Little Pine faces uphill battle on casino development

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority says casinos the Little Pine First Nation plans to build in Estevan and Lloydminster would violate an agreement between the province and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. Any change to the agreement, which gives sole control and authority over Aboriginal casinos to the gaming authority, would have to be negotiated between the province and the FSIN. Delegates to a recent chiefs meeting did not support Little Pine First Nation’s casinos proposals. Little Pine has already purchased land in Lloydminster for a casino and hotel. The city has designated that land an urban reserve. Preliminary talks have begun on a $30-million casino in Estevan. City residents are to vote on it in a non-binding referendum to be held as part of a byelection April 23.