Edward Howarth – Lead Writer at DashTickets.nz

Edward Howarth is a 56-year old (born in 1968) Hamilton native who got his Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of Waikato in 2006.
While focusing on Māori and Indigenous Studies, he found a lifelong interest in human nature.
Edward then spent a good portion of his professional career working for a multinational gambling company in VIP management, where he learned a lot about how people engage with gambling, what drives them to gamble, and what issues cause problems that lead to problem gambling.
After gathering enough information and experience, Edward decided to switch sides and offer New Zealand players some of the insight he was able to gather over the years, using his insider connections and deep understanding of the industry to shed light on the practices of gambling companies.
Professional Experience & Areas of Expertise
Edward’s professional journey began in the customer service industry, where he discovered his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t until he joined one of the world’s largest gambling companies – a name you’d recognise from any casino floor – that his career really started to take off.
Over the next two decades, Edward immersed himself in:
- Marketing & Player Engagement: Learning how casinos attract and retain players.
- Responsible Gambling Programs: Working with addiction experts, government agencies (like Gambling Helpline NZ) to develop programs aimed at reducing gambling harm.
- Player Behaviour Research: Conducting internal studies to understand why players keep coming back – and how casinos actually design games to tap into those motivations.
Edward’s firsthand knowledge of the industry’s mechanics – and even sometimes its darker side – is what motivated him to “switch sides” and become the most authoritative and trusted voice in the Kiwi gambling space.
A Look At Edward’s Career
- 1986–1989: Began working in Hamilton’s hospitality sector; started to develop an interest in community well-being.
- 1990–1995: Traveled throughout New Zealand, volunteering in community support roles and deepening his understanding of gambling’s cultural impact.
- 1996–2006: Studied at University of Waikato, earning his Bachelor’s in Social Sciences with a focus on Māori and Indigenous Studies. His thesis explored the intersection of gambling, culture, and social policy.
- 2019–2022: Launched an independent consultancy, helping government bodies and NGOs understand gambling trends and player behaviour. Published articles in academic journals and mainstream media.
- 2023–present: Joined DashTickets.nz as Lead Writer, bringing his insider expertise to the public in the form of honest, independent reviews and detailed guides.
Why Edward Chose DashTickets.nz
Edward joined DashTickets.nz because of our firm focus on independent reviews, strong opinions, and uncompromising truth. This platform allows him to write with no holds barred, providing Kiwi players with the transparency and honesty they deserve.
Edward remains committed to equipping New Zealand players with the information they need to make informed decisions about online gambling, and gambling in general, as he feels this is a vital component of staying safe.
Edward’s Areas of Expertise
Edward’s work focuses on the key areas that matter most to New Zealand players:
- Player Safety: How to recognize red flags, set limits, and know when to walk away.
- Casino Reviews: Cutting through marketing hype to reveal the real pros and cons – and testing platforms in ways no other reviewers do.
- Game Mechanics: Explaining slots, table games, and bonuses in clear, no-nonsense language.
- Industry Transparency: Shedding light on the casino industry’s practices, licensing, and regulations, including insights from Gambling Commission NZ.
- Māori and Indigenous Perspectives: How cultural factors shape gambling behaviour and how to build community strength.
Edward’s Publications & Media Features
Edward’s insights have been featured in a variety of media outlets and academic publications:
- Research Article: Gambling Statistics in Nigeria: Real-World Facts (Tribune Online)
- Interview: Edward Howarth Talks About Gambling in Africa (Business Insider Africa)
- Interview: A Kiwi Insider Perspective About The Online Casino Industry (Independent)
- Interview: About safe gambling
- Interview: How to get a job in gambling industry (Herald Online)
- AskGamblers Profile: Edward Howarth
How to Contact Edward
Edward loves to hear from players, researchers, and industry professionals alike. You can reach him through his official website or on social media:
- Website: edwardhowarth.com
- Twitter: @Edward__Howarth
- AskGamblers: Edward Howarth’s profile
Edward’s Posts on DashTickets.nz
Edward’s contributions are among the most-read on DashTickets.nz. From in-depth casino reviews to practical guides on staying safe, his work empowers Kiwis to navigate the world of gambling with confidence. Check out his latest articles on the DashTickets Author Archive.