Land-based and online gaming in Saskatchewan generated more revenue than expected for the province’s First Nations and Métis communities in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The provincial government announced on Tuesday that the strong performance of Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) casinos, SaskGaming properties and the PlayNow.com online platform raised $153.5m in gaming revenue payments for Saskatchewan’s Indigenous organizations, an increase of $46m on what was projected in the 2025-26 budget.
That not only outperformed expectations for this fiscal year, but demonstrated strong growth from the previous period. In 2024-25, regulated gaming in Saskatchewan generated $120.6m for First Nations and Métis, $12.5m ahead of expectations. So, those total revenue contributions increased 27% year over year.
“At a time when community strength is more vital than ever, these agreements ensure funding flows to the places where Indigenous people gather, celebrate and build strong futures,” said Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz. “This increase of $46m will help support programs and build opportunities that improve communities.”
Saskatchewan shares the gaming wealth
Via SIGA’s profit-sharing model, 50% of net profits from SIGA casino gaming goes to the First Nations Trust, which distributes the money to the 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. Another 25% goes to the province’s Community Development Corporations, which distribute funds for initiatives including economic and infrastructure development in areas surrounding SIGA casinos. Another portion of the revenue goes to the Clarence Campeau Development Fund, which supports Métis entrepreneurship and economic development.
Non-profit corporation SIGA operates seven casinos in the province as well as Saskatchewan’s only regulated iGaming and sports betting site, PlayNow.com. Last summer, SIGA reported its best-ever annual results for the third year in a row, with $378m in gross revenue for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025. Net income was $146m this year.
Meanwhile, SaskGaming operates two other casinos, Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, in the province.
Province’s casino upgrades reap reward
Saskatchewan’s uptick in gaming revenue proceeds for First Nations and Métis in 2025-26 came after the province invested in upgrades to its casino gaming industry in the prior fiscal year.
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) approved Vancouver-based Jackpot Digital in late 2024 to supply its electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables to its seven casinos. That came after the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) also increased the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the province through deals with Inspired Entertainment and International Game Technology (IGT).
In October 2024, after those additions to its casinos, SIGA launched its new SIGA Rewards loyalty program, aimed at providing players with exclusive rewards and personalized offers.
Meanwhile, progress is being made in the ongoing expansion of Dakota Dunes Casino (pictured), one of the largest SIGA-operated casinos, located south of Saskatoon on the land of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. SIGA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 2025 to celebrate the completion of Phase 1, which involved adding 11,500 feet of new gaming floor space to the casino.
Government outlines next year’s expectations
In a separate release issued on Thursday, the provincial government noted that its 2026-27 fiscal year budget includes a projected $137.9m in gaming revenue payments for First Nations and Métis organizations.
That constitutes a $30.5m increase over the budgeted amount for 2025-26, but is $15.6m short of the actual realized payments total in 2025-26. amounts.
