Content Writer
Matthew has worked in the gambling sphere since 2022, breaking into the business as a freelance contributor with Catena Media’s PlayCanada. During his time with Catena, Matthew has covered iGaming markets across Canada and the United States, including Ontario, Alberta, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
Matthew has written for several companies and sites throughout his career. In addition to Catena Media and Bonus.com, Matthew is currently a freelance feature writer for Woodbine Racetrack, Harness Racing Update and Kawartha Downs – each in the horse racing industry. In 2023, he was a regular contributor to FanSided’s Denver Broncos site, Predominantly Orange.
He didn’t earn a Daytime Emmy for his performance, but Matthew appeared as a background restaurant-goer in an episode of You Gotta Eat Here (season 4, episode 24) on the Food Network. The segment was filmed at Hogtown Smoke in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto (great BBQ spot, but it closed not too long after).
Matthew is avid fan of everything sports, movies/television and cooking. His nights after a long day of writing are usually followed by whipping up a (semi) decent meal with whatever game is on in the background and then finishing said game while catching up on whatever show he’s watching. It’s probably too many screens.
After working all throughout high school and university, my plan after graduation was to take a few months off (more like six) to enjoy having no responsibilities or obligations for the first time in a while.
That plan, like most, changed in July 2022 when I was approached with an opportunity to write freelance for Catena’s PlayCanada. This was right after the Ontario iGaming market opened, and as a lifelong sports fan – and new bettor – I was eager to break into the industry and happy to end “the Summer of Matthew” prematurely.
Starting with PlayCanada is really what paved my professional path. I started writing opinion pieces for the site before graduating to news, guides, features and reviews, and by 2023 I was the site’s lead contributor. From there, I began contributing regularly to other Catena sites, including PlayMichigan, PlayPennsylvania, PlayIllinois and most recently, Bonus.com (US and Canada).
I’ve been in the freelance game ever since, actively writing previews, recaps, features, guides and Q&As in the horse racing sphere for Woodbine Entertainment, Harness Racing Update, Kawartha Downs and the Hambletonian Society, in addition to covering iGaming for Catena.
Catena Media
Freelance Writer
2022-present
Woodbine Entertainment
Freelance Writer
2022-present
Harness Racing Update
Freelance Writer
2023-present
Kawartha Downs
Racetrack Writer, Freelance
2025-present
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
B.A. (Honours) in Professional Communication
2022
For me, the only way to balance writing about gambling with promoting responsible play is by treating the two as inseparable. As writers covering the industry, it is our responsibility to be more aware than the average person of the harms that may follow when gambling becomes more than a form of entertainment. It has to be a coordinated, genuine effort from the entire network to really be meaningful, and I think the team at GamingToday (Catena, really) does that better than anyone.
I don’t need absolute quiet, but I like to think I do my best work in a calm, controlled environment. That typically involves a comfortable chair, big bottle of water, and room with a pleasant source of natural light. Nothing fancy, and it doesn’t need to be.
Having joined the industry when Ontario’s market first launched, I’ve been able to develop my understanding of one of North America’s premier iGaming destinations in real time. That perspective has allowed me to write from lived experience, fully immersed in and evolving alongside a major market.
Don’t fall in love with fancy words and big numbers while completely disregarding the terms and conditions. Reading the fine print before signing up for a casino or sportsbook bonus can save you the huge headache of dealing with a frustrating promo. A quick trip to Gaming Today beforehand also helps – and all the work is already done for you!
