PointsBet looking at opportunity for Alberta gaming development hub
Canada-based subsidiary “exploring operations” in partnership with local area investment body
PointsBet is “exploring” options to set up an igaming and sports betting hub in the Canadian province of Alberta, the Australian-headquartered operator has revealed.
In a statement, PointsBet Canada, the firm’s Canadian subsidiary, suggested the Albertan expansion would be possible due to PointsBet owning its own technology and thus needing to create a central hub to safely tackle high volumes of betting and address technical issues.
“The hands-on, in-house approach also creates opportunity in allowing for operations, investment, and jobs to either open or remain in Alberta,” PointsBet Canada said.
“Alberta’s avid sports fanbase and business-friendly environment, including competitive tax rates and a diverse workforce, are among the reasons PointsBet Canada is exploring operations in Alberta,” the firm added.
It is understood PointsBet’s Canada has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) document with Invest Alberta, a corporation set up by the Albertan provincial government.
Terms of this agreement have not been disclosed, however, PointsBet Canada CEO Scott Vanderwel alluded to the potential Alberta hub as falling within the firm’s Canada-first strategy.
“Our mission since the very beginning has been to build a Canadian sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market,” Vanderwel explained.
“We believe Alberta has the talent and highly-skilled workforce that can help us be at the forefront of igaming in Canada,” he added.
Sounding a note of advice to Albertan authorities, Vanderwel continued: “In addition to the economic growth created by an igaming workforce, Alberta has an even greater economic opportunity should it choose to pursue a regulated and competitive igaming market in the province.
“Doing so would create a level-playing field in a responsible and licensed gaming market for Alberta’s sports fans,” he added.
Invest Alberta works to provide “high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects”, with the aim of driving businesses to set up shop in the province.
Invest Alberta CEO Rick Christiaanse cited PointsBet’s credentials and its partnerships with Canada-facing entities as proof of the operator’s intention to remain true to its Canada strategy.
“Alberta’s competitive business environment, talent pipeline, and unique infrastructure continue to elevate the province as a growing global tech hub,” Christiaanse explained.
“Our recent MOU with PointsBet Canada will support the company on its investment journey as PointsBet looks to Alberta as a potential destination for high-impact investment,” he added.
PointsBet recently received a license to commence sports betting and igaming operations in Ontario, ahead of the launch of regulated operations on April 4.
Alberta currently offers sports betting and igaming almost exclusively through the PlayAlberta website, with the province recently offering single-event betting on Super Bowl LVI.