Our Team

Thistlethwaite has spent the better part of a decade embedded in the Australian iGaming content space, building a reputation as a sharp, no-nonsense voice for players who want straight answers about online casinos and sports betting. With a background in digital journalism and a genuine passion for the mechanics of gambling products, he made the move into specialist iGaming writing after recognising a clear gap in quality, player-focused coverage tailored to the Australian market.

Over the years, Thistlethwaite has reviewed hundreds of online casino platforms and sportsbooks, stress-testing everything from welcome bonus terms and wagering requirements to payout speeds, software providers, and mobile performance. His methodology is hands-on and detail-oriented — he doesn't publish a verdict until he's put real time into understanding how a product performs for everyday Aussie players, not just on paper.

As an iGaming Content Editor, Thistlethwaite brings editorial rigour to every piece he oversees, ensuring that reviews published on Big Candy are accurate, up to date, and written in plain language that players can act on. He has contributed to and edited content across some of Australia's most-read gambling review outlets, and his work is characterised by a commitment to transparency about both the upsides and the fine print.

Responsible gambling sits at the heart of Thistlethwaite's editorial philosophy. Every review and guide he produces includes clear signposting to support resources and practical advice on setting limits, and he holds the position that informed players are safer players. He firmly believes that quality iGaming content should empower readers to make better decisions — not simply steer them toward a sign-up button.

J. Karas serves as the Gambling Compliance Expert reviewer for Big Candy, providing an independent layer of oversight on all published casino and betting content. In this role, Karas reviews articles, guides, and platform reviews to verify that information is factually correct, up to date with Australian regulatory requirements, and aligned with responsible-gambling best practices.

Karas's review function focuses specifically on identifying inaccurate bonus claims, outdated licensing information, misleading terminology, and any content that falls short of the player-protection standards expected in the Australian iGaming market. Every piece reviewed by Karas is assessed against current compliance benchmarks to ensure Big Candy's readers receive information they can rely on.