A new online gaming sight will launch in Saskatchewan, Canada. This comes after the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the province of Saskatchewan amended their Gaming Framework agreement to allow for the operation of the region’s first tribal online gaming site.
This new site will feature sports betting and online casino games, it is expected to launch in 2022.
FSIN chief Bobby Cameron said the agreement is the "first of its kind not only in Saskatchewan, but Canada."
He continued: "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."
The platform will be run by the non-profit Saskatchewan Indian Gaming authority. The Gaming Authority currently operates seven casinos across the province including the Dakota Dunes Resort and the Northern Lights Casino.
"I'm proud of the benefits that go back to the First Nations. There is a great demand for that revenue," added SIGA chair chief Reginald Bellerose at the conference.
"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," commented Jim Reiter, the provincial minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
The amendment establishes that casinos can now be operated online throughout the region and will see a 50/50 revenue split between the federation and the province. The money is to be spent on economic, social development, justice and recreation and health programs.
"This new online gaming site will be a safe, regulated and secure platform that will fall under existing responsible gambling practices," said Don Morgan, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation.
"This site will have measures and resources in place to support players and protect privacy, while also contributing to the social and economic well-being of Saskatchewan."
The platform will also allow for sports betting after Canada legalized the activity across the country earlier this year.
