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Meet Samantha Levesque: Your Trusted Canadian Casino Expert at Grand Villa Casino

Yup, I finally gave it a try.

Hey there and happy Friday! So, quick intro, because I get this question a lot: 'Why casinos?'. Honestly, it started as a side gig, but I got hooked. There's just something about digging into the details. Anyway-let's get real about who I am, how I landed here, and why I'm so stubborn about giving Canadians the straight goods.

My pic

1. Professional Identification

Honestly, I didn't expect to get this deep into casino reviews. But after my first trip to Grand Villa, I was hooked (the good kind). Now, after four years, I basically live and breathe this stuff-sometimes, to the annoyance of my friends. I'm Samantha Levesque, casino blogger and iGaming reviewer based in beautiful BC. I'm not just ticking boxes here-I actually hang out at Grand Villa (my local). So yeah, when I talk about player safety, it's personal. Sometimes I ask myself, 'How did I end up here?' I guess after four years of dissecting bonuses and poking at payout policies, it just feels natural. But yeah, it started with a bit of curiosity and now it's a whole lifestyle. Some days I wonder if I'm too picky (my friends say so), but after seeing a few too many sketchy bonus terms, I'd rather be the cautious one.

2. Expertise and Credentials

If you're curious how I got here, it's a bit of a winding road (honestly, not the plan I'd mapped out in university). I started out chasing stories in comms, but somewhere along the way, casino analysis grabbed me. Four years later? I've reviewed so many Interac deposit screens I could recite the steps in my sleep. (Let's just say my browser history is a weird mix of BCLC press releases, slot RTP charts, and way too many coffeeshop receipts.)

Here's the short version: I've been in Canadian casino review trenches for four years, mostly focused on BC and Alberta. It's less glamorous than it sounds, but it keeps things interesting. From writing guides to double-checking payout policies, I've pretty much seen it all-good, bad, and oddball.

  • Working exclusively as a casino reviewer, with a spotlight on regulated environments in BC and Alberta.
  • Writing 100+ in-depth guides and reviews - everything from slot tournaments to payment methods, all with a Canadian lens.
  • Staying on top of BCLC and AGLC regulations so that everything I publish reflects the latest legal and industry standards. (No one wants to get tripped up by outdated info in this business!)
  • Completing responsible gambling and player protection training via the Responsible Gambling Council, so I can spot safe practices (and red flags) in a heartbeat.
  • Keeping up my active membership with the Canadian Gaming Association, which keeps me looped in on trends, compliance updates, and pro development in the field.

Full disclosure: I've got a comms degree somewhere in my closet, but really, I kinda muddled my way here by just asking questions and hanging out with way too many slot fans. My background? Officially: communications. Unofficially: a lot of late nights, bad coffee, and bugging friends about their casino wins (and fails). I'm not a mathematician or a lawyer-but you can bet I'll find the fine print, even if it means squinting through terms until my eyes glaze over. Throughout this section, you'll notice I keep circling back to a few key things: regulatory knowledge, transparency in reviews, and ongoing professional growth. These aren't just buzzwords-they're the backbone of every bit of advice you'll find on this site.

3. Specialization Areas

Some days I'm neck-deep in comparing e-wallet fees, other days it's all about figuring out if that new bonus is actually worth it. I'll admit, I have a weird soft spot for live dealer tables (even if I still don't trust my own blackjack strategy). And don't get me started on VIP programs-sometimes they're gold, sometimes pure fluff.

I mostly chase down the details on new slot releases, payment glitches (Interac, I'm looking at you), and those sneaky fine-print rules. Once in a while, I'll dive into a loyalty program... and then spend a week regretting it.

What I've noticed over my years in the field is that most Canadian casino players want clear, practical advice that balances excitement with safety. Some days, I'm honestly pumped to share a new trick I found. Other days? I'm grumbling at yet another 'exclusive' bonus that's anything but. Either way, I try to keep it real-and yes, occasionally even fun.

4. Achievements and Publications

Alright, here's where I get to brag a little (but only because it helps you judge my work):

  • Published over 100 in-depth casino reviews and guides on grand-villa-casino-ca.com, with a focus on what matters to BC and Alberta players.
  • Written popular explainers on casino payment options and responsible gaming practices - these are always among the top-read pages for new visitors.
  • Quoted in local online gambling roundups and asked to give consumer insights for industry trend reports (especially on casino loyalty programs and how Canadians play on mobile).
  • Active member of the Canadian Gaming Association, which means I stay connected with other industry folks, attend webinars, and actually contribute to discussions on regulatory updates and player advocacy.

