Canada’s charitable gaming payouts dip provincewide
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) reported a decline in charitable gaming grants during the third quarter of 2025–2026, with distributions of about $329,000 compared to the $2.2 million granted in Q2.
More than 300 groups and organisations across over 100 communities benefit from these grants, which support local initiatives ranging from arts and culture to hospital foundations and sports programmes.
Reason for the decline
An LGS spokesperson explained that the lower Q3 figure was due to changes in reporting and tracking processes on the accounting side. Additionally, cheques were issued in the first week of January 2026 instead of the last week of December 2025, shifting some funds into the next reporting period. The spokesperson emphasised that the upcoming quarter should reflect a larger distribution.
Oversight and operators
LGS, a Crown corporation, manages and oversees all gaming in Saskatchewan, including casinos, video lottery terminals (VLTs), lotteries, and online platforms.
The province has two operators: The firstis SaskGaming, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LGS. It operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, manages daily operations, entertainment, dining, and gaming.
The second is the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), owned by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), which runs seven casinos across the province in partnership with LGS. SIGA also operates the online gaming site PlayNow.com.
Charitable grant framework
Charitable grants are distributed to groups that conduct licenced gaming activities such as bingo, raffles, poker tournaments, and Monte Carlo events. LGS supplements the funds raised by these organisations, contributing 25 percent of net revenue per event, up to a maximum of $100,000 annually per group.
In a statement by the government of Saskatchewan, Minister Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison reaffirmed the government’s commitment to charitable gaming, noting that grants support a wide range of community activities.
For one, the 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums received a charitable grant last year. Music lessons are taught to young people like bagpipes, snare drum, bass drum, or tenor drum. Funds received help cover the costs of instructors, instruments, uniforms, and competition travel.
Notable recent distributions have included $49,911 to Saskatoon groups; $47,054 to Regina groups; $46,028 to Humboldt and area; $22,423 to Prince Albert and area; and $25,256 to Weyburn, Estevan and area.
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) calculates grant amounts based on financial reports submitted by participating charities.
Strong sector performance
Despite the dip in charitable grants, Saskatchewan’s gaming sector continues to post strong results. For one, SIGA reported a record $378 million in gross revenue and $146 million in net income for 2024–2025, marking its third consecutive record-breaking year.
Additionally, profits are reinvested into Saskatchewan: 50 percent to the First Nations Trust; 25 percent to Community Development Corporations (CDCs); and 25 percent to the provincial General Revenue Fund.
LGS reported $742.6 million in total revenue and $358.5 million in net income before provincial payments. Contributions included $135 million to the General Revenue Fund and $190 million in dividends to Crown Investments Corporation (CIC).
Step inside the world’s biggest iGaming community. Join HERE for weekly updates from the world’s iGaming authority and unlock subscriber-only offers.
