First Nations and Metis organizations in the province will receive an additional $12.5 million in gaming payments for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The government says the increase is attributed to higher than expected profits at SIGA casinos, SaskGaming Casinos and the PlayNow.com online gaming platform.
The increase will bring the total to $120.6 million in gaming payments for the year.
“These additional contributions to First Nations and Métis organizations will further empower the economic, social, educational and cultural initiatives in communities throughout Saskatchewan,” said Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz in media release posted by the government Friday morning.
The province says the profits will be distributed to the First Nations Trust and community development corporations in accordance with the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and the Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act.
The government did mention that gaming payments to the Gold Horse Casino in Lloydminster have been held in trust until urban reserve status is established and a community development corporation is created.