The Gold Horse Casino in Lloydminster is hoping to open its doors in December. Construction on the facility broke ground last year in June and ever since then the project has been progressing.
General Manager Roger Anderson says the construction has slowed down due to weather but is still moving along.
“We have the exterior just about complete. As you can see there’s some signage going up and all the brickwork is done. They’re starting on the windows around the entrance.”
In terms of the interior, Anderson says drywall is almost complete, painting is underway, waterlines and the sprinkler system are done.
Anderson was the first hire announced by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority in May. He says since then they have hired all their management staff and are looking to hire about 140 support staff.
“We have nine managers in place, including me. The management is there and we’ve hired a few of the support staff, but we still have a ways to go.”
Gold Horse will be the seventh casino under SIGA and will have the same profit distribution model. That includes 50 per cent of profit will be given to Saskatchewan First Nation Communities, 25 per cent will benefit local initiatives and 25 per cent will be shared with the provincial governments General Revenue Fund.
Anderson says his priorities for the casino is to be involved in the community as much as possible whether that’s through sponsorships or volunteering.
“Work to get ourselves involved in the community. Work to get things in place in preparation for the grand opening of the casino. Doing as much as I can to help us move here as an organization and being another successful casino in the province.”
He says the latest they plan on opening is early 2019 with the expected date in mid to late December 2018.