Whitecap Dakota First Nation SK – The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) unveiled plans for an expansion to its existing Dakota Dunes Casino property, adding 12,000 square feet of gaming floor space, with plans to also build new food and beverage spaces and a new high limit table game area.
"This expansion of the Dakota Dunes Casino will be timely as we construct the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa on the resort side of the property," said Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear at the expansion announcement held at Dakota Dunes Casino. "All of these enhancements will only further increase the number of visitors and position the property as the premier destination resort in the province."
Darcy Bear
Representatives from Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatoon Tribal Council, and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority participated in the official expansion announcement and sod-turning event.
'Expanding the casino is a good thing for First Nation employment,' said Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. Dakota Dunes Casino is already a major First Nation employer with over 74 percent of its more than 300 employees being First Nation, and with the expansion comes growth, and the potential to create even more job opportunities.”
"We are excited to provide an even more amazing experience for our casino guests, with the enhanced food and beverage area as part of the expansion, including a new deli, floor bar, and Teppanyaki style grill offering, as well the new high limit table gaming area," said SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen.
Zane Hansen
SIGA, as a non-profit corporation, has a unique revenue distribution model, which reinvests all net revenue back into Saskatchewan. Casino net revenue is redistributed – 50% to the First Nations Trust (which is distributed to the 74 First Nations in the province), 25% to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) which reinvests the money back into local community initiatives, and 25% to the provincial General Revenue Fund.