Saskatchewan looks to growth with state-run online gambling launch
Canadian province looks to mimic Ontario and British Columbia markets with Canadian Football debut
Saskatchewan’s first online gambling and sports betting site will launch on November 3, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has confirmed.
The site, PlayNow.com, is provided by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which also runs a version of the PlayNow brand in its native province. Saskatchewan will be the third province to utilize the platform.
Provincial authorities and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) concluded a separate agreement in August 2021 allowing for the creation of the site.
Under the terms of the arrangement, revenue generated by the site will be split 50/50 between FSIN and provincial authorities.
It will be the exclusive and only online gambling site in the province and will be operated by SIGA, which signed an operating agreement with fellow online operator SaskGaming.
SaskGaming president and CEO Susan Flett welcomed the prospective launch and highlighted the benefits to the province.
“The rollout of online gaming and single event sports betting opens up new casino entertainment options for residents,” Flett said.
“The launch timing is also ideal with Saskatchewan hosting this year’s Grey Cup in November,” she added.
In addition to confirming the launch, SIGA has revealed details of a sponsorship deal between the PlayNow site and the province’s professional football team the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Under the terms of the deal, the PlayNow logo will feature on Roughriders’ jerseys, beginning with the weekend’s game against the Calgary Stampeders. The partnership allows for cross-promotional activity and other stadium-based activations.
“We are excited to welcome PlayNow.com as a valued partner and newest member of our strong Rider Nation,” Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club president and CEO Craig Reynolds said.