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First Nations Casinos: Complete Guide | LeoVegas ON

First Nations Casinos

Discover where you can find each of the First Nations casinos in Canada, along with how they came to be and which ones have full, Vegas-style casino offerings.

Table of Contents:

From Bingo Halls to Vegas Glamour: Tracing the Evolution of First Nations Gaming

Through the 1970s and 1980s, Native American tribes were establishing casino and gambling venues, which quickly ended up pressing the legal limits for gaming in many states throughout the US. By 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act essentially won the controversy in favour of Native Americans, allowing for tribes to retain their sovereignty and ability to create casinos, but the compromise was that tribes had to be in a compact with the state and not break federal law.

All of this action to the south, and the revenues gained by Native American tribes, sparked interest in Canada among the First Nations. In Canada, it began with more low-key operations, such as bingo and keno halls, along with charitable gaming.

Opened in 1994, the Golden Eagle Charitable Casino and Gaming Centre in Ontario remains a prime example of these early movers for First Nations casinos. Although provinces actively tried to block reserve casinos from being built, by 1996, there were already First Nations casinos in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

After amendments to the Canadian Criminal Code in 1985 allowed each province to govern gambling industries as they saw fit, the First Nations were put on the back foot. Multiple attempts by First Nations to challenge the authority of the province over their gambling operations lost in court. In most cases, First Nations casinos weren’t allowed in the profitable metropolitan areas, resulting in native Canadian casinos being all but restricted to more rural areas on reserves.

Nevertheless, the casinos that went up across Canada did manage to gain traction, and those that went all in on becoming Vegas-style resorts continue to turn a hefty profit. However, in most cases, the province has jurisdiction over the First Nations’ gambling venue.

Many First Nations have brought legal challenges concerning their sovereignty to the courts, but most haven’t been successful. Still, those that do operate manage to turn enough of a profit to make a big difference to the funding of local developments.

Historical Context of First Nations Gaming

The Origins of Indigenous Gambling Practices

The origins of indigenous gambling practices date back to the 1970s in the United States. Culturally, many forms of gambling date back to before the founding of Indian Reservations. Given the profit potential and the disadvantages Native Americans were held under for decades, many sought to generate revenue through gaming houses in the late 1970s. Bingo parlours were the first entries into the market, but tribes eventually wanted more room to grow.

In the 1970s, with Florida and California being hot spots for tribal bingo venues, many tribes locked horns with state lawmakers for flaunting their strict regulations on the many forms of gambling. Claiming tribal sovereignty, many high-stakes bingo halls popped up in several states. After some cases made it to the US Supreme Court, including Bryan v. Itasca County, Chickasaw Nation v. United States, and California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, a new law was passed.

Key Legislation Shaping First Nations Casinos (IGRA)

Following the California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians decision in the US in 1987, First Nations sought similar standing in Canada. While the Constitution Act 1982 did recognize the rights of Aboriginal people, the Supreme Court of Canada decided in two cases that there wasn’t a right to large-scale commercial gambling operations.

In 1993, after the Bear Claw Casino on White Bear First Nations land lost its case to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the First Nation and Saskatchewan negotiated to found the province’s Indian Gaming Authority.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

On October 17, 1988, the 100th United States Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This act formed the federal gaming structure that lays out the regulations for Native American tribes. It encourages tribes to pursue gambling as a means of generating revenue while also protecting tribal operations from elements such as organized crime. It has remained a point of controversy, and several challenges to the law have made it to the US Supreme Court.

Tribal-State Compacts: Negotiations and Agreements

A key part of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in the US is that, to forge a Class III gaming venue complete with slots and table games, there needs to be a negotiated tribal-state compact. This compact also needs to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. It enables the tribe and the state to come to a business arrangement in establishing a new major gambling venue. The 1988 act was formed to allow a balance of power between tribes and states, but the 1991 case of Seminole Tribe v. Florida gave states more power over Native American gambling.

Federal Oversight and the Role of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

The National Indian Gaming Commission is a federal regulatory agency in the US that is part of the Department of the Interior, working to enforce the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Overall, the NIGC enforces federal oversight over many aspects of tribal gambling venues, such as by monitoring aspects of the business, reviewing and approving ordinances, and sending law enforcement to venues that may infringe on its gaming regulations.

