Bands Stand To Receive Less Gaming Profits

Bands Stand To Receive Less Gaming Profits

Tuesday, June 08, 2010 at 15:17

First Nations in the province could be receiving a little less gaming money this year.

A director with the Ministry of First Nations and Metis Relations says this year’s payout to the First Nations Trust will be roughly $1.5 million less than last year.

Kerry Gray says, to his knowledge, this is the first time this will have happened.

The trust distributes funding to all First Nations in the province based on population statistics.

Fifty per cent comes from on-reserve casino profits, while 25 per cent originates from provincial casinos in Moose Jaw and Regina.

Gray says the drop may be due to the economy.

In all, Gray says about $48 million will be paid into the trust this year.