IGR supports the collective assertion of the inherent right to self-government of First Nations. IGR was envisioned, created and mandated by the First Nations leadership in Saskatchewan. There is clearly a recognized need to have a regulatory body function and grow with the gaming industry as Saskatchewan First Nations continue to become a driving force in First Nations gaming across the country and in North America. Utilizing the First Nations centralized regulatory institution will support the collective assertion of their inherent right to self-governance and strengthen First Nations‟ presence in the gaming industry.

IGR will enhance the credibility for on-reserve gaming activity. Prior to the establishment of gaming activity on First Nations (and casino development), regulation of gaming activity such as on-reserve bingos, raffles and break-opens was not collectively addressed. With the continuing growth of First Nations gaming ventures, it is important that First Nations are comfortable with the operation and regulation of on-reserve First Nations gaming activity. Having consistent laws and regulations with respect to "games of chance" lends greater credibility to the gaming activity and the operators of the same.

As provided for in the 2002 Framework Agreement (signed between FSIN and the government of Saskatchewan) and the SIGL Regulatory Agreement (Article 2.01), as a first step in achieving full jurisdiction over gaming activities on-reserve, IGR, successor to Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Licensing (SIGL) and SLGA (Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority) signed the Licensing Agreement, which defines the scope of responsibility and level of authority that IGR  exercises in the licensing and regulation of on-reserve charitable gaming and SIGA Casino(s) table games. Attached to the Licensing Agreement are all applicable terms and conditions for charitable gaming schemes and casino table games, relevant policies and other pertinent documents. These attachments are appendices to the Agreement and are considered part of the Licensing Agreement. The Licensing Agreement governs the relationship between IGR and SLGA, it outlines the specific roles/responsibilities and the authority of IGR, and details requirements that licensees must abide by.

Both bodies are mandated to license and regulate gaming within their respective designated jurisdictions. Based on the 2002 Regulatory Agreement, IGR is the First Nations body with the authority to license and regulate charitable gaming on First Nations that have designated UGR as their regulator. SLGA is the provincial authority that conducts and manages gaming and the sale of alcohol in the province according to a statute enacted by the provincial legislature. Gaming laws/regulations of the respective licensing and regulatory bodies do not differ to a great extent; however in developing the regulations for on-reserve charitable gaming, special consideration is given to the circumstances on reserves.

Following are general points of difference between the two bodies:

No. IGR has been mandated by the FSIN Legislative Assembly to provide a service to the First Nations which shall offer centralized, uniform and impartial application of regulations related to on-reserve gaming activity.
Designating the responsibility to a centralized and uniform First Nations institution to perform a function on behalf of the First Nation does not impact on the collective inherent, Aboriginal or treaty rights. The First Nations‟ right to self-government as well as the right to make laws pertaining to their lands remain intact and unaffected by an administrative designation made by the leadership.

First Nations have a choice in designating their regulator of gaming activity. They may choose IGR, the provincial government (SLGA) or a First Nations or Tribal Council Authority. However, the licensing authority must have the capacity to regulate and be a duly recognized licensing authority. IGR has received permission from 71 First Nations out of the 73 First Nations who conduct gaming on their First Nations lands. Responsible management systems at IGR assist First Nations and their charities with the exercise of their rights and increased responsibilities.
An infringement occurs when legislation conflicts with and causes inability to practice a right. First Nations are practicing the right to govern their own affairs by choosing the First Nations regulator mandated by the FSIN Legislative Assembly. This is an assertion of the right to self-government rather than an infringement on it.

According to Part 10 of the 2002 Framework Agreement titled "Licensing of Charitable Lotteries on Reserves‟, the Government of Saskatchewan agrees to recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council each Gaming Licensing Authority that meets the necessary requirements, pursuant to subsection 207(1) (b) of the Criminal Code, as an exclusive authority to issue licences to charitable and religious organizations to conduct and manage charitable lotteries on reserve in Saskatchewan, provided the proceeds are used for charitable or religious objects or purposes. However, IGR shall be the only Gaming Licensing Authority entitled to license and regulate table games at SIGA casinos.

Prior to the Government's recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Government and each Gaming Licensing Authority shall enter into a capacity building process related to the performance of the roles and responsibilities of a regulator; enter into a licensing and regulatory agreement with SLGA regarding the terms and conditions that shall apply to licences issued by the Gaming Licensing Authority; and obtain the necessary resolutions to designate a Gaming Licensing Authority as an authority to issue licences to charitable or religious organization to conduct and manage charitable lottery schemes on reserves.
The capacity building process and licensing and regulatory agreements with SLGA shall be substantially similar for each Gaming Licensing Authority. A Tribal Council may undertake this process; however, the Tribal Council will have to negotiate with the province and enter into a Licensing Agreement.

 IGR provides independent licensing and regulatory standards & services for on-reserve charitable gaming.

8. Why do First Nations have to obtain licences given that this was not a requirement before?

After signing the Gaming Framework Agreement in 1995, First Nations leaders entered into other gaming related agreement(s) with the province of Saskatchewan. Prior to these agreements, there was very little "licensed‟ charitable gaming activity on reserves. Unlicensed gaming is contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, and conducting lottery schemes or any game of chance without a licence is an offense under the Criminal Code.

There is no cost for an IGR Licence

No. IGR does not have the authority to license or regulate VLT‟s. VLT‟s are a form of electronic gaming that is specifically governed by Section 207 1(a) of the Criminal Code and can only be licensed by SLGA.

Yes. An instance might occur where a First Nation has designated IGR through a Band Council Resolution (BCR) to license and regulate on-reserve gaming activity (bingos, raffles, break-opens, SIGA table games, Texas Hold‟em Poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events). The First Nation is also operating gaming activity governed by Section 207 1(a) that only SLGA can regulate, like VLT‟s. In such a case there may be two regulators on the First Nation.

Charitable gaming grants are an extra source of income available to charities licensed by IGR or SLGA that conduct bingos, raffles, breakopens, Texas Hold‟em and/or Monte Carlo events. All charities that have submitted up-to-date reporting of their licensed gaming events will be issued quarterly disbursements equal to 25% of the net proceeds from licensed gaming activities. Charities with multiple events will receive one lump-sum payment quarterly. This is an incentive for the charities that provide valuable services to the communities they operate in.

The significant achievements IGR has made in the last few years are outlined in the Annual Reports. Briefly they include:

IGR maintains First Nations support in the form of BCRs – 71 out of 73 (97%) Saskatchewan First Nations have illustrated their support for IGR. IGR staff members continue to meet with Chiefs and Councils with presentations regarding gaming licensing and benefits of a regulatory body. IGR requires a “designation” BCR before it can assume licensing and regulatory functions on respective First Nations.

IGR consistently maintains exemplary fiscal management 

IGR continues to surpass benchmarks for licensing on-reserve charitable gaming. About seventy-five percent of operations of the original grandfathered on-reserve Bingo operations are now licensed by IGR. Around ninety percent of on-reserve charitable gaming is licensed by IGR.

 Charitable Gaming Workshops – On-going public education forums directed at charities, band members and the Chiefs/Councils, stakeholders and interest groups regarding laws and regulations of charitable gaming.

 IGR Corporate Image – change of corporate name and logo intended to assist in renewal and revitalization of our First Nations‟ gaming regulatory body.

 IGR‟s website - Visit us at www.igr.ca