Province Determining Next Move In Casino Dispute

Monday, September 19, 2005 at 15:06

A spokesman for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority says he’s confident a settlement can be reached between the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and Prairieland Park.

David Morse explains his group was forced to step into discussions between SIGA and the association after bargaining sessions between the two sides went nowhere.

The matter in question concerns a proposed casino development on the Whitecap Dakota Nation, and how it has affected the nearby Emerald Casino.

Employees from the soon-to-be-disbanded casino are requesting jobs at the new Dakato Dunes Casino when it’s built. Prairieland is also seeking financial compensation from SIGA.

Morse says, so far, SIGA has been unable to satisfy the requests of the other parties, but something has to happen soon or the new casino won’t get built.

Morse says the SLGA is currently drafting a compensation plan that will be presented to cabinet ministers later this fall.

He’s hopeful both SIGA and Prairieland Park will accept the compromise and resolve the issue before 2006.