It is not on the government’s radar, but selling Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw to the FSIN is an idea that is still being floated around.
On Wednesday, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Chief Bobby Cameron met with First Nations and Metis Affairs Minister Jim Reiter to talk about the budget, and they also had a brief discussion about gaming.
Cameron says taking over the casinos would be a good fit for Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).
“Well it’s a good idea, absolutely. SIGA is successful, right?” he said. “I’m pretty positive the province wants to get out of the gaming industry, they realize and fully acknowledge that SIGA does a fantastic job operating and managing casinos.”
Reiter says there have been no formal talks, but says the topic did come up.
“Well Chief Cameron initiated the discussion Wednesday morning and he indicated he would be initiating it further, so I am sure there will be some discussion around it,” he said.
Two years ago, the two sides came close to reaching an agreement. However, the deal was scuttled by the NDP opposition.
SIGA currently operates six casinos in the province.
In this year’s budget, gaming agreements provided nearly $80 million in transfers to First Nations and Metis organizations.