PointsBet looks to Colorado to establish major tech hub
Operator will hire up to 200 new staffers with at least 50% to work on product and technology
PointsBet is preparing to establish a major tech hub in Denver, Colorado as it seeks to recruit tech talent from the west coast.
US CEO Johnny Aitken, VP of finance Kate Chesney and VP of product Manjit Gombra Singh will all relocate to the hub, with plans to hire up to 200 staff in the next year.
Speaking to EGR, Aitken said the location would enable the firm to tap into the tech talent of Silicon Valley and Seattle.
PointsBet has chosen Denver Colorado to establish its West Coast headquarters
“[We’re] providing a really appealing opportunity for those tech people as an alternative to going to work for Google or Amazon perhaps,” Aitken said.
“That is where our headspace is at, we want to compete against those companies for the best talent. Although we’re still relatively small, people can come in and make a difference and have their ideas heard.”
As part of the move, PointsBet has received a grant from the Colorado Economic Development Commission worth $4.1m in tax credits.
Approximately 50% of staff will cover product development and other tech operations, while the firm will also hire for CRM, finance, customer services and analytics.
Aitken said PointsBet was in conversations with local universities and colleges to draw tech graduates to the firm.
The recently signed betting partnership with Colorado-based operator Double Eagle Hotel and Casino also played a role in the decision to open a hub in the state.
“Every piece of intel we get on Colorado suggests betting is definitely maintaining a clear track to going live here next year, subject to the referendum,” said Aitken.
“The first day it is live in Denver and Colorado we will be taking bets.”
The operator will maintain its New Jersey hub to cover its East Coast operations, particularly as it moves into a handful of new states via its market-access deal with Penn National.