I was born Andrew Menendez, in a small town in Ontario, Canada, where I grew up with a fascination for numbers, odds, and games of chance. The allure of risk and reward seemed to be woven into the fabric of my childhood. My father, a quiet man who loved puzzles, often sat me down with chess and card games, teaching me the importance of strategy. My mother, ever the optimist, believed that life was a gamble, and perhaps that notion settled deep into my bones.
My journey into the world of casinos wasn’t a straight line. After high school, I dabbled in different career paths, from finance to marketing, trying to find something that resonated with me. I found comfort in the predictability of numbers but longed for the thrill of unpredictability. It wasn’t until I visited my first casino, during a trip to Montreal, that everything clicked. The buzzing energy of the place, the clatter of chips, the spinning roulette wheel – I was hooked. But not in the traditional sense. I wasn’t there for the gambling alone; I was fascinated by how casinos worked, how the games were structured, and what made them so magnetic.
I didn’t start writing right away. For years, I was just an avid observer, spending my weekends at different casinos across Canada, learning about the nuances of the games. Blackjack, poker, roulette – each had its own rhythm, its own culture. I found myself talking to seasoned players, dealers, and even pit bosses, trying to understand the deeper mechanics of casino operations. My notebook was filled with tips, strategies, and personal anecdotes that I thought I would keep for myself.
Then, one night at a poker table in Toronto, I met a man who would change everything. He was a fellow gambler, but more than that, he was a writer. He had a blog about poker, sharing his insights, strategies, and experiences with the world. That’s when it hit me. I had all this knowledge, all these stories, and no outlet to share them. So, I decided to start my own blog.
At first, Treasure Spin was a side project. I wasn’t sure anyone would read it. But slowly, readers began to trickle in, commenting on my strategies and stories. I wrote about everything: the thrill of hitting 21 at blackjack, the mind games in poker, and even the lesser-known strategies in baccarat. I didn’t just want to talk about how to win; I wanted to give readers a real sense of what it felt like to be in a casino – the highs, the lows, the moments of sheer excitement, and the sting of defeat.
My blog began to gain traction. What started as a passion project turned into a full-time career. I found myself traveling across Canada and beyond, exploring different casinos, meeting interesting people, and continuously expanding my understanding of the gambling world. The blog grew with me, and soon, I was not just writing strategies but also sharing personal experiences, reviewing online casinos, and offering insights into the changing landscape of gambling in Canada.
Living in Canada has given me a unique perspective on the gambling industry. The regulations here are strict but fair, and the rise of online casinos has transformed the scene. As someone who loves both the in-person casino experience and the convenience of online gaming, I’ve been able to bridge the gap for my readers, offering insights into both worlds.
Blogging has been more than just a career for me. It’s allowed me to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for casinos and the art of gambling. I’ve met incredible people along the way – from professional gamblers to complete novices – all with their own stories to tell. In many ways, my blog isn’t just about me; it’s about the people I’ve encountered and the lessons I’ve learned from them.
Today, as I look back on my journey, I’m proud of where I’ve come. What started as a fascination with numbers and odds has grown into a full-fledged career as a casino blogger. I’ve built a life around something I love, and I’m excited to see where the next spin of the wheel takes me.
But the real thrill? It’s knowing that the game is never over – there’s always another hand to play, another strategy to discover, and another story to tell.
