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Saskatchewan Casinos Guide

Casinos in Saskatchewan are a mix of Indigenous-operated and government-run establishments. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) operates seven First Nations-owned casinos, including Northern Lights Casino, Gold Eagle Casino, and Dakota Dunes Casino. Meanwhile, SaskGaming, a government-owned company, runs Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. All casinos in Saskatchewan are non-profit, and the money generated is invested back into the communities.

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The First Nations properties alone generate more than $80 million in net income annually. Since opening their doors, First Nations casinos have contributed more than $1 billion to the local economy and employ more than 2,000 people.

In this guide, we will explore the turbulent history of casinos in Saskatchewan, look at the current landscape, and perform a deep dive into the different properties. Come along for the ride as we break down land-based casinos in the Land of the Living Skies!

History of Casinos in Saskatchewan

For a long time, casinos were banned in Saskatchewan. In 1993, the laws were put to the test when the Bear Claw Casino was opened on White Bear First Nation. After three months, the property was shut down by the government, who pressed charges.

Throughout 1993, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the government negotiated. Finally, in 1995, the government decided to allow SIGA to operate on behalf of the First Nations.

The first casino, Northern Lights Casino, opened in Prince Albert in 1996, followed by several others, including Gold Eagle Casino and Dakota Dunes Casino. The government opened the Casino Regina in 1996 in a repurposed railway station, and Casino Moose Jaw followed in 2002.

Types of Casinos in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has First Nations and government-owned casinos; there are no privately owned properties in the province. SIGA owns seven casinos, and the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation owns two casinos.

Major Casinos in Saskatchewan

The major casinos in Saskatchewan are Casino Regina, Casino Moose Jaw, Northern Lights Casino and Gold Eagle Casino. Here is more information about the properties.

Casino Regina

Casino Regina is situated in the heart of downtown Regina, Saskatchewan. The casino is in a restored historic 1911 railway station and has been in operation for almost 30 years. It offers more than 800 slot machines and a wide variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker.

Casino Regina offers more than just gambling. There are always live music and stand-up comedy shows at the Show Lounge. The Midway Bar is a fantastic spot to get a beer and watch the game, while the Union Station Buffet has plenty of options, including some memorable pancakes.

Casino Moose Jaw

Casino Moose Jaw is located right in the middle of downtown Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and it has been welcoming players since 2002. The casino was part of a revitalization effort for the city and cost approximately $13 million to build. Casino Moose Jaw is managed by SaskGaming and is a smaller and more intimate casino than its sister property in Regina.

Casino Moose Jaw is home to around 200 slot machines and a selection of more than 20 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. The property also has a dedicated poker room, which is open 24/7. $5/10 and $10/20 Texas Hold’em Pot Limit Omaha tables are constantly run.

CMJ Express is Casino Moose Jaw’s only restaurant and serves salads and perfectly cooked burgers. This casino also has a very generous rewards program; it doesn’t require much play to get your food and drinks comped!

Northern Lights Casino

Northern Lights Casino was one of the first casinos operated by SIGA. This non-profit casino is located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and it has played a key role in bringing jobs to the local area.

Northern Lights Casino is home to a 46,500-square-foot gaming floor with more than 500 slots and six live dealer table games such as blackjack and roulette. There are Powerbucks and Smoke Signals progressive slots with $1 million jackpots, along with more than 100 penny slots.

Beyond gaming, the casino has a restaurant and bar. Northstar Restaurant serves delicious poutine, quesadillas and boneless dry ribs, while the beer is always cold at the bar with a selection of local IPAs.

Gold Eagle Casino

Gold Eagle Casino was one of the first casinos in the province, opening in 1996 in North Battleford. It is a First Nations property with more than 300 slot machines. Spin the reels on penny slots and progressives with $1 million jackpots like Rider Nation and Smoke Signals.

There are also popular table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. Gold Eagle Casino regularly hosts poker tournaments and bingo events, which are popular among locals, and the prize pools regularly cross the six-figure mark.

Gold Eagle Casino is constantly running promotions. For example, you can currently get $10 worth of free play when you join the rewards program, and players who are 55 or older can play for free on Mondays.

After you’ve hit the tables, cool off with a drink or two at the bar. Then grab a bite to eat at Kihiw Restaurant, which is known for its chicken wings and torpedo shrimp.

Smaller and Emerging Casinos

Beyond the major gaming resorts in Saskatchewan, there are also some smaller casinos.

Painted Hand Casino

Painted Hand Casino is located in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. It opened in 1996 and was a part of the original First Nations casinos in the province. This property features an expansive 40,000-square-foot gaming floor with more than 230 slots, but you won’t find any table games.

Painted Hand Casino has modern video slots with five rows and six reels. You can try the latest mechanics, from expanding grids to tumbling reels and even jackpots that increase after every spin. Although there are no live dealer table games, Painted Hand Casino does offer electronic table games. Betting limits start from just $2, and games include Three Card Poker, blackjack and roulette.

