Saskatchewan First Nation and Métis receive increased funding
First Nation and Métis organizations in Saskatchewan are set to receive a combined $153.5 million in gaming revenue payments for the 2025–26 fiscal year, following a significant uplift driven by strong performance across land-based and online gambling operations.
The allocation marks an increase of $46 million compared to previous projections, with revenue growth attributed to the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, SaskGaming venues, and the PlayNow.com platform.
Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said the funding would support community wellbeing and long-term development, adding the increase would help expand programs and opportunities.
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“Protecting the wellbeing and growth of First Nation and Métis communities in Saskatchewan is important to our government,” he said.
“At a time when community strength is more vital than ever, these agreements ensure funding flows to the places where Indigenous people gather, celebrate and build strong futures. This increase of $46 million will help support programs and build opportunities that improve communities.”
Under the province’s 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement, funds will be distributed through the First Nations Trust, Community Development Corporations, and the Clarence Campeau Development Fund.
The payments are earmarked to support economic, cultural and social initiatives, reinforcing the role of gaming revenue in funding Indigenous community development across Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan permits online gambling through the provincially regulated PlayNow.com platform, operated in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, making it the only locally authorised option.
While offshore casino sites are not licensed or regulated by the province, residents are generally not prosecuted for using them, though they do so without local consumer protections or oversight.
