Meet Michael Duchesne, Our Managing Editor
Michael Duchesne
Managing Editor
13+ Years ExperienceMichael Duchesne is the Managing Editor at Covers, where he has led a team of writers and editors since 2020, focusing on honest, high-impact content across the sports betting and online casino space. With expertise in the North American gambling industry, Duchesne focuses on creating content that puts players first, clarifying complex topics, promoting transparency, and holding operators accountable. He’s known for his clear-eyed storytelling, editorial precision, and commitment to producing accurate, trustworthy reviews that help readers make informed decisions.
What makes Michael an expert?
Experience
Before joining Covers, Michael held editorial roles at MTV Networks, Institutional Investor, and Travelzoo, where he developed a strong foundation in digital content, audience engagement, and brand storytelling.
Over his media and online publishing career, Duchesne has created performance-driven content for global brands like bet365, Disney, Formula 1, and Fairmont, helping bridge the gap between audience trust and business success.
Covers.com
- Managing Editor
- November 2024 – Present
- Best Sportsbook Promos
- Publication
- DraftKings Promo Code
- Publication
- Content Manager
- November 2022 – October 2023
- Best Betting Sites
- Publication
- Sr. Content Editor
- September 2021 – November 2022
- Content Editor
- October 2020 – August 2021
Travelzoo
- Publisher
- February 2013 – June 2018
- MasterChef Eric Chong Makes His Mark
- Publication
- We’re Riding Shotgun on ‘Chuck & Danny’s Road Trip’
- Publication
Education
Michael Duchesne holds a B.A. in Political Science from Concordia University, complemented by certificates in Public Relations from McGill University and E-Business & Web Marketing from the University of Toronto. His studies included academic terms abroad in Italy and Wales, enriching his global perspective and communication skills.
University of Toronto, Toronto
- Certificate, E-Business & Web Marketing
- June 2010 - August 2010
Concordia University, Montreal
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
- September 2001 - December 2004
Centro Linguistico Dante Alighieri, Florence, Italy
- Italian Language Studies
- July 2001
University of Wales, Swansea, UK
- March 2003 - June 2003
5+ years in iGaming
Michael carries over five years of sports betting and iGaming experience, with a focus on crafting accurate, high-quality content that stands out for its clarity and credibility.
Multiple jurisdictions
Michael brings a nuanced understanding of regional markets, regulatory landscapes, and localized content strategies.
Diverse experience
Michael brings diverse experience spanning editorial leadership, content strategy and storytelling, shaped by roles in publishing, and media.
Passion for content
Driven by a passion for writing and editing, Michael crafts clear, compelling content that informs, engages, and delivers real value to readers.
How does Michael stay up to date?
Duchesne stays current by closely following industry developments, regularly reading coverage from in-house journalists like Geoff Zochodne and Ryan Butler, and engaging with regulatory updates, market trends, and operator news.
Industry News
Covers' industry news team has its pulse on the iGaming sector, publishing stories in real time while providing readers with well-balanced and informed content.
Vixio
I leverage Vixio to navigate and stay informed on constantly evolving gambling regulations across 180+ jurisdictions, empowering smarter decisions and minimizing compliance risks.
G2E
Attending events like G2E keeps me informed about industry happenings, where I connect with leaders, explore the latest technology and trends, and get a sense of where the gaming world is headed.
Q&A with Michael Duchesne
What got you into writing about sports betting and casino sites?
I’ve always had a passion for sports, from playing and watching to attending events and, of course, betting on them. Combining that enthusiasm with my interest in the casino industry felt like a natural fit. Writing about sports and casino sites allows me to combine my passion for the game with my expertise in content creation, providing readers with valuable insights and staying ahead of trends in this dynamic industry.
Did you play sports growing up?
I played a lot of sports when I was younger and still dabble to a degree. Soccer was my main focus. I was a goalie and backstopped several successful teams. I also played basketball, football, rugby, and tennis, and spent a lot of time skiing in the winters. Sports have always been a significant part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
What do you look for in a sportsbook?
