MIXI’s takeover of Pointsbet gets Canadian green light

Japanese tech and entertainment firm MIXI has moved a step closer to acquiring Australian bookmaker PointsBet, after Canadian regulators confirmed they had no objection to the $400 million deal.

The acquisition, which spans PointsBet’s operations in both Australia and Canada, contrasts with rival bidder betr, whose proposal includes a non-binding agreement to sell off the Canadian business. MIXI, by contrast, has committed to retaining that arm of the company.

Back in March, MIXI secured approval from the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission. That was followed in May by a green light from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

On Monday, PointsBet revealed that Canada’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) had concluded what it described as “an intensive and extended review,” resulting in no objections to the proposed acquisition.

In addition, iGaming Ontario (IGO) has also signed off on the deal, providing MIXI with another crucial tick of regulatory approval in its bid to take over the betting group.