Published on: March 18, 2026, at 10:20h.

Updated on: March 18, 2026, at 10:20h.

• CA $153.5 million in gaming revenue payments for FY 2025-26 will significantly benefit Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis organizations.
• Increased budgetary allocations stem from impressive performance by the province’s terrestrial casinos and online gaming platforms.
• The total for Fiscal Year 2024-25 was CA $120.6 million.

The government of Saskatchewan has announced that First Nation and Métis organizations in the province will receive CA $153.5 million in gaming revenue payments for the fiscal year 2025-26, a substantial increase of CA $46 million compared to previous projections.

Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth of $33 Million

Last year’s total stood at CA $120.6 million.

“Ensuring the prosperity and development of First Nation and Métis communities is a priority for our government,” stated Eric Schmalz, the Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs.

“During this critical time for community resilience, these funding agreements guarantee financial resources flow to the locations where Indigenous people connect, celebrate, and nurture promising futures. This substantial increase of CA $46 million will bolster programs and foster opportunities that enhance community welfare.”

In Saskatchewan, land-based casinos are managed by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and SaskGaming, the provincial crown corporation, under the governance of Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan.

9 Land-Based Casinos in Operation

Founded in 1996, SIGA operates seven casinos throughout the province, featuring slot machines, live table games, electronic table games, and various entertainment options, including lounges and restaurants. They also run PlayNow.com, the only legally sanctioned online gaming and sports betting platform in Saskatchewan. SIGA, as a non-profit entity, reinvests all net revenues back into the betterment of Saskatchewan.

The list of casinos includes the Dakota Dunes Resort & Casino located on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation near Saskatoon, 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 situated on the Nekaneet First Nation in Swift Current, Painted Hand Casino on the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Yorkton, Bear Claw Casino on the White Bear First Nations near Carlyle, and Gold Horse Casino on Little Pine Cree Nation in Lloydminster.

Dakota Dunes Casino Expansion Update

In June, SIGA announced its financial results for FY 2024-25, reporting a gross revenue of CA $378 million for the fiscal year (spanning April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025), alongside a net income of CA $146 million. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking profits; the previous year’s net was CA $139 million.

SaskGaming oversees operations at Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. The combined performance of these venues contributed significantly to the impressive increase in gaming revenue payments, which are reinvested into First Nation communities.

In December, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 expansion at Dakota Dunes Casino, which saw the reopening of an expanded Smoking Room, adding an additional 11,500 square feet of gaming space.

Revenue Distribution Framework

The subsequent phase of expansion is anticipated to wrap up this spring, which will enhance the High Limit Room’s table gaming area. Additionally, there are summer plans for a new food and beverage venue, which will include a refreshed Tim Hortons, a deli, a bar, and a teppanyaki-style noodle bar.

As per the SIGA distribution model, 50% of the net revenue gets designated to the First Nations Trust (subsequently allocated to the 74 First Nations within the province), while 25% goes to Community Development Corporations, which reinvest in local community initiatives surrounding casino locations. The remaining 25% is allocated to the provincial General Revenue Fund.

The funds are distributed in accordance with the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act.