Saskatchewan shares $153.5 million in gaming revenue with First Nation and Métis groups
The 2025-26 payments are $46 million higher than budgeted, the province says, and flow through three organizations.
First Nation and Métis organizations in Saskatchewan will receive $153.5 million in gaming revenue payments for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The provincial government announced the total on March 17.
That is $46 million more than the amount set out in the 2025-26 budget. The province credited strong results at casinos run by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) and at SaskGaming properties, among other factors.
The figure has grown through the year. The final total is $29 million higher than the province's November projection. In November 2025, the province said the organizations would receive $124.5 million for 2025-26, which at that point was $17.1 million above budget.
Where the money goes
The Ministry of Government Relations distributes the payments under the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act. The money is split among three recipients.
The First Nations Trust directs funding to First Nations across Saskatchewan, based on the priorities each community sets for itself. Community Development Corporations reinvest revenue in projects within the regions around SIGA casino locations. The Clarence Campeau Development Fund supports Métis entrepreneurs and economic development.
According to the release, the payments fund organizations and grassroots projects, and support economic, cultural, educational and social programs in Indigenous communities throughout the province.
Government comment
Eric Schmalz is the minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. He said protecting the wellbeing and growth of First Nation and Métis communities matters to the government. "This increase of $46 million will help support programs and build opportunities that improve communities," he said.
SIGA operates First Nation casinos in several Saskatchewan communities, while SaskGaming runs Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. The Gaming Framework Agreement sets out how revenue from casino gaming in the province is shared. Dakota Dunes Casino, a SIGA property on Whitecap Dakota First Nation land south of Saskatoon, expanded its footprint last year, G3 Newswire reported.