The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan government are rolling the dice in a new partnership.
On Thursday afternoon an amendment to the Gaming Framework Agreement was signed between the government and the FSIN to create a legal framework for a new online gaming site.
The website will be operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) with the establishment of a revenue sharing agreement between the FSIN and the government.
According to a SIGA statement, the agreement will establish a 50/50 revenue sharing between the two parties.
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“This will be a positive benefit for our 74 First Nations,” declared FSIN chief Bobby Cameron during Thursday’s announcement at First Nations University of Canada in Regina.
“It is a historic agreement. The first of its kind not just in Saskatchewan, but in Canada. “
The website will feature online casino games and sports betting.
“The province and FSIN have had a long and successful history as partners in casino gaming,” said Jim Reiter, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming and Spirits Authority.
“Over the years, SIGA has built its reputation as a high-quality gaming organization and we are excited to continue with them in this new venture.”
The contract requires five years of exclusivity for SIGA to operate the site.
SIGA said that this is an opportunity for them to evolve and change the gaming industry.
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“The additional income opportunities from online gaming and sports betting will only increase SIGA’s ability as a non-profit organization to positively impact First Nations employment, economic growth, positive community relations and financial self-sufficiency in the province ”, said the president of SIGA, Reginald Bellerose. said.
The announcement also includes SIGA signing a letter of intent with Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation to set out the general terms of operation for SIGA and SaskGaming managing the new online site.
SIGA will send a request for proposal to the public. A joint award process will be conducted to determine the successful applicant for the project.
Officials expect the website to be live next year.
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