Honestly, I still get a kick when someone emails me to say a review saved them from a dud site. That feels better than any industry award. I'll admit, some of my articles are heavy on the details-blame my inner nerd. But hey, if it helps someone avoid a sketchy payout, I'm happy. I write these reviews partly for you, partly for future-me (so I remember which sites actually paid out on time). Transparency's my thing, even if it makes me sound like a broken record.

5. Mission and Values

Honesty's the name of the game, so here's my mission in a nutshell:

  • Reviews with a backbone - If a casino's a dud, I'll call it out. Doesn't matter what deal's on the table-I'd rather keep my rep than push a bad pick.
  • Responsible gambling advocacy - Every review highlights tools and resources (like self-exclusion or time limits), because safe play always comes first. And if you're ever worried about your gambling habits, check out our Responsible Gaming section-it's got the signs to watch for and tips on setting your own limits.
  • Full transparency - Affiliate links are always disclosed, and I explain exactly how this site earns revenue. No secrets, no surprises.
  • Frequent updates - I fact-check and refresh content at least every quarter, and right away if there's a big change in the rules (like a new BCLC policy or a payment method update).
  • Player protection - I put Canadian player safety and legal compliance at the centre of every review, making sure you know your rights and responsibilities before you play.

If you catch me missing something-or just think I'm off base-seriously, let me know. I'll own it. (And probably buy you a coffee if you're local.)

Important reminder: Look, if any of this starts to feel less like fun and more like pressure, just hit up our Responsible Gaming page. No shame in taking a break-trust me, we've all been there.

6. Regional Expertise

Not gonna lie, living in BC means I've seen my share of rainy nights at the casino (and more than a few wild Canucks games on the big screen). It's a different vibe out here. Here's what I've picked up along the way:

  • Deep familiarity with BCLC, AGLC, and Ontario's iGaming rules - so you're never left guessing if a casino is licensed and above board.
  • Understanding of Canadian payment options - like Interac, e-Transfer, and those little quirks with local banks - so you're not blindsided by deposit or withdrawal hiccups.
  • Awareness of what Canadian players actually want - whether it's a love of slots, a growing interest in live dealer games, or a healthy dose of skepticism about VIP programs.
  • Direct experience with the cultural attitudes toward gambling in BC and Alberta, including the strong focus on community, transparency, and safe play. Here, most of us see gambling as a social activity, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
  • Ongoing relationships with local industry contacts - so I can quickly verify casino claims, check out new site launches, or get straight answers about player complaints.

I'm still learning, too-every new rule or bonus keeps me on my toes. If you've got tips or stories, send 'em my way. We'll figure this out together.

7. Personal Touch

Best casino memory? Easy. One rainy night in Burnaby, my buddy Dave split eights against a ten (don't ask)-we still laugh about it. For me, it's about the laughs, not the bottom line. Favourite memory: losing a round of blackjack at Grand Villa because I got distracted by the Canucks game on TV. Worth it. That's what it's about-good times, not chasing wins. My advice? Always play within your means, and don't be afraid to walk away with a grin-win or lose.

8. Work Examples

Ever wonder what I actually do all day? Spoiler: it's a lot of screen time, coffee, and chasing down bonus fine print. Here's some of my stuff:

Altogether, I've published over 100 articles and reviews for this site, each one crafted to answer real questions from Canadian players and help demystify the casino experience. Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years, my goal is to give you clear, trustworthy info-no fluff, just facts. No joke-half the time, I'm writing these for folks like my uncle who nearly got burned by a sketchy 'bonus'. If something I post helps someone, that's a win.

9. Contact Information

Transparency and accessibility are at the heart of how I work. If you have a question, spot something that doesn't look right, or want to share your own casino stories, I want to hear from you. You can email me directly at info@grand-villa-casino-ca.com, and I do my best to answer every message within two business days.

Appreciate you stopping by! Got a good (or bad) casino story? Hit me up. Here's to keeping things fun and fair. I'm here to help you play smart, avoid getting hosed, and maybe even have a little fun along the way-eh?

Last updated: Sometime in November 2025. (Check the site for the freshest info-things change fast!)

This is an independent review and opinion piece, not an official Grand Villa Casino page. All information is provided for Canadian players based on local experience and research.

Heads up: if you ever catch yourself chasing losses or gaming for the wrong reasons, pause and check our Responsible Gaming guide. This stuff should stay entertainment, period.

(Professional headshot placeholder - photo not displayed. Samantha Levesque, Canadian casino guide expert.)