By Patrick Book

Sask. First Nations seek to be sole operators of casinos in province

Jun 8, 2011 | 6:44 AM

The head of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is letting the provincial government know it's time to expand gaming in Saskatchewan.

Ahead of a question-and-answer session between the government cabinet and First Nation chiefs Wednesday, FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild told reporters he's sending a letter to the province to state his desire to bring internet gambling come to Saskatchewan. He's asking the government to allow the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority to start up an online presence.

He insists the longer the province drags its heels the more we lose.

“Approximately $30 million is leaving the province (every year) because of other gambling sites that are offered by other provinces,” he insists, stressing the impact that money could have for First Nations people.

However, Lonechild shouldn't expect anything to come about immediately.

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“Online gaming is not a top priority for the government right now,” stressed gaming minister Ken Cheveldayoff in an afternoon interview.

“It's something that we've agreed to work together on and we've agreed to look at best practices across the country,” he continued. “Eventually we're going to have to make a decision on it but it's not something that's at the top of the agenda right now.”

Lonechild also contends it's time Saskatchewan took a broader look at how it runs its existing gaming operations as well.

He's also suggesting that SIGA should be the only body operating casinos inside the provincial borders. That would mean the government would give up control of Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, the only casinos SIGA doesn't currently oversee in Saskatchewan.

Cheveldayoff says those discussions will be had but the two casinos are absolutely not for sale.

“Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw are part of Gaming Corporation, they operate in an efficient manner, and they provide a handsome return for the people of Saskatchewan and they'll continue to do so.”

Cheveldayoff clarifies that he would consider shifting operations to SIGA and that he expects there will be conversations around that topic in the future. He insists neither issue is immediately pressing.

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