PointsBet: Mixi rejects latest bid, Betr reportedly looking into Entain Australia
After having its latest PointsBet offer denied by Mixi, Betr's focus could now be shifting away from the bidding war.
Key points:
– Mixi has rejected Betr’s all-scrip takeover effort for PointsBet
– Local reports now indicate that Betr could be lining up a sensational bid for Entain’s Australia operations
– Entain has been battling regulatory struggles in the region, but remains well-poised for growth in New Zealand
In the wake of yet another unsuccessful bidding effort for PointsBet, local reports from Down Under suggest Betr could be lining up an alternative bid for Entain’s Australia business.
As part of the latest update to the ongoing bidding war for PointsBet, Betr – which owns around 19% of the Australian operator (with operations in Canada) – has seen its all-scrip takeover bid rejected by rival bidder Mixi, which also owns a larger stake (38%) of PointsBet. Indeed, this saga has now been ongoing for some time, with the two rival suiters refusing to accept each other’s respective offers in favour of their own, leading to a cyclical bidding war.
In a move that seeks to potentially break the cycle, however, Betr has now begun exploring the possibility of taking over the Australia arm of Entain’s operations – with CEO Matt Tripp having met with Entain executives in London recently, as reported by the Australian. If successful, this move would mark something of a sensational pivot for Betr, as Entain currently controls around 17% of the Australian wagering market – making it the third largest operator in the region.
Nevertheless, Entain is currently struggling with battling regulatory hiccups in the Australasia region, being forced to pay NZ$100m (US$58.4m) to Tab NZ under the nation’s new legislative structure, alongside being subject to civil penalty proceedings by the Australian regulator for AML/CTF breaches. Regardless, the operator’s Australia and New Zealand business did turn over a revenue of £278.5m ($374.9m) during H1 2025 – up 7.9% year-on-year.
Good to know: As part of a recent GI Friday interview, current Entain CFO Rob Wood expressed excitement around New Zealand’s regulations – labelling the region as a ‘big focus’ for the company
Indeed, with Entain firmly positioned for upcoming growth in Australia and New Zealand ahead of the latter’s imminent market demonopolisation – Betr would have to exercise serious powers of persuasion if it is to succeed in taking over the company’s local operations – but it may make sense to offload its Australian operations and keep the New Zealand arm specifically, which Entain seems most optimistic about.
And with Mixi pulling further ahead in the race for PointsBet, Betr may be pushed to explore alternative avenues.
Elsewhere, Entain Australia and New Zealand has also appointed a new CEO in Andrew Vouris.
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