The First Casino Has Now Been Licensed by Saskatchewan Regulator
Canadian online casino players based in Saskatchewan can now legally enjoy online gaming after the province licensed the first online casino. This significant milestone in the iGaming landscape was marked by the rollout of PlayNow.com, which is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SaskGaming), the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Under the agreement, the BCLC will deliver the PlayNow.com platform, while SIGA and SaskGaming will operate and manage the platform, respectively. The minister responsible for SaskGaming noted that in 2021, Saskatchewan had partnered with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and SIGA to establish the first legal and regulated online casino in the province.
According to a press release, the PlayNow.com platform will have similar features to the one operated by BCLC in British Columbia. The platform, for instance, will have over 500 casino games and sports betting products. Other casino products, such as poker and live casino games, will become available from next year. The launch of the gaming platform in Saskatchewan means it is now available in three provinces, including Manitoba and British Columbia.
In a statement, the SaskGaming President and CEO, Susan Flett, said that PlayNow.com will be a safe Canadian online casino and sportsbook. She further noted that the platform will provide an alternative to grey and illegal online gaming sites.
“Today is a good day for Saskatchewan. PlayNow.com meets the highest standards for safety, security, privacy, and responsible gambling, and will provide a legal and regulated alternative to grey market and illegal gambling sites currently operating in the province,” stated SaskGaming’s president and CEO.
The Road to Legalization
The journey to legalizing Canadian online casinos in Saskatchewan has not been an easy one. Over the years, discussions surrounding the economic advantages of embracing the gaming industry have gained momentum. Proponents have argued that a regulated casino market could contribute significantly to provincial revenue and job creation. The SGLA, after extensive research and public consultations, decided to take a progressive step by issuing the first online casino license to a prominent gaming operator with a proven track record in other jurisdictions.
Partnership with Prominent Software Providers
To deliver a world-class gaming experience, PlayNow.com Casino has partnered with some of the most prominent casino software providers in the industry. This ensures that players have access to cutting-edge technology, stunning graphics, and seamless gameplay. The collaboration with well-known gaming vendors also reflects a commitment to offering a secure and reliable platform. Saskatchewan casino players can expect to enjoy the thrills of games from the likes of Novomatic, NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, Big Time Gaming, and many more.
Commitment to Responsible Gambling
The director of communication with the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, Shanna Schulhauser, said in a news release that PlayNow.com was chosen for its commitment to responsible gambling. She noted that the platform features GameSense, a responsible gambling program that reminds players of the time and money spent playing casino games and betting on sports. The program also has features such as play breaks, problem gambling referral information, and self-exclusions. The support specialists are available 24/7 via live chat, meaning players can seek help whenever they want.
“They are going to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for live chat on the platform, and that just goes to the support, you know, safer play environment online,” Shanna said.
Economic Impact
The launch of PlayNow online casino is expected to have a positive economic impact on the province. According to Shanna Schulhauser, the province expects to generate over $60 million in revenue within four years. She further noted that there was a lot of market share out there, and they intended capturing a piece of it through PlayNow Casino. In his statement, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said that the revenue would be shared between First Nations and the province.
“This historical partnership is the first of its kind, with a First Nations operator for online gaming with revenue sharing between First Nations and the province. This will provide many economic benefits to the residents of the province and our First Nations Communities,” Bobby Cameron said.
Besides generating revenue, the launch of PlayNow is expected to spur job creation in areas such as software development, customer support, and cyber security.
Phasing Out Illegal Online Casinos in Saskatchewan
Although online gambling has been illegal in Saskatchewan, dozens of online casinos have been operating illegally in the province. But with the launch of PlayNow casino, residents will have no reason to play at illegal gambling sites. Instead, they will join PlayNow Casino and play without breaking the law. This will also increase revenue for the province. In a news release, the director of communication with Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, Shanna Schulhauser, said that “the grey market and illegal sites aren’t new to the Saskatchewan marketplace. There are currently thousands of illegal online gaming and sports betting platforms operating throughout Canada. We do hope to capture some of that market share.”
Is PlayNow.Com a Minimum Deposit Casino in Canada?
More and more low deposit casinos have continued to launch in Canada, allowing players to enjoy online gaming without investing too much money. PlayNow Casino is no exception and has a minimum deposit requirement of $5. Well, this is the amount you need to deposit in order to start playing casino games and betting on sports for real money.
Apart from offering a low deposit of $5, the casino has exciting deals that you can unlock without risking a lot of money. If you are a casino player, you will receive a $20 casino bonus right away after making a small deposit of $20. Live casino players will also receive a $20 bonus after investing the same amount. On the other hand, if you are a sports bettor, the sportsbook will jumpstart your betting journey with a match bonus of up to $150. To activate this betting offer, you only need to make a small deposit of between $10-$50.
It is worth mentioning that the above minimum deposit deals at PlayNow.com can only be claimed one at a time. In other words, you cannot combine the casino bonus with the sportsbook welcome bonus. The casino and live casino welcome bonuses also have wagering requirements of 30X and 70X, respectively. So, before you cashout your bonus, you must fulfill these requirements within the given timeframe.
Looking Ahead
The launch of PlayNow.com Casino marks a pivotal moment in Saskatchewan’s gaming history. As the platform gains traction and becomes a staple in the online gaming community, attention will undoubtedly turn to its impact on the local economy, player satisfaction, and the potential for further developments in the gaming landscape. The success of PlayNow.com Casino may pave the way for additional innovations and offerings, shaping the future of online gaming in Saskatchewan. The future is bright, and we hope to see more and more Canadian online casinos entering the Saskatchewan casino marketplace.
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