Saskatchewan’s 74 First Nations, represented by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), have signed an updated version of the Gaming Framework with officials of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
The move will allow the indigenous tribes to offer websites offering sports betting and online casino games through their seven retail casinos. The province and the First Nations will split sports betting profits 50/50.
This agreement is the first model of its kind in Canada, and is comparable to the relationship between the U.S. state Connecticut and its two tribal gaming operators.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a statement: “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.”
Single event sports betting was legalized by Canada’s parliament earlier this year. This left it up to individual provinces and territories to decide how to regulate it.
Currently only Nova Scotia plans not to allow single game betting—at least for now.
