The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority has announced that all seven of its casino properties are set to open to the public on June 20, including the Bear Claw Casino at the White Bear First Nations.
Bear Claw will open on Sunday, June 20 at 10 a.m. The operating hours for Bear Claw Casino & Hotel will be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
"We're absolutely looking forward to opening back up again," comments Chief Nathan Pasap.
鈥淓veryone wants to get back to work鈥�..people have to pay bills.鈥�
Pasap explains that the casino staff are already getting things prepared, getting things restocked and are ready to open.
鈥淧eople are going to be flocking back to the casinos again,鈥� says Pasap.
Customers will still be expected to follow the social distancing rules.
鈥淲e are still taking the proper precautions,鈥� explains Pasap. 鈥淲e're at a place where I feel safe to lift some of the restrictions now that most have had their vaccinations.鈥�
鈥淲e're all waiting to get back to some normalcy,鈥� says Pasap. 鈥淏ack to working a full schedule for the staff and having some security in their life.鈥�
鈥淚t's been quite the journey for everyone! But we're looking at moving forward,鈥� says Pasap.
All casinos will open at 10 a.m. on June 20, with the exception of the Gold Horse Casino in Lloydminster, which will open at 11 a.m.
During the initial phase of opening, SIGA will start up in a reduced capacity with a 150- person maximum, while maintaining the physical distancing requirements to ensure adherence to the public health guidelines.
SIGA casinos will offer select gaming and food service, and will enhance services as more restrictions are lifted.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited to be able to welcome back our valued guests, with our unique brand of First Nations hospitality, to our casinos across the province. The health and safety of our team members and guests, and that of the broader community, remain our top priority. We鈥檝e worked very hard to ensure our facilities are safe for all to enjoy,鈥� said Zane Hansen, SIGA鈥檚 president and CEO.
鈥淚鈥檓 very excited for our team members to return to what they do best 鈥� providing the best entertainment experience possible for our guests, even if that experience now looks a bit different.鈥�
SIGA operates in a highly regulated industry and even prior to the pandemic the organization鈥檚 cleaning and safety protocols were of the highest standards, Hansen said.
The authority implemented an enhanced health and safety program last summer with increased frequency of cleaning and sanitation throughout its properties, while managing physical distancing practices. SIGA will also continue with its contact tracing process.
Guests are required to check in prior to entering the casino. This can be done with a guest鈥檚 Players Club card or by simply providing a name and contact number. All visitors will undergo a simple screening process prior to entering the casino.
SIGA鈥檚 full Health and Safety Plan and frequently asked questions are available at SIGA.ca, which includes all operational changes guests should expect and details regarding its entry screening process. SIGA regularly reviews data and research of industry best practices, safety standards and public health guidelines, and will continue to refine its Health and Safety Plan based on evolving advice from medical health experts and the province.
