Saskatchewan First Nations See Less Casino Funds
The Saskatchewan First Nations will receive $46.3 million from casino revenues, it was reported this week. This is less than what the Trust received last year - the second decline in a row.
Last year's $48.2 million was the first time in history that a decline in funds allocated to the trust was recorded.
The Trust traditionally receives 25% of the profits from the two government operated casinos in Moose Jaw and Regina.
The Minster who deals with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corp and First Nations, said that although there was "no cause for alarm", he could see the logic in upgrading the local gaming industry.
He believes that the upgrading of existing machines, the introduction of new ones and the legalization of internet gaming could go a long way in seeing revenues increase, instead of decrease.
"Gaming is an industry that you totally have to be on top at every opportunity and refresh games wherever necessary," he said. "Gaming is a very competitive industry."
"We've got the whole idea of online gaming," he admitted. "We know that's increasing and taking some market share. We're going to have to look at that even closer."
Pressure on to Introduce Online Gambling
Owners of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, are putting pressure on the provincial government to introduce internet gambling.
The group says that $30 million in revenue is being lost to online gambling which takes place outside the province.
This trend is being closely monitored by problem gambling groups, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association. The director of a problem gambling community program, Shauna Altrogge, said that the government has promised to study the issue of online gambling, without actually pledging to introduce it.
She admitted that since online gambling is growing at such a fast pace, it may be wise to have the government control it.
