From iGaming to book writing: Miles Saacks's unexpected journey
For more than two decades, Miles Saacks has lived and breathed iGaming. A South African by birth, now based in Malta, his career has spanned senior affiliate roles and department head positions across the gaming industry. But when a major health crisis upended his life, it also opened an unexpected door: book writing.
“I had a stroke in July 2024,” he tells me candidly, “and I was hospitalised. The recovery took about seven or eight months. As part of that process, doctors said I should do something creative to keep my brain working. I’m not a writer by nature, but writing was the one thing I could think of.”
Finding a voice — through a dog’s eyes
The result of this unexpected creative turn is , a warm, humorous, and surprisingly layered story narrated by Trixie, the family’s dog. “Trixie tells the story from her point of view about our family,” Saacks explains. “She calls us Mom and Dad and introduces all the dogs that come through the door. Each one has its own character, its own backstory, and even its own accent.”
Inspired by the many dogs that have passed through the family’s home — which also operates as a dog-sitting haven — the book captures life with pets in a uniquely whimsical yet grounded way. “We’ve had Irish dogs, German dogs, Ukrainian dogs… and each gets a character. One dog reminded me of the colour of Bailey’s, so she became Irish, and when we take her for a walk we say things like ‘Let’s go find some leprechauns! Bailey me Lass!'”
“There’s another one named Drogo. He’s got this Arnold Schwarzenegger kind of voice,” he adds with a laugh. “When he’s around, we talk to him like we’re in an action movie and call him DrogoVich, the Ukrainian warrior dog. Each dog has its voice and own persona.”
“Hi, I am Trixi; buckle up because I am about to spill all the woof on the wild, wacky and downright paw-some adventures we have in the Doghouse! If things look a little bonkers, that is just how I roll” — Life in the DogHouse
A book for everyone
Though the book is written in a child-friendly tone, it also sneaks in clever nods to pop culture that adults will appreciate. “I’m a ’70s child, ’80s teen — a lot of the humour comes from Ghostbusters and films from that era. So while it’s a children’s book on the surface, there’s definitely something in there for grown-ups.”
It’s not just a storybook either — it’s educational. “There’s history in it too — I talk about Napoleon, historical figures, even Evel Knievel (an American stunt performer and entertainer). And I use the dogs to help teach kids how to take care of pets. Different breeds, different needs.”
A charity mission
For Saacks, publishing wasn’t about fame or fortune. “People think you write a book and you get wealthy. If you’re J.K. Rowling, maybe. But for me, it was always meant to be charitable.”
The revenue from book sales goes directly to animal charities in Malta, with the first €100 already donated. “It’s small, but it’s a start. Shelters don’t need more food or blankets — what they really need help with is medical bills. €100 can neuter a few dogs. That’s where we’re trying to make a difference.”
He’s also found allies in the iGaming community. “My company, EGO – SkillOnNet, bought 20 copies, and they’re running a competition for staff. I’m hoping more people in the industry will jump in. It’s starting to find some legs now.”
Saacks still seems surprised by how things turned out. “It’s officially published. Someone asked me, ‘If you don’t sell any copies, what have you gained?’ And I said, well, 0.02% of the world’s population has published a book. That’s something. That’s a checkmark for me.”
Even though he’s now recovered and back at work, Saacks’s newfound passion shows no sign of fading. “New characters keep coming to me,” he says. “So yeah, the creative wheels are spinning. Whether I’ll find the time depends on work and how this one goes.”
Saacks even dabbled in AI to bring his characters to life visually. “I didn’t have a paid subscription at first, so sometimes it took five days to generate one image. Then I upgraded, but still — details, getting the dog’s eyes blue instead of green… it’s not always easy!”
“Let me tell you about the most exclusive spot in the Doghouse — our “window to the world.” It is like the dog version of VIP box seats. Now, the windowsill is prime real estate. Me, Izzi, and Charlie squeeze on there like sardines.” — Life in the DogHouse
Finding balance
While the book might seem like a departure from his iGaming roots, Saacks sees it as a necessary shift — and perhaps a blueprint for balance.
“I used to be head of affiliates, head of department. But after the stroke, I decided to step back. I went backwards in ambition, if you like. And I’m happy. My company looks after me. The stress of senior roles just wasn’t good for my health, or my family.” However, he does not rule out the possibility of taking on a senior role again in the future, as his health improves — provided that this newfound balance is respected.
And that’s perhaps the quiet message of Live in the Doghouse: that healing sometimes begins not with grand reinvention, but with small, heartfelt stories told through the eyes of those who sit quietly beside us, wagging their tails.
The book can be purchased .
