Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is looking at a November launch for its online gaming. Its vendor will be British Columbia Lottery Corp., which SIGA named last month. BCLC also is a vendor for Manitoba.
SIGA Director Of Communications and Media Relations Alanna Adamko commented, “BCLC has developed an industry-leading brand, GameSense, that is not only adopted and used by SIGA, but also many other gaming organizations across North America. The PlayNow platform has established built-in responsible gaming controls and resources where players can manage their deposit, spend, loss, and self-exclusion options.”
SIGA is looking at offering custom-developed games through PlayNow.
Adamko explained why SIGA picked BCLC: “BCLC has a mature, established platform successfully operating in B.C. and Manitoba, and their depth of knowledge in the Canadian market strengthens their position.”
Last September the government of Saskatchewan government and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) amended the 1995 Gaming Framework Agreement, which created the legal framework for digital gaming under SIGA. FSIN represents 74 First Nations in the Canadian province. SIGA operates seven tribal casinos.
Adamko said it is reviewing floor plans for two casinos to remodel to add sportsbooks. She added, “SIGA will look to expand its entertainment offerings at sites with a strategy of convergence between online and brick-and-mortar. We plan on utilizing a click-and-brick approach to drive customers to our site locations.”
SIGA plans to undercut gray market competitors through its “strong established brand,” “benefits of its operation to the province of Saskatchewan” and by being competitive “in the online gaming space with its sign-up and frequent bonus promotional offers,” said Adamko.
It also plans to make it easier to sign-up, make deposits and withdrawals, she said. “The sign-up process for PlayNow is mature and developed for ease of sign-up. SIGA team members will be fully trained and equipped to assist new players on sign-up in person, and will look to leverage PlayNow’s customer call center,” said Adamko.
