The Sand Hills Casino, the third owned by First Nations of Manitoba, recently opened near Carberry in Manitoba. The 31,000 square foot casino features 350 slot machines, table games, a restaurant, lounge and live entertainment. Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said, “After many years of working towards a casino in Western Manitoba, we’re very proud to open a business that will benefit all First Nations in the province. This is a significant day for First Nations,” said Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak.
The 63 Manitoba First Nations will share equally in Sand Hill’s profits. Officials said with 175 employees, including 60 percent aboriginal, the operation has an annual payroll of $5 million and an expected economic impact of at least $150 million over 10 years. The casino is managed by Hemisphere Gaming, which financed and developed the property.
Casino spokesperson Barbara Czech said, “When we say $150 million, we’re really talking about construction jobs, ongoing jobs, increased business opportunities and spending in the region as a result of the construction and the ongoing operation. When you factor in the whole region, Carberry, Glenboro, Brandon and a section of western Manitoba, $150 million over 10 years is a significant impact. And by the way, we think that may be on the conservative side.”
With its proximity to Brandon, Sandy Trudel, that city’s director of economic development, said, “The casino is another added attraction and amenity in the region. We want to make sure we’re extending people’s stays and drawing them into the city. Our goal is to get them here, keep them here as long as we can and get them to spend as much money as possible.”
Other First Nations-owned casinos in Manitoba are South Beach on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation reserve and the Aseneskak Casino on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
