Most recently, PointsBet Canada, one of the first launched operators in Ontario’s iGaming markets, shared its plans to make curling more commercial. In a recent interview, Chief Commercial Officer of the company, Nic Sulsky, admitted that the sport is already quite popular across the country, but the company wants to make it even more appealing to fans.
Ontario’s iGaming and online sports betting market for private operators kicked off on April 4, 2022. In order to prepare for the launch of the new regime, last fall PointsBet Canada inked a collaboration with Curling Canada, thus making it the official sports wagering partner of the league. And now the operator wants to make the sport even more popular.
Adding Live Bets to Games
Mr. Sulsky commented that the betting company wants to make curling cool, despite already being quite popular among Canadians. He believes that the sport is ready to take the next step forward and is confident that PointsBet Canada has the foundation to help it get to the next level. The CCO informed that the corporation and Curling Canada are already working on a fans engagement event for next season.
According to Mike Naraine, the opportunity to wager live on teams, scores, and prop bets in a much livelier setting could help curling attract a younger demographic. Mr. Naraine an assistant professor at Brock University’s department of sports management and says that gambling is one of the ways to attract younger audiences but it will be a slow build.
Matt Dunstone, who will lead a new Manitoban team next season reckons that curling is perfect for prop bets. According to him, this is great for both fans and the sports, as it provides more engagement, which is the goal. He also said that there are basically no limits when it comes to live bets with curling, as some fans would love to have more options.
Ben Hebert, who played with Koe last season and is a PointsBet ambassador, commented that the introduction of betting can help build on the fan passion and energy. The professional said that the popularity of the sport has been showing through, but he still believes that the inclusion of gambling on games is something that can attract younger crowds.
Enjoying Life in Ontario
Also, this week, Mr. Sulsky gave an update on the betting corporation’s performance after its launch in Ontario last month. He shared that the activity has already exceeded expectations, as according to Morgan Stanley research, the company’s app has accumulated from 5% to 8% of the total downloads since launch. Mr. Sulsky shared that this means that the firm’s strategy is successful.
However, despite the local success earlier PointsBet Canada was sanctioned by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The company has allegedly violated the same Standard 2.05 of the provincial Standards for Internet Gaming. The AGCO said that the firm has put up posters in GO stations and on GO trains that featured inducement to play for free, which is forbidden.
Source: ““We want to make curling cool” — Rolling the dice on the Roaring Game”, Yahoo Sports, May 18, 2022
