Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority issued its official announcement making it clear that the tribal gaming venues it oversees would no longer be welcoming casino patrons. The closure is temporary and it should be taken into account that the gaming locations would remain closed until further notice. This move has been triggered by the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Saskatchewan.
The province is implementing measures striving to reduce the negative impact of the novel coronavirus on its residents through social distancing and many canceled live events and congregations. As of March 16, Saskatchewan has reported seven presumptive cases of the novel coronavirus, but it should be taken into account that the individual was quickly hospitalized because of unrelated medical issues. The individual is in their 60s.
Tribal Casinos Closed
Casino venues and gaming halls across the province would have to also see their operation cease, as the larger social gatherings would make it easier for the COVID-19 to spread across Saskatchewan. Over the next two weeks, the tribal casino locations overseen by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority would not welcome casino patrons as a preventive measure battling the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The First Nation people have been able to generate benefits for their future projects, for their communities, as well as for the gaming halls host communities. The entirety of the net income is reinvested in the areas where gambling is part of the day-to-day life. It could be recalled that the authority issued information regarding its 2018-2019 fiscal year, pointing out that tribal gaming offerings were able to amass some CA$262 million in revenue.
As for the net income later on reinvested in the host communities, it reached some CA$82.5 million. The First Nation gaming leader is currently overseeing the operation of seven tribal casino locations sprinkled across the province. They are able to bring people a total of 2,370 slot machines with riveting gaming titles. In addition to that, the venues are also the home of a total of 60 live table games.
Social Distancing Could Mitigate Outbreak
Those are the Painted Hand Casino Yorkton, Living Sky Casino Swift Current, Northern Lights Casino Prince Albert, Dakota Dunes Casino south of Saskatoon, Gold Eagle Casino North Battleford, Gold Horse Casino Lloydminster, as well as Bear Claw Casino and Hotel north of Carlyle. President and Chief Executive Officer of the First Nation authority Zane Hansen made it clear that in two weeks, the situation would be reassessed.
The decision was taken following the guidelines issued by the government in a global situation of a pandemic. SIGA Board Chair, Chief Reginald Bellerose, pointed out that the desire to protect both players and the casino staff has been one of the leading arguments why the seven casino locations should close for business until the outbreak has been mitigated.
Casino Regina & Moose Jaw would also no longer welcome casino patrons, but for the time being, Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation overseeing the venue has not issued information on the projected opening date. Over the weekend, the government has mandated that all social gatherings with more than 50 individuals should be canceled effective immediately, following the example of other provinces.
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