First Nations Gaming

The First Nations gaming environment in Manitoba is a unique framework that balances transparency, accountability and the aims of self-government within the context of the requirements of the Criminal Code (Canada).   Accordingly, each province is directed to establish its own legislative and regulatory regime for gambling activities including the breadth and depth of the gaming regime for First Nations’ gaming operations.  All gaming activities, including those operated by First Nations, must be conducted in accordance with the Criminal Code (Canada) and all provincial gaming-related legislation and regulations. 

The components of Manitoba’s legislative, regulatory and policy framework underscore the Province’s responsibilities to ensure gaming activities are conducted honestly, with integrity and in the public interest.     First Nations gaming in Manitoba includes VLT and casino operations, as well as licensed charitable gaming activities including bingo, breakopen ticket sales, Texas Hold’em poker tournaments and raffles and creates opportunities and benefits for First Nations communities, their members and the Province as a whole.  Please click on the links below to find out more about:

• Casinos
• VLTs
• First Nations gaming commissions
• Other licensed charitable events 

Manitoba’s framework has developed in partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) to seek to fulfill First Nations economic interests in gaming development.  Significantly, this includes the policy decision intended to ensure that gaming revenue generated on-reserve remains on the reserve for the benefit of the community and its citizens.     Most recently, this positive and collaborative working relationship has led to the establishment of a multi-year economic development fund and the commitment to develop a third First Nations casino in the southwestern region. 

The MGCC is closely involved in the regulation and control of on-reserve gaming activities as directed by its legislative and regulatory mandate.  As such, the MGCC works directly with Manitoba First Nations to help support the operation of on-reserve gaming activities and the development and implementation of broader First Nations gaming policy initiatives. Because of the diversity of on-reserve gaming activities, all MGCC departments work closely with Manitoba First Nations to ensure gaming activities are carried out honestly, with integrity and in the interest of the community.

As well, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) conducts and manages on-reserve casino and VLT operations within the context of its responsibilities under 207(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (Canada) and in accordance with the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act.  Please contact the MLC for information about its responsibilities in this regard.

 

 

 

 

Structure of
Gambling


Criminal Code Sections
206 and 207



Legislation and
Regulation


History of Gambling
in Manitoba


First Nations
Gaming


Reports