The Province of Saskatchewan and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) signed a 25-year Gaming Framework Agreement (GFA) on June 11, 2002, replacing the original agreement from 1995.
The GFA between the province and the FSIN allows for the continued operation of casinos in the province through the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). SIGA casinos are located in Lloydminster, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Yorkton, on the White Bear First Nation near Carlyle and on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation south of Saskatoon. LGS is responsible for co-ordinating implementation of the GFA on behalf of the province.
Amendments were made to the GFA in November 2004 and again in January 2005 to allow for SIGA casinos on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and in Swift Current.
Following a review by the province and the FSIN, the GFA was further amended effective June 11, 2007. The amendments included changes to the casino revenue sharing formula, improved accountability provisions respecting the operation of Community Development Corporations and increased funding for problem gambling awareness, prevention and treatment.
In May 2014, an amendment was made increasing the maximum number of electronic gaming machines allowable at all SIGA casinos and VLT sites from 1,870 to 2,120.
In August 2016, the agreement was again amended to allow development of a SIGA-operated casino in Lloydminster.
In October 2017, by amendment, the GFA was extended by 10 years to 2037.
In September 2021, the agreement was amended to allow SIGA to operate and offer an online gaming platform that offers electronic casino games and single event sports betting to Saskatchewan residents.
In response to reduced projected casino profit as a result of public health measures taken in response to COVID-19, the Province and FSIN entered into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) in June 2020 suspending the revenue sharing provisions for the 2020-21 fiscal year. In addition, the LOU provided for an alternate funding arrangement for the GFA beneficiaries. An additional Letter of Understanding was signed for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Read the various amending agreements:
- 2023 (more slot machines for SIGA and $250,000 per year more for the First Nations Addictions and Rehabilitation Foundation) [news release]
- 2021 (online gaming added)
- 2017 (GFA extended to 2037)
- 2016 (Lloydminster casino added)
- 2014 (increase to maximum number of electronic gaming machines)
- 2007 (changes to the casino revenue sharing formula; improved accountability provisions respecting operation of the Community Development Corporations; increased funding for problem gambling awareness, prevention and treatment)
- 2005 (Swift Current casino added)
- 2004 (Whitecap Dakota casino added)