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Conditional approval given for casino in Lloydminster

Apr 26, 2016 | 12:01 PM

The province has given conditional approval to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) for a casino in Lloydminster, a plan which could have implications for the Battlefords area.

The proposed casino would be operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) already has six casinos in Saskatchewan, including the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford. In a news release Don McMorris, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said it represents “a continued partnership with our First Nations when it comes to a well-managed casino gaming industry for Saskatchewan.”

There are several steps ahead in the development process, including community consultation, approval by the City of Lloydminster, and an agreement between the province and FSIN to change the Gaming Framework Agreement.

Under the framework, 50 percent of a SIGA casino’s net profits go into the First Nations Trust. 25 percent flow into the local community through a Community Development Corporation. The remaining 25 percent go into the provincial government’s general revenue fund.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in the news release the success of SIGA has helped First Nations create their own economic opportunities, as 65 percent of SIGA’s 1,800 employees are First Nations people.

North Battleford’s Gold Eagle was the first casino opened by SIGA in 1996, and recently opened an expansion. SIGA’s other casinos are in Prince Albert, Yorkton, Swift Current, the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle, and at Dakota Dunes south of Saskatoon.

“There will be a slight impact on Gold Eagle,” Zane Hansen, President and CEO of SIGA (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority) said. “There won’t be a big enough impact to seriously hamper or endanger the operation there; we’ll still have solid business at Gold Eagle.”

As for a time-frame Hansen hopes that Lloydminster will approve the casino by mid-summer so that he will have a better idea of when construction will start by fall.   

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