Additional Slot Machines for SIGA

Released on
May 21, 2014

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) casinos are getting 250 additional slot machines.

Once installed in early 2015, SIGA will have a total of 2,120 slot machines at its six casinos.  This is the first increase in slot machines for SIGA since 2008.

“SIGA’s operations have grown during the past six years, both in the number of visitors and also in some building expansions at their existing casinos,” Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Donna Harpauer said.  “These new machines will help address capacity issues at peak play times while also generating additional revenue that will benefit both First Nations and government priorities.”

SIGA has approximately 1,900 employees at its casinos in Prince Albert, North Battleford, Yorkton, Swift Current, on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon and on the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle.

In 2012-13, SIGA recorded a net income of $86.8 million.  Profits from SIGA casinos are shared among First Nations, the provincial government and hundreds of groups and organizations in communities where SIGA casinos are located.

“The additional gaming machines represent increased revenue opportunities and those are certainly welcomed,” Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Perry Bellegarde said.  “But even more importantly, the announcement today reflects confidence in our gaming operations combined with the opportunity to devote more resources to First Nations’ high priority targets such as education, economic development and other priorities as determined by the Chiefs-in-Assembly.  The FSIN looks forward to continuing our dialogue with the Government of Saskatchewan on important initiatives that benefit all residents through increased economic activity.”

First Nations gaming in Saskatchewan is conducted through an agreement between the provincial government and FSIN.  The FSIN formed SIGA to operate the casinos on its behalf.

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For more information, contact:

Stephanie Choma
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Phone: 306-787-1799

Kay Lerat
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Phone: 306-956-6904

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