PointsBet Receives Licence to Operate Sportsbook in Canada

PointsBet took another step closer to going live in Ontario.

On Thursday, PointsBet Canada was licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to operate its sportsbook in Ontario.

PointsBet Committed to Canada Betting

"Since day one, we have remained genuine to our promise of building a Canadian sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market," Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer of PointsBet Canada, said in a media release. “Today's approval of PointsBet Canada as a licensed sportsbook in Ontario effective April 4, 2022, is a momentous step in unveiling our authentically Canadian gaming experience to the province.

“In just 60 days, PointsBet Canada's unmatched speed and ease of use, unrivaled in-game betting capabilities, and unique local partnerships will bring Ontario sports fans a new, responsible, and dynamic form of sports betting and entertainment.”

iGaming Ontario announced on Friday that private gaming operators who have registered and secured an operating agreement can start offering sports betting in the province on April 4. With Thursday’s announcement, PointsBet will now be one of those operators who will go live on April 4.

"We are proud to be one of the first iGaming operators regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario,” Chantal Cipriano, Vice President Legal, Compliance & People of PointsBet Canada, said in a media release. “It demonstrates the confidence that regulators have in our ability to deliver an innovative, safe, and responsible experience to Ontario consumers.

“We look forward to applying our expertise from Australia and the United States to help build a trusted, competitive, regulated iGaming market in Ontario, establishing an important foundation for our nation."

PointsBet in Canada

In preparing for its launch in Canada, PointsBet has attempted to expand its presence by securing multiple deals in the country. On Wednesday, PointsBet Canada announced a new partnership with Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA). The deal makes PointsBet the official sportsbook of the ACA.

"Alpine Canada is thrilled to welcome PointsBet to the ACA corporate family,” Therese Brisson, Alpine Canada CEO and President, said in a media release. “They are a true Canadian operator in an exciting emerging space, and their support of athletes and the ski community in Canada is a wonderful reflection of that."

Alpine Canada is home to the national alpine, para-alpine and ski cross teams. ACA recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

PointsBet also reached agreements with Curling Canada. As part of the agreement, PointsBet Canada will be the title sponsor of a Curling Canada Season of Champions event, starting in the 2022-23 season.

“With the passing of legalized sports betting by the federal government this past summer, we knew that there would be many opportunities available for our sport to be part of a new, legal and regulated way for fans to enjoy our events,” Katherine Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada, said in a media release.

“PointsBet’s track record speaks for itself, as the company has existing partnerships with a variety of highly regarded partners around the world, and we couldn’t be happier to enter into this new venture with an industry leader.”

In addition to its deal with Curling Canada, PointsBet also has partnered with Canada’s national curling champions, Team Kerri Einarson and Team Kevin Koe.