250 slot machines to be added to Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority casinos

The 9,000 square foot expansion at the Grey Eagle Casino will allow for more room for slot machines.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority is getting 250 more slot machines for its casinos -- the first additions since 2008.

The authority will have 2,120 gambling machines at its six casinos once the slots are installed next year.

Donna Harpauer, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, says the new machines will provide more capacity at peak play times and also generate more revenue.

She says Perry Bellegarde of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations asked for the machines and the market is there for an expansion.

"Two casinos have expanded considerably. That's (Prince Albert) and North Battleford, and the one just outside of Saskatoon is building a hotel, which they think will attract more interest in that particular casino," Harpauer said Wednesday.

There were already 2,927 slot machines in aboriginal casinos, as well as at the provincially operated Casinos Moose Jaw and Regina.

The province also has 3,929 video lottery terminals, better known as VLTs, which are the same as slot machines but are located outside casinos in places such as bars. There is a cap of 4,000 VLTs in Saskatchewan, but no maximum number for slot machines.

Harpauer said the difference is that people go to casinos specifically "for a gambling experience."