Baccarat looks complicated from the outside, but it's one of the simplest card games in any casino — and the Banker bet offers a surprisingly low house edge.

23 Mar 20266 min
How Online Slots Work: RTP, Variance and Paylines Explained
Game Guides

How Online Slots Work: RTP, Variance and Paylines Explained

Before you spin a single reel, understanding RTP, variance, and paylines will make you a smarter slots player — here's everything explained in plain English.

23 Mar 20266 min
How to Use Casino Deposit Limits to Stay in Control
Casino Guides

How to Use Casino Deposit Limits to Stay in Control

Deposit limits are one of the most effective responsible gambling tools available — but only if you know how to set them correctly and what to expect when you do.

23 Mar 20266 min
Video Poker Guide: How to Play, Rules and Best Variants
Game Guides

Video Poker Guide: How to Play, Rules and Best Variants

Video poker is one of the highest-RTP games available at any online casino, and with the right strategy it can return well over 99% — here's how to play.

23 Mar 20267 min
What the UKGC Licence Means and Why It Matters to Players
Casino Guides

What the UKGC Licence Means and Why It Matters to Players

The UK Gambling Commission licence is the gold standard for online casino regulation. Here's what it actually guarantees for UK players — and what it doesn't.

23 Mar 20267 min
What Is KYC? Why Online Casinos Ask for ID Explained
Casino Guides

What Is KYC? Why Online Casinos Ask for ID Explained

Every UKGC-licenced casino will ask you to verify your identity at some point. Here's exactly what KYC means, why it happens, and how to get through it smoothly.

23 Mar 20267 min
Bonus Buy Slots: What Are They and Are They Worth It?
Game Guides

Bonus Buy Slots: What Are They and Are They Worth It?

Bonus buy slots let you skip straight to the feature round for a fixed cost — but they're currently restricted for UK players, and the maths may not be in your favour.

23 Mar 20266 min
How to Choose Slots with the Best RTP — What the Numbers Mean
Strategy

How to Choose Slots with the Best RTP — What the Numbers Mean

RTP is the single most useful number when choosing a slot game. Here's what it actually means, why it matters, and how to find it at UK online casinos.

23 Mar 20266 min
How to Beat Wagering Requirements: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Strategy

How to Beat Wagering Requirements: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Wagering requirements are the main catch attached to almost every casino bonus. This guide explains exactly how to navigate them strategically and get the best chance of turning bonus money into real cash.

23 Mar 20267 min