Saskatchewan bars and restaurants with video lottery terminals will be cashing in starting Monday.
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) announced it’s temporarily increasing VLT commissions paid to bars and restaurants across the province as of Monday.
“Saskatchewan’s tourism and hospitality sector has a reputation for creating jobs and is an important contributor to the provincial economy,” Minister Responsible for SLGA Gene Makowsky said in a media release.
“The industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic and this temporary measure will provide additional revenues that will help hotel bars and restaurants maintain their operations.”
VLTs were to be back online Monday after being shut down March 20 due to public health orders aimed at reducing the possible spread of COVID-19.
As they resume operation, the commission paid to sites that have VLTs will increase from 15 per cent to 25 per cent. The commission adjustment will be in effect until Jan. 3.
Bars and restaurants that provide space and electrical service for the VLTs, pay out prizes, empty cashboxes and clean the machines are eligible for the increase.
The government said there are about 4,200 VLTs operating in 569 sites in 288 communities across the province. The government earned $155.3 million in net income from the machines during the 2019-20 fiscal year, with contractors earning $32.5 million.