SIGA Named as Saskatchewan Official Gaming Operator. SaskGaming will manage the new online gaming site while SIGA will operate it. (Image by Hunters Race on Unsplash)
SIGA (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority) and the FSIN (Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations) signed a legal framework for a brand new online gaming site on Thursday with SIGNA now the Saskatchewan Official Gaming Operator.
SaskGaming will manage the new online gaming site while SIGA will operate it. The site, set to launch in 2022, will feature sports betting and iGaming and establish a 50/50 revenue sharing ratio between the Province and FSIN.
This new legal framework is an amendment to the GFA (Gaming Framework Agreement), and SIGA has signed a LOI (Letter of Intent) with SaskGaming (the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation).
The letter establishes the general terms of SaskGaming managing and SIGA operating the new site.
New Opportunities For Income a Positive for First Nations
Speaking on the development, Bobby Cameron, FSIN Chief, stated that:
The new online gaming site would usher in new opportunities for additional income that its 74 First Nations communities will benefit from. He added that the firm has continued to work hard in bringing positive outcomes for its First Nations even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
Cameron further stated that the agreement between both firms is ‘historic’ as it’s the first-ever in Saskatchewan and Canada at large. As part of its GFA, SIGA operates 7 physical casinos in Saskatchewan. SIGA is a non-profit organization, so all the profits made from its casino operations will be used to benefit the First Nation communities. The mission is to better the lives of the communities via economic growth, employment, and positive community relations.
Statement From SIGA Chair Chief Says Entertainment is on the Horizon
Also commenting on the agreement, Reginald Bellerose, SIGA Chair Chief, stated that:
It is indeed a memorable time for SIGA to sign the deal with FSIN in furtherance of its strive to evolve with the ever-changing gaming industry. He added that the agreement would also help in delivering entertainment options for SIGA’s customers.
Reginald also noted that the additional income opportunities from sports betting and online gaming will further boost SIGA’s capacity as a non-profit organization.
Minister in Charge Of SaskGaming Says Player Privacy & Support Will Be Much Improved
Don Morgan, the Minister in Charge of SaskGaming, also commented on the agreement.
He lauded the new online gaming site as a secure, regulated, and safe platform that will be under responsible gambling practices that are already in place.
Don added that the site would feature resources and safety measures to protect privacy and support players while augmenting Saskatchewan’s economic wellbeing.
Statement From Minister in Charge of Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Jim Reiter, the Minister in Charge of Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, stated that:
Both FSIN and the Province have a successful history for long as casino gaming partners. Jim added that SIGA had earned a reputation as a gaming organization with top quality over the years. He expressed the ministry’s delight in working with SIGA on the new venture, moving both organizations forward.
According to Global News, the contract for SIGA to exclusively operate the site for five years as the non-profit organization is ready to submit a proposal request out to the public. There will be a collaborative negotiation process to determine which organization will be successful for the project.
This is a new move in the changing environment online and live casinos in Canada are having to adapt to. We still don’t know how this will affect European based online casinos that serve the Canadian market. We already see the Evolution no longer allows its live games to be streamed in Canada unless the casino has a license with a local authority.
Leave A Comment