PlayNow.com poised for November launch in Saskatchewan

PlayNow.com poised for November launch in Saskatchewan
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PlayNow.com, owned and operated by British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), is close to becoming the first and only legal online gaming and sports betting site in Saskatchewan.

BCLC agreed a deal in June to expand its platform to a third province, following previous launches in British Columbia and Manitoba.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Association (SIGA) will be the official operator of PlayNow in the province, as per an operating agreement with SaskGaming.

Significantly, SIGA has now announced the date of PlayNow.com’s rollout to Saskatchewan residents – November 3.

“We are excited to be the exclusive provider of Saskatchewan’s first and only legal online gaming site, which will provide a safe and secure option for residents to play their favourite casino games and bet on their favourite sports teams online,” commented SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen.

“Residents will be pleased to know that when they play on the PlayNow.com site, the proceeds are reinvested back into the province. Similar to the existing brick-and-mortar casinos in the province, all net proceeds from the PlayNow.com site are reinvested back into Saskatchewan.”

Launched in British Columbia in 2004, PlayNow.com is the fastest-growing channel of BCLC’s business with ongoing year-over-year growth, and this latest venture will feature more than 400 casino, poker and sports betting products.

SaskGaming President and CEO Susan Flett said: “The rollout of online gaming and single event sports betting opens up new casino entertainment options for residents. The launch timing is also ideal with Saskatchewan hosting this year’s Grey Cup in November.”

SIGA was able to bring PlayNow to Saskatchewan after the province reached an agreement with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) in September 2021.

Bobby Cameron, FSIN Chief, noted: “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.”

Additionally, PlayNow.com has reached a sponsorship agreement with the Saskatchewan Roughriders which will see the CFL side feature the PlayNow.com logo on their jerseys, along with other stadium activations to promote the new online gaming and sports betting site coming to Saskatchewan.

“We are excited to welcome PlayNow.com as a valued partner and newest member of our strong Rider Nation,” said Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club President & CEO Craig Reynolds.