First Nations Casinos

The Criminal Code of Canada gives only provincial governments the right to appoint agents to conduct and manage gaming activities. In Manitoba, the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) is the only agent appointed to conduct and manage electronic and casino gaming.

There are two First Nations casinos in Manitoba:

• Aseneskak Casino, at Opaskwayak Cree Nation adjacent to The Pas, opened in February 2002; and
• South Beach Casino, on Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation, 40 minutes north of Winnipeg, opened in May 2005. 

In May it was announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had been signed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Swan Lake First Nation to move forward with arrangements for a lease agreement to develop a casino site on reserve land adjacent to Spruce Woods Provincial Park, just south of the TransCanada Highway. This new casino will be developed and operated by a corporation established by the AMC on behalf of all Manitoba First Nations, with revenues accruing to all Manitoba First Nations.    

The 1997 First Nations Gaming Policy Review Report (Bostrom Report), which guided the policy development and the selection process for these two casinos, underscored the necessity for a strong provincial regulatory framework for casino operations.  The terms and conditions for the operation of Aseneskak and South Beach casinos are based on legislative and regulatory authority which includes the Criminal Code (Canada), The Gaming Control Act, The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation Act and accompanying regulations.  Copies of these agreements are available from the MGCC.  Other relevant reports include:

• Manitoba First Nations Casino Project, Request for Proposals, January 19,2000
• Manitoba First Nations Casino Project, Selection Committee Report and Recommendations, May 31, 2000
• Report of the Joint Committee to Review and Evaluate First Nations Casino Project 2000, October 2003
• Manitoba First Nations Gaming Market Study, August 2007

 

Structure of
Gambling


Criminal Code Sections
206 and 207



Legislation and
Regulation


History of Gambling
in Manitoba


First Nations
Gaming


Reports