Prominent online gaming operator PointsBet is starting to make some preparations for the upcoming introduction of single-sports wagering in Canada. The company has acquired the services of gaming veteran Nic Sulsky, who is going to take over the position of Chief Commercial Officer starting from this June at the corporation’s practices in Canada.

Bill C-218 or the legislation that would allow individuals to bet on a particular single sporting event by changing the Criminal Code has been introduced to the Canadian Senate. The bill has already passed its two readings and was headed to the standing committee which should compile a report on it and send it back for a final third reading. Thus, the legislation is one step closer to materialization.

Significant Appointment

Mr. Sulsky has a rich resume in the gambling industry as the Toronto native is a former president of Monkey Knife Fight, which is the third-biggest daily fantasy sports operator in the United States. Prior to that Mr. Sulsky co-founded InGamer, which is also an in-game fantasy platform. The platform was launched back in 2010 in a partnership agreement with CBC’s Hockey Night.

The new CCO of the company stated that he is extremely excited to be joining the gaming operator. In his words, the company’s commitment to the Canadian market and its specifically designed-for-the-country platform made his decision of accepting the position very easy. He added that with the new platform the company will provide many new job positions for locals in addition to entertaining and engaging gambling experience.

Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO has praised the company’s newest team member. He welcomed Mr. Sulsky aboard and stated that his addition will provide valuable talent and knowledge while to company strides towards exploring the Canadian gambling markets. He is also hopeful this appointment will precede many others that will provide leadership in the new Canadian expansion.

If the legislation passes all legal levels its introduction will be extremely prolific for the Canadian gaming business. According to some calculations, the country’s sports betting field will rise between CA$1.2 billion to CA$2.2 billion industry. Its introduction will also create more than 2,500 job positions. From 60% to 75% of the growth is expected to arrive from online betting.

Gaining Momentum

In the meantime, Bill C-218 gather more and more support from Canadian legislators and gaming brands. Recently Saskatchewan senator Brent Cotter has had a change of heart and has now voiced his backing for the legislation. According to him, the desire of sporting institutions to introduce it should be enough of a statement that the bill would bring positives for the involved industries.

Another gaming entity that has also stated its excitement about the prospect of legalizing single-sports betting is Real Luck Group. CEO of the company Thomas Rosander has praised the Senate’s rather quick and successful two reading of the legislation. The CEO believes that due to the high demand for sports wagering, the sporting industry in Canada has the potential to transform into a multi-billion one.

Source: “PointsBet hires Canadian gaming industry veteran Nic Sulsky as they look to expand into Canadian market”, Cision, June 3, 2021