Online casino met with controversy

The provincial government will be monitoring the operation of Northern Bear online casino to check out the legalities. Bernie Shepherd, CEO of Northern Bear, began operating the online casino on Nov. 5. Provincial approval is required by Canadian gambling laws and the province has not given the go-ahead to the venture. “I’m establishing our jurisdiction,” said Shepherd. The online casino is being run by the White Bear First Nation. “We have inherent rights - treaty rights and constitutional rights. In our minds, this is legal.” The government says it will monitor the situation “and decide what steps to take at the appropriate time.” Shepherd says the new casino is an opportunity to provide jobs and create revenue for the First Nation.