Saskatchewan Indians Want To Be Sole Operators

Prior to a question and answer session between the government cabinet and First Nation chiefs, FSIN chief Guy Lonechild said that he is sending a letter to the province. In it, he will state his wishes to bring internet gambling to Saskatchewan. He will ask the government to allow the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) to commence an online presence.
He believes that the longer the province waits, the more they will lose. He has stated that approximately $30 million each year is leaving the province and going to other provinces that do offer online gambling.

Unfortunately for Lonechild, a decision is not expected quickly. Gaming Minister Ken Cheveldayoff, has said that online gambling is not top priority for the government at this time. He said that they would be working on this topic and look at best practices around the country.
Lonechild has also suggested that Saskatchewan should take a broader look at how its existing gaming operations are run. He has put forward a suggestion that SIGA should be the only body to operate casinos within the provincial borders. This would mean the government would lose control of Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. These are the only casinos SIGA does not currently oversee on Saskatchewan.

Cheveldayoff has indicated that these discussions will go ahead but the two casinos are definitely not for sale. He says that Casino Regina and Moose Jaw are a part of Gaming Corporation. They are running efficiently and provide good returns to the Saskatchewan people and he anticipates that they will continue in this manner.

Cheveldayoff indicates that he would consider moving operations to SIGA and he expects that there will be further discussion on the matter in the future but says that neither issue requires immediate attention.