Saskatchewan seeking fresh additions following ‘historic’ debut

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is looking to ramp-up its online gaming offerings during the coming weeks after ushering in a “new era of safe, secure online casino gaming, sports betting and entertainment”.

November 4, 2022, saw the region gain more than 400 igaming titles and sports wagering products that became available, with additional offerings expected imminently.

The province’s first legal, regulated online gaming platform is managed by SaskGaming, operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and utilises the British Columbia Lottery Corporation‘s PlayNow platform.

Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskGaming, noted: “Last year, Saskatchewan announced a historic partnership to establish the province’s first legal, regulated online gaming platform in partnership with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and SIGA. 

“This platform is a step forward for the gaming industry and for meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province.”

“This historical partnership is the first of its kind, with a First Nations operator for online gaming with revenue sharing between First Nations and the Province,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said. “This will provide many economic benefits to the residents of the province and our First Nations communities.”

Following its initial introductions, live dealer games are expected to be added next month, with poker products anticipated to follow suite in 2023.

Pat Davis, BCLC President and CEO, said. “Saskatchewan players will enjoy the products offered by our industry-leading PlayNow.com platform, but they can also feel confident playing on a website with significant player-health safeguards and dedicated GameSense Advisors who are available to support informed play.”

PlayNow also features the GameSense responsible gambling program, which includes features such as pop-up reminders of time and money spent, problem gambling referral information, play breaks and self-exclusions. GameSense Advisors are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via live chat to support safer play online.

“SIGA is very excited to bring the PlayNow brand to Saskatchewan customers and Saskatchewan will now have access to a first-class online gaming and sports betting experience on a secure, regulated platform,” added Zane Hansen, SIGA President and CEO.

“Similar to the existing brick-and-mortar casinos in the province, all net proceeds from the PlayNow.com site are reinvested back into Saskatchewan.”