Showdown Looming Over New Casino In Battlefords

Friday, September 12, 2008 at 14:31

Two tribal councils have expressed interest in building a new casino in the Battlefords.

But Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Director Neil Sasakamoose says there is no chance both casinos will be approved, because the existing casino is owned by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

Sasakamoose says new casinos must be approved by both SIGA and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Last year, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations — which controls SIGA — decided to transfer casino profits from the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford from the Battlefords Tribal Council to the BATC.

The BTC recently notified municipal officials in the Battlefords of its intent to build a new casino.

SLGA spokesman David Morris says the situation is news to his organization.

Officials with SIGA could not be reached for comment.