How We Work
How Templated reports, verifies, and corrects the news, and the standards we hold ourselves to. We publish this because readers deserve to know the standards behind what they read, and because a serious news outlet should be willing to be held to them.
Our independence
We are a news publication, not a casino. No company can pay for favorable coverage, influence the outcome of a story, or have negative reporting removed. Where a piece of content is sponsored or commercial in nature, it is clearly labeled as such and kept separate from our editorial reporting. Our newsroom is guided by what matters to readers, not by the interests of the companies we cover.
How we choose what to cover
We prioritize stories that genuinely matter to people who follow this industry: regulatory decisions, licensing outcomes, enforcement actions, operator results, mergers and acquisitions, leadership changes, product launches, and the trends shaping the market. We ask a simple question of every potential story: does this help our readers understand something real about the industry? If the answer is no, we do not run it, however easy it would be to publish.
How we report and verify
Every story starts with the facts. We report on what has actually happened, drawing on primary sources wherever possible, such as regulator statements, court filings, official company announcements, and credible reporting from established outlets. We attribute information to its source so readers can judge it for themselves.
We treat press releases as a starting point, not a finished article. When a company makes a claim, we scrutinize it rather than simply repeating it. We do not invent facts, figures, or quotes, and we do not present speculation as fact. When something is unconfirmed, we say so.
Fairness and legal care
When a story involves allegations, investigations, or legal proceedings, we are careful to report only what the source establishes. We use clear language such as alleged and accused, we attribute accusations to the authorities or reporting behind them, and we do not imply guilt where none has been proven. Everyone is presumed innocent unless and until a court decides otherwise, and our reporting reflects that.
Corrections
We aim to get things right the first time, but when we make a mistake we correct it. If you believe we have published something inaccurate, contact us and we will review it promptly. Where a correction is warranted, we make it clearly rather than quietly editing the record. Getting it right matters more to us than getting it first.
Critical, not promotional
Most coverage of this industry reads like marketing, because much of it is. We work differently. When a regulator acts, we explain who benefits and who loses. When a story reflects badly on a powerful company, we still run it. Our job is to serve the reader trying to understand this industry, not the companies inside it. That sometimes means publishing things operators would prefer we did not, and we accept that as part of doing the job properly.
Responsible gambling
Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available through your national problem-gambling helpline.
Contact
If you have a tip, a correction, or a question about our reporting, we want to hear from you. Reach us at [email protected].