Bobby Cameron

SIGA Named Official Online Gaming Operator in Saskatchewan

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2021

An amendment to the Gaming Framework Agreement (GFA) has been signed between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Saskatchewan government to establish a legal framework for a new online gaming site, which will be run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).

The amendment to the GFA also establishes a revenue-sharing arrangement between the two parties, marking a 50/50 revenue split between FSIN and the Province.

“The FSIN Chiefs-in-Assembly gave the mandate to secure this, and we are excited to finally have achieved it. Many hours, days, weeks, months, and years have gone into making this a reality. It makes it all worthwhile. This will bring in new revenue opportunities that will benefit our 74 First Nations communities. Even during the challenging COVID, pandemic, we are continuing to work hard to bring positive outcomes for our First Nations,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said.

“This is an important day for SIGA, as we continue to evolve with a changing gaming industry, and in our delivery of entertainment options for our customers. The additional revenue opportunities from online gaming and sports betting, will only increase SIGA’s ability as a non-profit to positively impact employment, economic growth, positive community relations and financial self-reliance of First Nations in the province,” SIGA Chair Chief Reginald Bellerose said.

“The Province and FSIN have had a long and successful history as partners in casino gaming. Over the years, SIGA has earned their reputation as a top-quality gaming organization and we’re excited to move forward with them on this new venture,” Jim Reiter, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said.

SIGA has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SaskGaming), which establishes the general terms of SIGA operating and SaskGaming managing the new online site, which will feature online casino games and sports betting. The site is anticipated to launch in 2022.

“This new online gaming site will be a safe, regulated and secure platform that will fall under existing responsible gambling practices. This site will have measures and resources in place to support players and protect privacy, while also contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of Saskatchewan,” Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskGaming, said.

Bobby Cameron

Saskatchewan to Launch PlayNow.com in November

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2022

GamingAmericas.com

Saskatchewan’s first and only legal online gaming and sports betting site, PlayNow.com, will be available to Saskatchewan residents beginning Thursday, November 3, 2022.

SIGA will be the official operator of PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan as per an operating agreement with SaskGaming.

“We are excited to be the exclusive provider of Saskatchewan’s first and only legal online gaming site, which will provide a safe and secure option for residents to play their favourite casino games and bet on their favourite sports teams online,” said SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen.

“The rollout of online gaming and single event sports betting opens up new casino entertainment options for residents. The launch timing is also ideal with Saskatchewan hosting this year’s Grey Cup in November,” said SaskGaming President and CEO Susan Flett.

“Residents will be pleased to know that when they play on the PlayNow.com site, the proceeds are reinvested back into the province unlike other grey market sites. Similar to the existing brick-and-mortar casinos in the province, all net proceeds from the PlayNow.com site are reinvested back into Saskatchewan,” Hansen said.

Additionally, PlayNow.com has partnered with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, in a sponsorship agreement for PlayNow.com. The Riders will be featuring the PlayNow.com logo on their jerseys.

“We are excited to welcome PlayNow.com as a valued partner and newest member of our strong Rider Nation,” said Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club President & CEO Craig Reynolds.

PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan is provided by BCLC and is based on British Columbia’s successful PlayNow.com business model, with many of the same entertaining casino and sports-betting products, supported by world-class vendors and their strategic partnerships with BCLC.

Saskatchewan will be the third province to use BCLC’s PlayNow.com platform, which is the only gambling website in North America and one of few in the world with dedicated responsible-gambling specialists – known as GameSense Advisors – available via live chat to support safer play online. PlayNow.com meets high standards for safety, security, technical integrity, age verification, and responsible gambling.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Province entered into an innovative agreement in September 2021, which enabled SIGA to bring PlayNow.com to Saskatchewan. The agreement is the first of its kind in Canada and further strengthens the partnership between the FSIN and the Province in Saskatchewan’s gaming sector.

“This historical partnership, is the first of its kind, with a First Nations operator for online gaming with revenue sharing between First Nations and the Province. This will provide many economic benefits to the residents of the province and our First Nations communities,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.