Choosing a gambling site in Saskatchewan can be tricky. It’s even more difficult if this is your first time gambling online with real money. Thankfully, we’re here to help you find a good gaming platform to join.
Our expert team has combed the entire province to compare and review reliable Saskatchewan online casinos. You’ll also get our comprehensive analysis of Saskatchewan’s bonuses, regulations, and gambling history. Stick around!
Saskatchewan is the land of glistening lakes, vast prairies, and unique First Nations cultures. This province boasts a fascinating gambling history, dating back to the 17th century when indigenous games thrived. Today, Saskatchewan embraces all gambling activities. This province acknowledges the deep-rooted connection between gambling and its indigenous heritage.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the captivating journey of Saskatchewan’s gambling landscape. You’ll learn everything about the regulation of gambling in this province and explore the vibrant offerings of online casinos. We’ll also list several popular Saskatchewan land-based casinos.
The history of gambling in Saskatchewan is rich. Before the European settlers arrived, First Nations communities were already playing games of chance. For example, they played La Crosse (Stick Game), a fast-paced game using small objects and sticks. They also played Parcheesi, a strategic board game involving moving pawns and dice rolls. Besides entertainment, these games provided cultural significance and symbolism.
However, things changed when the British and French settlers arrived. They came with new forms of gambling, including lotteries and card games. These games became popular until 1892, when the Parliament of Canada passed the Criminal Code. This law effectively banned any type of gambling in Canada. Its proponents argued that gambling is against the religious beliefs of the country.
This status quo remained until 1969 when the government amended the Criminal Code. This amendment ushered in the modern gambling scene by allowing provincial governments to regulate gambling within their borders. Saskatchewan wasted no time in doing that after establishing the Saskatchewan Lotteries Corporation (SLC) in 1974. It was among the first Canadian provinces/territories to regulate gambling activities.
Today, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, a subsidiary of the SLC, oversees gambling in this province. This body launched the first land-based casino in the province, Bear Claw Casino, in 1993. In 2022, the regulator launched PlayNow.com, the only legal online casino platform in Saskatchewan. This website provides casino games, lotteries, and sports betting services. You must be at least 19 years old to gamble in Saskatchewan.
Note that Saskatchewan doesn’t bar its residents from joining offshore casinos. Federal law allows Canadians to join any casino site licensed in the UK, Malta, Curacao, and other jurisdictions. But as it stands, operating a casino site within this province’s borders is illegal. This is despite numerous First Nations of Saskatchewan believing that operating a casino site on the sovereign tribal land is legal.
Here’s a breakdown of the current gambling status in Saskatchewan:
| Gambling status | Legal |
| Regulator | Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority |
| Legal gambling age | 19 (casinos), 18 (lotteries) |
| Legal online gambling | Yes (PlayNow.com) |
| Legal sports betting | Yes (PlayNow.com) |
| Land-based gambling venues | 8 |
| Regulated games | Casino games, live poker, sports betting, lottery, table games, live dealer games |
Below is a brief timeline of gambling history and regulation in Saskatchewan:
Online casino sites in Saskatchewan provide real money or free games. These options are available on PlayNow.com and offshore casinos. Free games use virtual money that cannot be withdrawn or redeemed. The idea is to have fun without risking anything. So, why play these games when you can stake and win real money?
The liberal state of gambling in Canada means hundreds or even thousands of casinos operate here. That’s a good thing because gamers have unlimited options. However, paddling through these waters to find the ideal platform can be tasking for beginners.
Don’t worry; we have compared and reviewed dozens of casinos in Saskatchewan to list only the best. We’ll share the key factors we evaluate in our detailed reviews of all casino sites. Here is our Saskatchewan casino selection guide:
Learning how to spot a blacklisted casino is just as important as finding a reliable one. We have created a list of vital features that a casino in Saskatchewan must meet before we give it a nod. Unfortunately, many casinos fail our tests.
Below are some of the features of a blacklisted casino:
Identifying features of a reliable casino site in Saskatchewan is vital. First and most importantly, learn more about the operator’s background. Some casinos have a history of unethical practices like withholding payouts or suspending accounts after jackpot wins. Also, avoid casinos with many unresolved complaints. If you don’t have time for background checks, choose a site from our well-researched list.
Another feature that makes a good casino is professional and helpful support. Ensure the casino’s support is available around the clock via live chat, email, phone, or social media. Confirm the quality of their response by sending them a few questions. The most transparent Saskatchewan online casinos also have forums where players and the support team interact to share their experiences. Skip casinos with live chats operated by chatbots.
Don’t forget to read the T&Cs page to identify any red flags. This vital page is like the contract signed between players and real money casinos. Rogue casinos in Saskatchewan can trick unsuspecting gamers into accepting unfair T&Cs.
We look out for operators with the best bonuses and promotions in Saskatchewan. These rewards allow gamers to play with free credits and test the services. You can cash out the bonus after fulfilling the wagering requirements and other conditions.
However, casino bonuses in this province can come in confusing shapes, designs, and sizes. Therefore, understanding how each reward works is vital to enjoying a great bonus play. Below, we’ll list and describe the most common casino bonuses in Saskatchewan:
Every gambler loves the convenience of playing remotely. The good news is that almost all casino sites provide entertainment right in your hands. However, some mobile casinos are better at it than others. Top casinos use HTML5 technology to provide seamless compatibility on Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry, and other mobile platforms. Simply launch the casino site on your mobile browser to play with fast loading times.
