Dakota Dunes Casino has formally opened the primary section of a multi-stage enlargement, marking one other milestone within the ongoing development of the resort advanced operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) at Whitecap Dakota First Nation. The completion of Phase 1 was acknowledged on Thursday, December 18, 2025, throughout a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by management from SIGA, Whitecap Dakota Nation, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
The preliminary section facilities on a newly expanded smoking room, which will increase the on line casino’s gaming flooring by roughly 11,500 sq. toes and provides 350 further gaming machines. The up to date house options larger ceilings and a brand new heating, air flow, and air-con system designed to enhance air high quality for company and employees.
“It’s really our commitment at SIGA to always be elevating what we provide our customers and move forward,” mentioned Zane Hansen, SIGA President and CEO, quoted by Eagle Feather News. He additionally pointed to the broader collaboration behind the mission, saying, “When you look at the success and growth of the entire Dakota Dunes footprint out here, it’s just a fantastic partnership effort.”
Expanded gaming house brings new employment
The Phase 1 enlargement has already resulted within the creation of 30 new positions on the on line casino. According to SIGA, further hiring is predicted as future phases of building are accomplished. Dakota Dunes Casino now employs 373 folks, with 73 p.c of its workforce recognized as Indigenous.
SIGA Board Chair and Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Tammy Cook-Searson, highlighted how the mission aligns with the group’s long-standing targets. “SIGA’s mandate is to create employment for First Nation people; generate positive revenues for First Nations; and partner on economic development projects that benefit our shareholders and communities,” she mentioned. She added that the present section is already advancing these objectives via new hiring, with additional alternatives anticipated as soon as the following stage is completed.
STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand additionally addressed the financial impression of the enlargement. “It’s great to see this project continue moving forward,” he mentioned. “The good jobs that are being created here for First Nations people are a stepping stone to improved quality of life for individuals and families, and the additional revenue generated by this expansion will support continued economic development, and many worthy initiatives both in Saskatoon, and in our STC member communities.”
Next phases deliberate via 2026
Construction on the on line casino will proceed into 2026, with the second section scheduled for completion within the spring of that yr. That stage will give attention to enlarging the High Limit Room desk recreation space. An additional spherical of upgrades is deliberate for the summer season of 2026, together with the addition of new meals and beverage choices reminiscent of a refreshed Tim Hortons, a deli, a bar, and a teppanyaki-style noodle bar.
SIGA estimates the whole funding within the on line casino expansions at roughly $14 million. Reflecting on the size of change nonetheless forward, Hansen mentioned, “If you come here in a few months time, this whole area will look vastly different.”
Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear famous that the timing of the on line casino enlargement aligns carefully with different improvement underway on the resort. “This expansion of the Dakota Dunes Casino is timely as we construct the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa on the resort side of the property,” he mentioned. “All of these enhancements will only further increase the number of visitors and position the property as the premier destination resort in the province.”
Broader resort improvement underway
Beyond the on line casino, the Dakota Dunes Resort is getting ready for the opening of a big thermal spa facility, which is predicted to welcome the general public in late 2026. The $54 million spa will embody swimming pools, saunas, and designated leisure areas. Bear emphasised the individuality of the mission throughout the province, noting the absence of comparable amenities in Saskatchewan.
“We have thermal spas all over the world – there’s 26,000 in Pacific Asia, 6,000 in Europe, about 310 in North America, about 156 in Canada, 47 in Quebec, and zero in Saskatchewan,” Bear mentioned. “It’s going to make us the number one resort in Saskatchewan.”
During the ceremony, Bear mirrored on the long-term financial journey of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, recalling the early challenges confronted by the neighborhood. “I was elected back in 1991, and at that time we had not one dollar in our bank account. We had an overdraft, a stack of payables, and about eight employees,” he mentioned. Looking forward, he acknowledged that Dakota Dunes is predicted to internet greater than $50 million in 2025, including, “These are the things we can do when we all work together.”
