Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and First Nation officials recently cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the million, 5,000 square foot expansion and renovation at the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford. Assembly of First Nations national Chief Perry Bellegarde said, “Let’s continue to build our economies and provide hope, jobs and careers for our young men and women, that’s what it’s all about.”
The original 34,000-square-foot casino built in 1996 now features a new, self-contained smoking section off the gaming floor, with its own entrance and an improved and upgraded ventilation system. The rest of the facility is smoke-free. “We did get feedback where air quality was a concern, and it was for us as well. It’s a great step forward for the Gold Eagle,” said SIGA President Zane Hansen.
Fifty new slot machines have been added to the gaming floor, Hansen noted. “The casino was always doing very well. This was an investment to make it that much better and to supply the market to the best of our abilities.”
The property employs more than 320 full- and part-time workers, making it one of the major employers of First Nations citizens in the region.
