On Thursday, The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the province of Saskatchewan signed a deal that establishes the legal framework for a new online gaming site. The site will be launched next year and it will include online casino games and sports betting.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations includes 74 First Nations and thanks to the recent agreement the organization will run the new website through the non-profit Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.
Right now, there are seven casinos in Saskatchewan belonging to the federation. These include Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino on Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon, the Northern Lights Casino on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Prince Albert, and Gold Eagle Casino on the Mosquito First Nation in North Battleford.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron stated that this agreement is the
“first of its kind not only in Saskatchewan but Canada.”
He added:
“A lot of work went into this, we have ventured on for the last many days, weeks, months, and years to get to this point. This obviously is going to be a positive benefit to our 74 First Nations communities. Saskatchewan Gaming Authority is leading the way for gaming on First Nation country.… This is reconciliation at its finest.”
Chief Reginald Bellerose said that this deal comes at the right time because the pandemic financially ruined First nation communities as well.
He added:
“I’m proud of the benefits that go back to the First Nations. There is a great demand for that revenue.”
Jim Reiter, the provincial minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, is pleased with this deal.
Reiter said:
“For more than 25 years, the province and FSIN have been partners in casino gaming. The casinos have assisted First Nation people by creating careers and important business opportunities in the gaming sector. The new online gaming site being developed by SIGA will continue this tradition of partnership.”