Alberta

Bear Hills Casino and Travel Resort

Bear Hills Casino and Travel Resort of the Louis Bull Tribe boasts a full entertainment offering, including restaurants, a lounge, and all of the hit casino games, and there are even some live performance theatres in the works. The gaming floor itself measures some 30,000 square feet.

Across the casino floor, you’ll be able to sit at and spin more than 200 slots, from classic games to new releases, and try your hand at luxury table games. Three-Card Fortune, Fortune Pai Gow, and blackjack are the most popular games at the exceedingly modern, spring 2024-opened casino in Wetaskiwin.

Casino Dene

Opened by the Cold Lake First Nations on its reserve lands in September 2007, not only is there already a café and lounge with a full menu to enjoy here, but a Courtyard Marriott hotel is reportedly in the works to further expand the venue as a hit destination. For casino gamers, there’s plenty on offer at Casino Dene.

Across the tables, you’ll find Texas Hold’em poker, roulette, three-card poker, blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em poker. If you’re more into slots and VLT games, you can choose from around 250 slot machines and can explore a whole VLT Lounge that features Jackpot Party Bejeweled, among others.

Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza

The Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza of the Alexis Nakota Sioux in Whitecourt also offers a comprehensive casino gaming experience. There are more than 250 slots to play and 12 table games operated by professional croupiers. You’ll find six tables for Texas Hold’em poker, running games of roulette, blackjack, three-card poker, and ultimate poker, and there are even podiums for some off-track betting. Beyond the games, visitors can enjoy the Timbers Bar and Grill, visit the convenience store, and even make use of the three diesel lanes on-site.

Grey Eagle Casino

Found in Calgary on the grounds of the Tsuu T’ina First Nation, this 2007-opened casino resort has everything you’d expect from a Last Vegas-style venue. The Grey Eagle Casino has a hotel, an event centre that seats a crowd of 2,500, three restaurants, a couple of bars, and many casino games.

The slot machine collection is particularly impressive, with around 900 of them on the gaming floor. In addition, you can try your hand in the poker room, be among the 500 seats in the bingo room daubing away, or play at any of the 40 table games.

River Cree Resort and Casino

The River Cree Resort and Casino is one of the heftiest resort and entertainment venues on offer in the province. Those on site can stay at the four-star Edmonton Marriott, skate at the NHL-sized hockey rinks, swim in the pool, visit the fitness centre, dine at any of the four restaurants, or just get a drink and relax at any of the sports or coffee bars. Those looking to gamble can consider the Poker Pit, the High-Limit Room, the 34 table games, and the 1,100 slots run by the Enoch Cree Nation.

Stoney Nakoda Resort Casino

With a spacious 70,000-square-foot gaming floor, 250 slots, and 14 table games spanning everything from baccarat to roulette, tournament poker, and off-track betting, there’s much on offer at Stoney Nakoda Resort Casino. Anyone coming to the Stoney First Nations 2009-opened venue just 30 minutes west of Calgary can also explore The Ridge restaurant, the Sidelines Lounge, the hotel, and the indoor water park.

British Columbia

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

The vast and eye-catching St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino also happens to be British Columbia’s premier First Nations casino. Here, the Ktunaxa Nation runs the Casino of the Rockies, which has a lottery centre, off-track betting, four table games, and 240 slots.

Manitoba

Aseneskak Casino

Brought into being through a partnership between six First Nations, the Aseneskak Casino in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation is home to more than 160 slot games, blackjack tables, poker, and the popular Eagle’s Nest Restaurant and Lounge.

South Beach Casino and Resort

Since its grand opening in May 2005, the South Beach Casino and Resort has become a hit tourist and entertainment attraction just 30 minutes north of Winnipeg. Based on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Reserve but formed as a partnership between seven First Nations, patrons will find a 40,000-square-foot casino, 536 penny slots, 600 slot machines, six table games that include Texas shootout and double deck, a poker room, a hotel with luxury guest rooms, and plenty of dining and drinking options.

