PointsBet Canada is considering Alberta’s tech hub in the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor as a possible expansion point for its digital sports betting operations. As announced Friday by its new partner Invest Alberta, the Australian operator looks to expand in the Canadian marketplace and invest in job creation in the country’s legal sports betting industry. 

In August 2021, the Federal Government permitted single-game sports betting as regulated and managed by the provinces. Alberta’s technology and innovation sector continues to expand and diversify, boasting over 3,000 tech companies and 170,000 skilled tech workers.

In recent months, PointsBet Canada has become the exclusive sports betting partner of the NHL Alumni Association, Daily Faceoff and The Nation Network, Team Kevin Koe and Team Kerri Einarson, and the official partner of Curling Canada, among other; thus evidencing its growth in North America. Alberta’s sports fan base and business-friendly environment, including competitive tax rates and a diverse workforce, are among the reasons PointsBet Canada is exploring operations in the region. 

The company owns and controls its own technology, which allows PointsBet to tackle high volumes of betting and address technical issues quickly. The hands-on, in-house approach also leads to operations, investment and jobs to open or remain in Alberta. 

In an official press release, Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada, spoke about the possibility of commencing operations in Alberta and said: “Our mission since the very beginning has been to build a Canadian sportsbook, with Canadian employees, for the Canadian market. We believe that Alberta has the talent and highly-skilled workforce that can help us be at the forefront of iGaming in Canada. 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.”

Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta, added: “Alberta’s competitive business environment, talent pipeline and unique infrastructure continue to elevate the province as a growing global tech hub. 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”.

Jay Downton, Co-Founder of The Nation Network and partner of PointsBet Canada also commented: “We knew early-on in our conversations with PointsBet Canada that they were committed to building a product that was true to our nation’s identity and not just paying lip-service to its customers. Whether it is their partnership with the NHL Alumni, Trailer Park Boys, or Team Koe, PointsBet Canada is an authentically Canadian sportsbook. As a proud Edmontonian, I am excited to see them looking to Alberta to expand their operations.”

Provincially regulated online sports betting arrived in Alberta in September 2021 via PlayAlberta’s online gambling site, which is regulated by Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis.

Since December, the province of Alberta has been looking to attract new private sportsbook operators to help conduct and manage online sports betting in the region. The AGLC is the entity in charge of choosing the companies. 

Earlier this year, PointsBet became one of the first licensed operators for Ontario’s new sports betting market. The market will officially open on April 4th, 2022, as announced by iGaming Ontario. On the approval of PointsBet’s license, Vanderwel said: “In just 60 days, PointsBet Canada’s unmatched capabilities and unique local partnerships will bring Ontario sports fansa new, responsible and dynamic form of sports betting and entertainment”. 

Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/02/15/61403-pointsbet-canada-considering-alberta-to-open-digital-sports-betting-innovation-hub

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