My name is Berenice Matthews, and if you had told me a decade ago that I would spend my days writing about casinos, I’d have laughed and asked what you were drinking. But life, as I’ve learned, has a funny way of dealing the cards, and I’ve come to embrace every twist in my journey.
I was born and raised in the bustling city of Toronto, Canada, where winters are long, and the streets pulse with a multicultural energy that I’ve always loved. As a child, I was an avid reader, devouring books at every opportunity. My earliest dream was to become a novelist, creating characters and worlds that I could lose myself in. But life had other plans.
After high school, I pursued a degree in journalism. I loved the art of storytelling and the adrenaline rush that came with uncovering truths. While my friends gravitated towards politics or entertainment reporting, I found myself intrigued by a less conventional path. During one of my assignments, I had to cover a story about a newly opened casino resort. I remember walking through the massive halls, taking in the flashing lights, the sounds of shuffling cards, the soft chime of slot machines, and the excitement that seemed to electrify the air. That day marked a turning point for me, though I didn’t realize it at the time.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve become something of an expert on the casino world. It’s not just about the games, though. Casinos are about culture, entertainment, economics, and human psychology. I started writing articles about the intricacies of casino operations, the strategies behind poker and blackjack, and the impact of online gambling on the industry. Soon enough, my work started gaining traction, and before I knew it, I had a loyal readership who valued my insights.
Living in Canada has provided the perfect backdrop for my career. With gambling laws and regulations that differ across the provinces, there’s never a shortage of topics to explore. The growth of online casinos has added another layer of complexity, and I love diving into those nuances. In some ways, I feel like I’ve become both a journalist and a guide—navigating people through the ever-evolving world of casinos, whether they’re first-time players or seasoned veterans.
Beyond the professional, I’m a woman who values balance. When I’m not writing, I spend time exploring Canada’s great outdoors. Hiking through the Rockies, canoeing on the pristine lakes, or even just enjoying the peaceful solitude of a snowy winter’s day—these moments keep me grounded. I believe it’s important to maintain that equilibrium, especially when your work revolves around the fast-paced and high-stakes world of gambling.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel extensively for my work. Las Vegas, Monaco, Macau—I’ve seen firsthand the allure of these places, but I’ve also come to appreciate the subtleties that make each gambling destination unique. Every trip adds more layers to my understanding of the industry and the people who shape it.
At the end of the day, I’m still the girl from Toronto who fell in love with storytelling. I just happened to find a niche that I never expected to love as much as I do. Writing about casinos has allowed me to blend my passions for journalism, human behavior, and entertainment. And while I’ve yet to write that novel I dreamed of as a child, every article I publish feels like a chapter in a larger story—my story.
So here I am, Berenice Matthews: Canadian, casino enthusiast, writer. It’s been a journey of chance and choice, much like the world I write about. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.