I focus on a few key things: Competitive odds that offer real value, a wide range of markets across sports and bet types, and strong safeguards, like responsible gambling tools and secure payment options, that build trust and protect players. A clean, responsive interface and reliable customer support also go a long way.
What’s your best advice for sports bettors?
Stick to your limits, avoid chasing losses, and remember, loyalty belongs in the stands, not at the sportsbook. Betting with your heart is the fastest way to drain your bankroll.
I lean on prop projections to uncover +EV plays. It’s a powerful tool, especially when paired with the large selection of picks from experienced bettors, allowing you to spot value easily.
Michael's areas of expertise
Duchesne’s expertise lies in staying ahead of legal developments, tracking sports betting and iGaming legislation, and aligning content with what users actually want, especially when it comes to betting on the sports and markets he knows best. Whether it’s the strategy behind NFL props or the pace of live tennis betting, it’s the thrill of reading the game that keeps him hooked.
Content expertise
Michael crafts user-first, high-quality content that informs, engages, and earns trust. His experience spans more than a decade, focusing on content planning, promotion-focused storytelling, and adapting content for diverse audiences, all grounded in clarity and accuracy.
State betting guides
Duchesne specializes in creating accurate and timely state betting guides, ensuring each reflects the latest legal updates, operator availability, and regulatory nuances. His content is designed to support readers navigating new or evolving markets with clarity and confidence.
Operator promos
Michael focuses on crafting clear, compelling partner promotional content that highlights real value for bettors. From welcome bonuses to ongoing offers, Duchesne emphasizes transparency and competitive positioning that aligns with player needs and expectations.
Michael's memories
🚀 Big Win
Michael's first major futures win came in 2022, when he backed Brian Daboll at +1400 to win NFL Coach of the Year, cashing in on the Giants' surprising turnaround season. Despite his usual advice to avoid betting with your heart, this time his fandom paid off.
😭 Bad Beat?
Growing up a Habs fan in Montreal and thinking Mise-o-jeu was his ticket out.
Michael has also been featured in:
- The Financial Post
Michael's Articles
It's not just Michael doing the research
Ryan Butler
Senior News Analyst
Ryan is a Senior Editor at Covers reporting on gaming industry legislative, regulatory, corporate, and financial news. He has reported on gaming since the Supreme Court struck down the federal sports wagering ban in 2018. Based in Tampa, Ryan graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Journalism and a minor in Sport Management. Before reporting on gaming, Ryan was a sports and political journalist in Florida and Virginia. He covered Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine and the rest of the Virginia Congressional delegation during the 2016 election cycle. He also worked as Sports Editor of the Chiefland (Fla.) Citizen and Digital Editor for the Sarasota (Fla.) Observer.
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Peter Clarke
Senior Editor
Peter Clarke is dedicated to keeping bettors informed about the biggest sports betting events, such as the Super Bowl and March Madness, and the best way to cash in on sportsbook promos. He's also always on top of the latest welcome offers from the biggest sportsbooks, so he can share the best deals and the most exciting games to use them on every day.
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Bill Gelman
U.S. Casino Expert
Bill Gelman is a national iGaming writer based in South Jersey, the heart of Philadelphia Eagles country. It's the place he has called home for the majority of his life. One of his career highlights was covering the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parade. It only took what seemed like a lifetime to experience it. After spending the early part of his career being an award-winning newspaper writer, Bill made the jump to the online gambling industry in 2018. That would be the same year the Garden State legalized sports betting. Bill still remembers covering the NJ online casino industry when a $20-million month seemed like a big deal. It's news he laughs about today, especially after the Garden State keeps smashing previous record months. Being a short drive from Atlantic City has allowed Bill to cover land-based casino news. Over the years, Bill has secured exclusive interviews with executives representing BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, and Hard Rock. His gaming industry coverage has appeared on regional and national websites, while he recommends using a variety of online casino apps with BetMGM, DraftKings, and Borgata being a few of his favorites.
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