PointsBet has initiated a leadership transition, coinciding with a new era of ownership following its acquisition by Japanese tech firm MIXI.
The Australian betting group confirmed today that Sam Swanell will step down as CEO, having served in the position, as well as being Managing Director, since 2016.
Swanell oversaw PointsBet during an ambitious and transformational period of nine years, during which the company took on the North American markets following the repeal of PASPA in the US in 2018.
PointsBet launched in the US in 2019, first in New Jersey before expanding to other states like Colorado and New York. It found itself in a highly competitive market, however, which soon became dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings, and in 2024 its US business was sold to Fanatics for US$225m (€192m).
The company is still active in Canada though, and the prospect of Alberta launching a regulated multi-licence market alongside Ontario means stakeholder interest in the country is still high.
Also, despite its US difficulties and its market cap steadily falling from just under AU$15 per share in 2021 to under $US1.00 a share in December, PointsBet remains an acquisition target – the firm was the subject of a dramatic bidding battle throughout much of this year between MIXI and rival 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.”
New management for new PointsBet
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.”