Beyond the gaming floor, there is live entertainment, including cabaret shows, live music and stand-up comedy gigs. There is also a restaurant that is open until 9 pm daily and is the go-to spot for spring rolls.

Dakota Dunes Casino

Dakota Dunes Casino has been around for almost 20 years and is just 20 minutes south of Saskatoon. It is surrounded by a beautiful prairie landscape, and Dakota Dunes Golf Links, a championship golf course, is adjacent to the property.

The casino offers more than 580 slot machines and table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, running until 3 am. Dakota Dunes is also known for hosting major poker tournaments and has a luxurious high-limit room with private blackjack and baccarat tables.

Dakota Dunes Casino has its very own Tim Horton’s, where the everything bagel with cream cheese is delicious. The Seven Sports Bar is the place to watch the NFL or NHL, with 11 large screens and snacks such as poutine and nachos.

The property also has a world-class wedding venue and boardrooms. Every Friday night, a live DJ gets the party started directly on the gaming floor.

Living Sky Casino

Living Sky Casino is a First Nations casino that started welcoming players in 2008. The property is in Swift Current and does a good job of incorporating elements of Indigenous heritage into its design and atmosphere.

Living Sky Casino is a small yet cozy casino with more than 200 slot machines. The gaming floor is packed full of progressives, including the popular Rider Nation and Smoke Signals, which both have $1 million jackpots.

Although there aren’t any live dealer tables at Living Sky Casino, you can play electronic table games. Blackjack, poker, and roulette are all available, and betting limits start from a low $2.

Living Sky Casino has a dedicated wedding venue and conference center. There is also a bar with fresh beer and the Horizons Restaurant, which is open 7 days a week until 10 pm and makes a great sirloin steak.

Casino Games Available in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan casinos have a mix of slots and table games like blackjack and roulette. There are also some specialty games, such as bingo and keno. Here is what to expect during your next trip to the gaming floor:

Slot Machines

Saskatchewan casinos have hundreds of different slot machines, and Casino Regina alone has 800 slots. There is a huge selection of penny slots and even high-limit games where you can bet up to $100 per spin.

Every theme imaginable is available, from classic fruit-themed games with just three reels to modern video slots with six reels and fancy features like expanding symbols and sticky wilds.

You’ll also come across a lot of progressives where you can win million-dollar jackpots from a single spin. Every time a player spins the reels, a portion of the bet goes into the jackpot, and it keeps rising until some lucky player wins it.

At Saskatchewan casinos, there are slots hooked up to the PowerBucks progressive network, which is linked to properties across Canada. The minimum PowerBucks jackpot is $1 million.

Table Games

Saskatchewan casinos have a wide range of table games. The most common table games are blackjack and roulette, but you can also play craps, poker and baccarat. Saskatchewan casinos also offer different variations, like Single Zero Roulette and Three Card Poker.

There are classic table games where you play with a human dealer and a real deck of cards, along with electronic table games played on tablets. Electronic table games offer much faster gameplay and low minimum betting limits.

Table games tend to have a strategic element compared to slot machines. For example, in blackjack, your decision on whether to hit or stand seriously impacts your chances of winning. Table games offer a different experience from slots. Many table game bets pay out 1 to 1, whereas in slots, you can win 10,000x your stake or more if you are lucky.

Specialty Games

Saskatchewan casinos don’t just have slots and blackjack; there are also lottery-style games. The most common specialty games are bingo and keno. In bingo, you purchase a grid of numbers, and then you mark them off as they are called by the announcer. When you form a line, you win a prize.

Keno works similarly to bingo, except you get to choose your numbers between 1 and 80, and then 20 numbers are drawn. The more numbers you match, the more you win. These specialty games offer huge prizes that can rival slot machine jackpots.

FAQs

Does Saskatchewan have casinos?

There are nine casinos in Saskatchewan. Some of the most popular casinos in SK are Casino Regina, Living Sky Casino and Casino Moose Jaw.

How many First Nations casinos are there in Saskatchewan?

There are seven First Nations casinos located in Saskatchewan, including Gold Horse Casino, Gold Eagle Casino and Bear Claw Casino & Hotel.

Who owns the casinos in Saskatchewan?

Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation owns and operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, while the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) owns and operates the other seven casinos in the state.

The legal age for gambling in Saskatchewan is 19.

Are there any dress codes for Saskatchewan casinos?

There is no specific dress code for Saskatchewan casinos, but you may be denied entry if your attire is deemed inappropriate by the property.

How are winnings taxed in Saskatchewan?

Gambling winnings are not taxed in Saskatchewan. Gambling is not considered income in Canada and Saskatchewan, and you don’t have to declare it on your tax return.

The most popular casino games in Saskatchewan are slot machines. More than 90% of the games at SK casinos are slots.

Northern Lights Casino Guide

Learn everything about Northern Lights Casino, from its history to games, dining options and the best nearby accommodation options, in this guide by LeoVegas.

Casino Regina Guide

Casino Regina offers a spacious gaming floor with nearly 800 slot machines and more than 20 table games. Read more about it in our guide.