PointsBet Canada officially opens its new headquarters today.
Located in downtown Toronto, the Ontario online sportsbook and casino operator has announced Ontario’s capital will serve as the anchor to its Canadian operations moving forward. According to the company, the office will act as an innovation hub while maintaining a focus on product development and technology recruitment.
Pointsbet is based out of Australia – and didn’t enter the Canadian market until 2022.
Despite that, the company has pushed hard into Ontario’s iGaming market. Consider it already has a sportsbook and multiple partnership deals to its name.
A Canadian HQ on Queen St. W. was just the next step in the vision, said PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel.
“Our mission since the very beginning has been to build a Canadian sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market. We believe that Ontario has the talent and workforce that can help us be at the forefront of iGaming in Canada.”
PointsBet attracted by Toronto talent, technology sector
Further, PointsBet commended Canada’s most populated province for its strong source of local talent. In fact, in North America, Ontario is considered a heavyweight in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech and digital media. For instance, 25,000 firms operate in the province’s technology sector, generating over $48.3 billion in GDP per year.
Beyond that, Toronto produces 63,500 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates every year. Nearby, Waterloo (approximately 120km away) is another outstanding source of tech talent.
In the end, Toronto – and Ontario – made the most sense for PointsBet.
Invest Ontario see values in PointsBet Canada
However, it wasn’t just PointsBet doing the vetting.
Also, Invest Ontario was involved. The provincial agency’s purpose is to attract and secure business investments. Among other things, the organization is in place to create jobs, generate returns and advance Ontario’s technology sector.
Its CEO, Trevor Dauphinee, said PointsBet – who already has 50 Canadian-based employees – checked all the boxes.
“I congratulate PointsBet on the opening of their new Canadian headquarters and welcome them to Ontario. This investment supports the growth of Ontario’s technology and iGaming ecosystems.
“Ontario’s strength as an economic powerhouse backed by a highly-skilled workforce is a competitive advantage that industry leaders like PointsBet recognize.”
PBC partnerships range from MLSE to Curling Canada
Further, in a short period of time, the Aussie-based company has already made its presence felt in the Canadian market like few others.
Notably, it was the first operator to get approved with Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission when the free market launched. Its online casino delivered a solid financial return recently.
And to top it all off, its partnerships are already aplenty.
Here’s a few examples:
- Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Ottawa Redbacks (CFL)
- NHL Alumni Association
- Curling Canada
- Alpine Canada
- Daily Faceoff
Nic Sulsky: We are walking the walk
PointsBet chief commercial officer Nic Sulsky may not know what the future holds. But he is happy where his company is headed.
“PointsBet Canada is not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk. Whether it is supporting the sports and teams that are synonymous with Canada’s identity or investing in the jobs of tomorrow, we are Team Canada and proud to wear the maple leaf.”
