CUT KNIFE, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority says two casinos proposed by the Little Pine First Nation would break the rules.
The band is planning to build the casinos in Lloydminster and Estevan.
But the gaming authority says that would violate an agreement between the province and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.
That agreement gives sole control and authority over aboriginal casinos to the gaming authority.
Authority spokesman David Morris says any changes to that deal would have to be negotiated between the province and the federation.
Delegates to a recent chiefs meeting did not support the casino plans, but the Little Pine chief is undeterred.
“They did not seem receptive, but if you look at the vote at the time, there were a number of chiefs that abstained and that is really a ‘yes’ to the vote,” said Chief Wayne Semaganis.
The Little Pine First Nation has already bought land for the Lloydminster casino and hotel. City council has designated the land an urban reserve.
In Estevan, preliminary talks have begun on a $30-million casino. City residents are to vote on it in a non-binding referendum which will be part of an April 23 byelection.
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