Casino apps are also common in Saskatchewan. Instead of using a browser, download the dedicated app that’s fully optimized for mobile play. This is an excellent option for those with internet connectivity issues or players who want to use less data. You can download mobile casino apps from the App Store or Play Store. Android users can also download the apps directly from the casino site.
If a website doesn’t have an app, you can add a casino shortcut to your phone’s screen. Open the casino site on your phone’s browser, then click the upload icon. Finish up by tapping the “Add to Home Screen” option. You can rename the app before adding it to your home screen to suit your preferences. This is an excellent way to access the casino on your smartphone or tablet quickly.
Gambling with real money is a big deal in many regulated regions. Gamblers in some countries, like the US, pay taxes if they win. But in Canadian provinces, including Saskatchewan, casual gamblers don’t need to worry about paying taxes. Everything you win, including a progressive jackpot, is yours to keep.
However, professional players who get their livelihood from gambling pay taxes. The Canada Revenue Authority will ask how much you win and if you paid taxes. In addition, casual gamers must complete the T3 and T5 forms if they invest and get interest from gambling winnings.
It’s also worth mentioning that licensed Saskatchewan’s real money casinos pay taxes. The provincial government gets 25% of the total revenue collected, whereas 50% goes to the First Nations Trust. The remaining 25% goes to the Community Development Corporations.
Problem gambling is a challenge facing most jurisdictions worldwide. In Saskatchewan, casinos ensure responsible gaming by confirming you meet the legal gambling age. All regulated casinos have the KYC process for preventing underage gambling and money laundering. This process also ensures the casino can prove your source of income.
Online casinos in Saskatchewan also have responsible gambling tools to help members take control of their gambling sessions. Some of these tools include:
Meanwhile, the government strives to ensure residents gamble responsibly. Contact the Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-306-6789 for free 24/7 help. The government assures you of confidential and professional assistance from trained counsellors. Saskatchewan also celebrates Responsible Gambling Awareness Week in the first week of May. This holiday provides locals with problem gambling awareness and resources.
Online casinos have undoubtedly reshaped Saskatchewan’s gambling landscape, with most residents preferring remote gaming. Still, there are many gambling enthusiasts who like the social aspect of land-based casinos. The good news is that this Canadian province is home to several land-based venues, each offering various gambling opportunities.
Below is a lineup of popular land-based casinos in Saskatchewan:
Bear Claw Casino was the first land-based casino to launch in Saskatchewan. It’s a small casino operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. Here, you’ll find 130+ slot machines and several table games. This venue also has a restaurant, lounge, and a 35-room hotel.
Casino Regina is an iconic venue in the town’s former Union station. This state-run venue was opened in 1996 and houses 800+ slots, 35+ table games, and several poker rooms. Casino Regina employs 600+ people in the city.
Casino Moose Jaw is a government-owned venue, just like other casinos in the province. This $13 million facility was opened in September 2002, consisting of a gaming floor, hotel, and spa. You can play 250+ slots and several table games at Casino Moose Jaw.
This venue was opened in 1996 to provide a top-class First Nations entertainment experience. Gold Eagle Casino includes a gaming floor with 330+ slot machines and electronic table games. You can also sign up for different promotions at this casino.
Northern Lights Casino has a 42,000-square-foot gaming space. You can play 550+ slot machines and 11+ table games. This venue also has a lounge, restaurant, and a separate smoking area.
Dakota Dunes is an 84,000-square-foot facility that opened its doors in 2007. It includes a restaurant, casino, multi-purpose restroom, and golf course. Dakota Dunes Casino has 620+ slot machines and several poker and table games.
Launched in December 1996, this popular venue attracts 300,000+ guests annually. It boasts an 18,000-square-foot casino with 225+ slot machines. You can also play several poker and table games.
Living Sky Casino is a multi-First Nations Casino opened in 2008. It’s a 60,000-square-foot venue with 200+ slot machines, eight table games, and two poker tables. This location also offers world-class entertainment and incredible cuisine.
Yes, online gambling activities are legal in Saskatchewan. You can play casino games on PlayNow.com or visit one of the eight brick-and-mortar venues. PlayNow.com is the only regulated gambling site in this province.
The Canadian law allows Saskatchewan residents to play at any offshore casino site. These casinos are legal as they have valid licenses and use SSL encryption to protect your information. Remember to check out our list of the best Saskatchewan casino sites to join.
Anybody above 19 years can legally bet on sports or play casino games in Saskatchewan. Operators will ensure this by asking you to provide a coloured copy of your ID.
Online slots are undoubtedly the most played games in Canada. These games feature exciting themes, storylines, and bonus features. Saskatchewan residents also like playing poker, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
For the best online experience, choose a casino site on Casino.com. We have thoroughly tested these casinos to ensure they are safe and secure for Saskatchewan residents to join. You can play your favourite games for free or with real money.
Yes, the best Saskatchewan casinos support multiple currencies. Besides CAD, you can use USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and other popular currencies. These casinos also support crypto payments using popular coins like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
There’s no one-size-fits-all withdrawal time at Saskatchewan casinos. The only way to know a casino’s withdrawal time is by reading the in-depth reviews at Casino.com. We sign up, play, and withdraw funds at these casinos to provide factual payout information.
Yes, some Saskatchewan casinos provide gamers with no-deposit bonuses to play and win real money. But before converting your winnings into real money, you must meet the wagering requirements and other conditions. So, read the bonus terms carefully.
Stephen Abiola is a reputable casino writer with eight years worth of experience to show. From his early childhood, Stephen has always had a keen interest in casino gambling. During his spare time, Stephen goes visiting land-based casinos, trying out slot machines and table games. Over time, Stephen learned strategies and techniques on how to win and reduce the house edge.
