New Crown created to oversee gaming policy in Saskatchewan

A new Crown corporation will be overseeing gaming policy and management in Saskatchewan.

Legislation introduced Thursday will create Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, an organization that will oversee all casinos, VLTs, online gambling and lotteries within the province. Don Morgan, minister for the Crown Investments Corporation, said the move will help Saskatchewan’s gaming and gambling policies keep up with the rapidly changing landscape.

“Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan will take an industry-wide approach to the gaming sector in our province,” Morgan said in a statement.

“Gaming proceeds will continue to benefit local community organizations as the legislation maintains current funding models.”

The legislation will keep SaskGaming in place as a wholly owned subsidiary of the new Crown, keeping the board structure in place. The act also keeps in place funding obligations to First Nations Trust, the Métis Development Fund, the Community Initiatives Fund and the Lotteries Trust Fund Account.

When it’s passed, the legislation will be retroactive to Saturday, and full conduct and management powers will take effect at the beginning of June, the provincial government said.

When it comes to gaming regulation, the government said that will be consolidated within the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.