The Government of Saskatchewan and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) have extended the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s online gaming exclusivity to September 2029 and approved a gaming centre pilot project on Flying Dust First Nation.
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The provincial government announced the amendments to the Gaming Framework Agreement on Aug. 31.
“Our government has built a successful gaming industry in Saskatchewan in partnership with the FSIN through good-faith negotiation and incremental change,” minister responsible for lotteries and gaming Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said in a release.
Harrison said the gaming sector provides significant First Nations employment and supports economic development on- and off-reserve, while funding education, housing and other priorities.
Gaming centre pilot approved
The gaming centre pilot is approved to have up to 49 slot machines and will be located on Flying Dust First Nation. The gaming centre is expected to be part of a larger commercial development proposed by the First Nation that includes a strip mall, hotel and conference centre.
“We welcome the three-year extension of SIGA’s operation of Saskatchewan’s only licensed and regulated online gaming platform, which reflects SIGA’s strong leadership and successful operation of the platform,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said.
Cameron said the project will better serve the people of Meadow Lake and northwest Saskatchewan. He noted the benefits will extend beyond the host community, with the First Nations’ share of gaming profits distributed among Saskatchewan First Nations throughout Treaty 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 territories.
Machine allocation increase
Approved by the Government of Saskatchewan and by the Chiefs in Assembly, the amendments also increase SIGA’s slot machine allocation by 49 to a total of 2,619 machines.
The Gaming Framework Agreement lays out the terms for First Nations gaming development in the province, including the operation of First Nations casinos. Gaming revenue supports charitable programs across the province.
Signed in 2002, the GFA requires a review by both parties every five years. Revenue-sharing arrangements mean both the province and First Nations in Saskatchewan have a vested interest in the success of the gaming sector.
The amendments affect Saskatchewan residents, including those on the Saskatchewan side of the Border City, who access the province’s regulated online gaming platform.
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