New information has begun to emerge about the casino project in the Border City.
Following social media chatter in the wake of the project’s approval by city council, an official Facebook page and Twitter account linked to the casino have attracted attention. According to the basic account information, the Facebook page has been active by at least May 26, 2016, with the latest post directing readers to an official page for the Lloydminster casino on the website of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). The Twitter account, which was created in June, does not have any activity.
However, the information contained on the official SIGA page has new details about the estimated economic impact of the project, stating that the proposed casino will be a draw for gaming enthusiasts and visitors, and additionally stating that “long-term employment and incomes for over 140 people at all skill levels” will be provided by the project. In addition to the jobs, it is stated that the casino will provide support to local suppliers, along with property tax to the City of Lloydminster. Donations and sponsorship, as well as a Regional Community Development Corporation, are also listed as parts of the local impact.
“It will foster regional economic growth by drawing on local suppliers, supporting spin-off businesses and attracting customers to Lloydminster’s restaurants and retail outlets,” reads the text of the website.
Additional details on the SIGA website put the size of the facility at 30,000 square feet, with 250 slot machines and eight tables. An entertainment area will also be part of the casino, and the build is estimated to cost around $20 million. The timeline on when the build will commence is not made clear on the website.
“We will know this better once all of the community consultation has been completed,” reads the text of the website, in a question and answer section.
“We do not have a solid date to give you at this time. If all goes well we will open in 2017.”
The name of the casino has also not yet been set, pending “consultation and marketing processes.”
The end of the official information directs those curious to the social media pages of the project, and also invites feedback for “ideas and questions.”
More information will be added to this report as it becomes available, as an official response from SIGA was not available today.