WHITECAP—The Dakota Dunes Casino will soon have an additional 12,000 square feet of gaming, food, and beverage space, including a new high-limit table game area, on its existing property in Dakota Dunes Way.

Representatives from the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, Whitecap Dakota First Nation, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council participated in the sod-turning ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18, which also served as the official expansion announcement.

Whitecap Dakota FN Chief Darcy Bear said the construction is timely as they will also build the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spar on the resort side of the property. Dakota Dunes Casino will remain operational during the construction.

“All of these enhancements will only further increase the number of visitors and position the property as the premier destination resort in the province,” said Bear.

STC Chief Mark Arcand said the project, from construction to opening, is suitable for First Nations employment.

“Dakota Dunes Casino is already a major First Nation employer with over 74 percent of its more than 300 employees being First Nation, and with the expansion comes growth and the potential to create even more job opportunities,” said Arcand.

SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen said the expansion would give customers more dining and gaming experience.

“We are excited to provide an even more amazing experience for our casino guests, with the enhanced food and beverage area as part of the expansion, including a new deli, floor bar and Teppanyaki style grill offering, as well the new high-limit table gaming area,” said Hansen.

SIGA is a non-profit corporation that provides half of its casino revenues to the First Nations Trust, which then distributes the money to the province’s 74 First Nations. Twenty-five percent goes to the Community Development Corporation, which reinvests the money into local community initiatives, while the remaining 25 per cent goes to the provincial General Revenue Fund.