The Aseneskak Casino in the Manitoba, Canada town of the Pas, is expected to close and relocate near Winnipeg within two years, officials said. It’s the third major employer to announce within the past few weeks that it’s leaving the area.
Opened in 2002 in Opaskwayak Cree Nation territory, the casino is owned by a partnership of six First Nations: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Chemawawin Cree Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation, Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.
Chief Executive Officer said Suzanne Barbeau-Bracegirdle said, “The market just isn’t here. We have 600 game machines that we can use but we are presently using only 172. We are only using six table games and we have the capacity for 30. We have to look at the economic benefit of the casino, which is a business that’s run by six First Nations. We want to make sure they get their investment.”
Barbeau-Bracegirdle stated most of the casino’s 147 employees, who mostly are members of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, have been invited to relocate along with the company.
The move requires approval from provincial leaders, said Heather Stefanson, the minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority. “Aseneskak Casino has a gaming agreement with the government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Authority. The number, size and location of casinos are negotiated between First Nations and the provincial government,” Stefanson said.
The Pas Mayor Jim Scott said he hoped the casino would remain in the Pas, population 5,700. “I think there’s opportunity. There’s tourism opportunities we haven’t fully looked at,” he said. That’s unlikely, according to Barbeau-Bracegirdle. She said the casino partners have been talking to representatives at several potential sites near Winnipeg, including Peguis First Nation, which hopes to negotiate a partnership with the Manitoba Jockey Club.
