PointsBet has begun a leadership transition, coinciding with a new phase in its development following its acquisition by Japanese technology company MIXI. The group confirmed that Sam Swanell will step down as CEO, a role he has held since 2016 alongside his position as Managing Director. During his tenure, the company expanded into the North American market following the repeal of PASPA in the US in 2018.
PointsBet launched in the United States in 2019, starting in New Jersey before expanding into Colorado and New York. However, the company found itself in an extremely competitive environment, with the market quickly dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings. As a result, in 2024 PointsBet’s US business was sold to Fanatics for US$225 million.
PointsBet remains active in the Canadian market, and the prospect of Alberta launching a regulated multi-licence market alongside Ontario continues to generate strong interest from industry stakeholders.
Despite challenges in the US and a decline in market capitalisation – from nearly AU$15 per share in 2021 to under AU$1 per share in December – PointsBet remains an attractive acquisition target. For much of the year, the company was at the centre of a dramatic bidding battle between MIXI and rival operator Betr.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sam Swanell for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment and deep contribution to PointsBet since founding the company,” Brett Paton, PointsBet Chairman.
“Sam has guided PointsBet through every stage of its development and growth, and his continued involvement in an advisory capacity, as well as his ongoing service on the Board, will ensure the business continues to benefit from his insight and experience.”
PointsBet will enter 2026 under new management in more ways than one. Firstly, Andrew Catterall was announced as new Group CEO today, although he does not officially take on the leadership role until 1 February 2026.
Aside from Caterall’s appointment, the group is now under the umbrella of MIXI, the Japanese digital and tech company. MIXI Australia, the firm’s local division, acquired a 66.4% stake in PointsBet for AU$1.25 per share.
As mentioned above, the firm was involved in a dramatic bidding battle against Betr, the trading name of BlueBet, an Australian betting challenger brand. The duo had been trading offers since March, though PointsBet’s board routinely favoured MIXI’s position.
As well as new ownership under MIXI, PointsBet may find itself facing new market opportunities but also regulatory challenges in 2026. The opening of Alberta could prove very fruitful, but the pressure is also on in Australia with the governing body facing calls from backbench MPs to make good on a package of regulatory reforms.
“We are delighted to appoint Andrew Catterall as Group CEO,” PointsBet’s Paton remarked.
“Andrew has delivered strong performance within our Australian operations and brings extensive industry expertise, strategic capability and leadership qualities that will guide PointsBet into its next phase.
“The Board congratulates Andrew on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him as he leads the Group forward.”
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