Operator News
Canada – Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority generates $292.6m in last fiscal year
By Phil - 21 July 2023
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) achieved record-breaking profits in 2022-23 with $292.6m in revenue and net income of $126m.
“SIGA continues to be a major driver in the province, strengthening the lives of First Nation people through employment, economic growth, positive community relations and financial self-reliance,” said Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron.
SIGA, as a non-profit corporation, reinvests all net revenue back into Saskatchewan. Casino net revenue is redistributed – 50 per cent to the First Nations Trust (which is distributed to the 74 First Nations in the province), 25 per cent to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) which reinvests the money back into local community initiatives and 25 per cent to the provincial General Revenue Fund.
“This past year was an important time of recovery for SIGA from the pandemic, as we launched PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan and kept a steady focus on Building Back our most critical resources – our markets, our employees, and our finances. SIGA’s efforts were rewarded as a return of revenues to pre-pandemic levels, combined with operational efficiencies, resulted in record-breaking earnings for SIGA,” said SIGA President & CEO Zane Hansen.
SIGA as a responsible gaming operator, is nationally certified through the RG Check Program and contributes $2.25m annually to the provincial First Nations Addictions and Rehabilitation Foundation (FNARF). In the 2023-24 budget this amount was raised to $2.5m.
SIGA operates seven casinos and the online gaming site PlayNow.com. Casinos include Dakota Dunes Resort & Casino on Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon, the Northern Lights Casino on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Prince Albert, Gold Eagle Casino on the Mosquito First Nation in North Battleford, Living Sky Casino on the Nekaneet First Nation in Swift Current, the Painted Hand Casino on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Yorkton, the Bear Claw Casino on the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle and Gold Horse Casino on Little Pine Cree Nation in Lloydminster.
