Dakota Dunes Casino has officially opened the first phase of a multi-stage expansion, marking another milestone in the ongoing growth of the resort complex operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) at Whitecap Dakota First Nation. The completion of Phase 1 was recognized on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by leadership from SIGA, Whitecap Dakota Nation, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
The initial phase centers on a newly expanded smoking room, which increases the casino’s gaming floor by approximately 11,500 square feet and adds 350 additional gaming machines. The updated space features higher ceilings and a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system designed to improve air quality for guests and staff.
“It’s really our commitment at SIGA to always be elevating what we provide our customers and move forward,” said Zane Hansen, SIGA President and CEO, quoted by Eagle Feather News. He also pointed to the broader collaboration behind the project, saying, “When you look at the success and growth of the entire Dakota Dunes footprint out here, it’s just a fantastic partnership effort.”
Expanded gaming space brings new employment
The Phase 1 expansion has already resulted in the creation of 30 new positions at the casino. According to SIGA, additional hiring is expected as future phases of construction are completed. Dakota Dunes Casino now employs 373 people, with 73 percent of its workforce identified as Indigenous.
SIGA Board Chair and Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Tammy Cook-Searson, highlighted how the project aligns with the organization’s long-standing objectives. “SIGA’s mandate is to create employment for First Nation people; generate positive revenues for First Nations; and partner on economic development projects that benefit our shareholders and communities,” she said. She added that the current phase is already advancing those goals through new hiring, with further opportunities anticipated once the next stage is finished.
STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand also addressed the economic impact of the expansion. “It’s great to see this project continue moving forward,” he said. “The good jobs that are being created here for First Nations people are a stepping stone to improved quality of life for individuals and families, and the additional revenue generated by this expansion will support continued economic development, and many worthy initiatives both in Saskatoon, and in our STC member communities.”
Next phases planned through 2026
Construction at the casino will continue into 2026, with the second phase scheduled for completion in the spring of that year. That stage will focus on enlarging the High Limit Room table game area. A further round of upgrades is planned for the summer of 2026, including the addition of new food and beverage options such as a refreshed Tim Hortons, a deli, a bar, and a teppanyaki-style noodle bar.
SIGA estimates the total investment in the casino expansions at approximately $14 million. Reflecting on the scale of change still ahead, Hansen said, “If you come here in a few months time, this whole area will look vastly different.”
Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear noted that the timing of the casino expansion aligns closely with other development underway at the resort. “This expansion of the Dakota Dunes Casino is timely as we construct the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa on the resort side of the property,” he said. “All of these enhancements will only further increase the number of visitors and position the property as the premier destination resort in the province.”
Broader resort development underway
Beyond the casino, the Dakota Dunes Resort is preparing for the opening of a large thermal spa facility, which is expected to welcome the public in late 2026. The $54 million spa will include pools, saunas, and designated relaxation areas. Bear emphasized the uniqueness of the project within the province, noting the absence of similar facilities in Saskatchewan.
“We have thermal spas all over the world – there’s 26,000 in Pacific Asia, 6,000 in Europe, about 310 in North America, about 156 in Canada, 47 in Quebec, and zero in Saskatchewan,” Bear said. “It’s going to make us the number one resort in Saskatchewan.”
During the ceremony, Bear reflected on the long-term economic journey of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, recalling the early challenges faced by the community. “I was elected back in 1991, and at that time we had not one dollar in our bank account. We had an overdraft, a stack of payables, and about eight employees,” he said. Looking ahead, he stated that Dakota Dunes is expected to net more than $50 million in 2025, adding, “These are the things we can do when we all work together.”
