How many casinos are there in Saskatchewan?
There are nine permanent casinos in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) operates casinos in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Yorkton, Swift Current, Lloydminster, on the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation south of Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC) operates casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw.
Who operates the six First Nations casinos?
The seven First Nations casinos are operated by SIGA:
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Gold Eagle opened in February 1996 in North Battleford.
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Northern Lights opened in March 1996 in Prince Albert.
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Bear Claw opened in November 1996 on the White Bear First Nation.
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Painted Hand opened in December 1996 in Yorkton.
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Dakota Dunes opened in August 2007 on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
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Living Sky opened in December 2008 in Swift Current.
- Gold Horse opened in December 2018 in Lloydminster.
Net profits from SIGA casinos are divided as follows:
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50 per cent to the First Nations Trust;
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25 per cent to the Government’s General Revenue Fund; and
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25 per cent are directed to Community Development Corporations.
What are these funds?
The First Nations Trust supports economic development, social development, justice, health, education, recreation, culture and other First Nations initiatives. (The Trust is administered by an independent board of trustees. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Government Relations is responsible for monitoring administration of the Trust).
The government’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) helps fund government initiatives in support of social and economic objectives such as health, education and infrastructure.
Community Development Corporations (CDC) fund economic development, social development, justice, health, education, recreation, culture and other related initiatives among First Nations and non-First Nations charities in and around the communities where SIGA casinos are located. (CDCs are run by independent boards in each community and are comprised of representatives from Tribal Councils and representatives from the local community and surrounding area).
Who operates casinos Regina and Moose Jaw?
Casinos Moose Jaw and Regina are operated by the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC), a Treasury Board Crown corporation:
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Casino Regina opened in January 1996.
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Casino Moose Jaw opened in September 2002.
Net profits from Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw are split, with 50 per cent of revenues retained by the government's GRF, 25 per cent provided to the First Nations Trust and 25 per cent provided to the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).
The government's GRF helps fund essential programs and services for all Saskatchewan people in areas such as health, education and infrastructure.
The First Nations Trust supports economic development, social development, justice, health, education, culture and other First Nations initiatives.
The CIF distributes casino profits to many different community initiatives that benefit Saskatchewan people including exhibition associations and community groups for projects that enhance human development and community vitality. The fund is administered by an independent government appointed Board of Trustees and is accountable to government through The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.
What is done to promote responsible gaming?
Both SGC and SIGA contribute to problem gambling initiatives each year.