Ontario

Casino Rama Resort

Partly owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Casino Rama is Ontario’s most prestigious and extensive casino venue. Since opening in 1996, it has expanded a great deal. It now features more than 2,000 slots and 100-plus table games across its 95,000-square-foot casino. There’s also a nice selection of places to eat and drink on site, a 5,000-seat entertainment facility, and a 300-suite hotel.

Golden Eagle Charitable Casino and Entertainment Centre

One of the oldest First Nations casinos still in operation, the Golden Eagle Charitable Casino swung its doors open in 1994. Its primary focus is still bingo and keno, for which it has an extensive offering, but there are also a few table games on the 7,500-square-foot gaming floor.

Great Blue Heron Charity Casino

A 25,000-square-foot casino with the Water Edge Buffet and Lucky Stone Bar and Grill attached, the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino is surprisingly well equipped in terms of its gaming options. The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation has loaded its Port Perry venue with 60 table games and more than 500 slots.

Saskatchewan

Bear Claw Casino and Hotel

A pioneering effort from the White Bear First Nations, the Bear Claw Casino Hotel has remained open continuously since November 1996. Leaning into the coziness angle, visitors can stay at one of the 35 rooms of the Bear Claw Lodge and try their luck on any of the 132 slots and six table games.

Dakota Dunes Casino

Sitting opposite the Dakota Dunes Golf Links since August 2007, the casino features 18 table games and more than 580 slots, while visitors can also check out the Dakota Dunes Restaurant and the 700-seat live entertainment venue.

Gold Eagle Casino

The Gold Eagle Casino is very experienced in the art of entertainment, having opened in March 1997 and won multiple notable awards in the decades since. On the floor of this West-Central Saskatchewan casino, you’ll find more than 300 slots, eight table games, and the well-regarded Kihiw Restaurant.

Gold Horse Casino

With its opening in December 2019, the Gold Horse Casino carved itself out a piece of the action as the seventh casino to be run under the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. It’s found on the land of the Little Pine First Nation and features a deli, bar, grill, 18 electronic table games, five live tables, and 250 slots.

Living Sky Casino

Living Sky Casino stands in Swift Current and has established itself among the province’s top gaming houses since opening at the end of 2008 for $35 million. You could go down to the Living Sky Casino for a show at the 565-seat theatre, try the dining experience at Horizons Restaurant, or to test your luck at one of the five table games or 180 slot games.

Northern Lights Casino

One of the oldest casinos in Canada, the Northern Lights Casino saw its doors first swing open to the Saskatchewan public in 1996. The hefty facility measuring 46,500 square feet in total has 18,500 square feet dedicated to casino gaming. On the floor, you can take a seat at any of the 500-plus slot machines or place your bets on one of the 11 table games. Also on site are the Northstar Restaurant – which runs a buffet – along with a deli and the Starlight Lounge.

Painted Hand Casino

Over in Downtown Yorkton, you’ll find the Painted Hand Casino, which is run by the Yorkton Tribal Council and the Saskatchewan Indian and Gaming Authority. As part of the 43,000-square-foot facility that cost $30 million to build, you’ll find the Legends Restaurant and a bar to order some refreshments, along with six table games and 260 slots in the casino area.

FAQs

Do First Nations Own Casinos in Canada?

The First Nations do own casinos in Canada. There are 17 First Nations casino venues across Canada, which can be found in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.

Who Controls Casinos in Canada?

Control of casinos in Canada is split between the First Nations, government authorities, charities, not-for-profit organizations, and private companies. In Ontario, for example, Casino Rama Resort is part-owned by the First Nations, while the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation wholly owns Casino Niagara.

Who Funds the First Nations in Canada?

People of the First Nations in Canada can apply for funding agreements with Indigenous Services Canada, but many First Nations generate a significant portion of their income and revenue through casinos, which fund their groups.

How Many Native Casinos Are There in Ontario?

There are three First Nations casinos in Ontario. The most extensive native Canadian casino offering is found at the Casino Rama Resort. The other two native casinos in Ontario fall under the category of charity casinos.

Is Casino Rama Owned by Natives?

Casino Rama Resort is partly owned by native Canadians. Standing on the reserve land of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Casino Rama is owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.