PointsBet appoints DFS executive to lead Canada efforts
Former Monkey Knife Fight president tapped as Canadian chief commercial officer
Nic Sulsky, longtime president of Monkey Knife Fight (MKF), is leaving the daily fantasy sports provider to join PointsBet as the betting operator’s chief commercial officer for Canadian operations. Sulsky will assume the role effective June 8.
The appointment of Sulsky is the clearest sign yet of just how highly PointsBet regards the potential of a fully legalized Canadian sports betting market. Canada has 38 million people and is expected to become a multi-billion-dollar market.
“I’m thrilled to be joining PointsBet,” said Sulsky. “Now that the legalization of single-game sports betting is close to final approval by the federal government, I’m looking forward to launching a truly Canadian platform that will not only provide good jobs in an exciting industry, but also offer Canadian fans an entertaining and engaging experience like no other.”
Sulsky, who founded Monkey Knife Fight in 2018, is an ideal fit for the role. He has lived and worked in Toronto for two decades, and helped build MKF into the number three DFS brand in the US behind FanDuel and DraftKings, laying the groundwork for its acquisition by Bally’s Corporation in early 2021 for $90m.
Monkey Knife Fight’s database of daily fantasy players is going to be a key component of the acquisition strategy of Bally’s sports betting vertical, Bally Bet. Sulsky will be tasked with bringing that know-how and industry experience to PointsBet as the Australian operator looks to build its brand in Canada the same way it’s done in the US.
“PointsBet is excited to welcome Nic to the team, adding strong talent that knows how to build first-class gaming brands while possessing a deep understanding of the Canadian landscape,” said PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken.
Canada is closing in on the legalization of single-game sports betting, with Bill C-218 recently passed by the House of Commons. The bill is now awaiting Senate approval. Once passed, a regulated Canadian sports betting industry is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs.