MOOSE JAW — With its refresh of Casino Regina complete, SaskGaming is focusing on Casino Moose Jaw as it plans to extensively upgrade the venue for the first time since its opening 21 years ago.
The provincial government announced in mid-May that the gaming and entertainment site would receive a $5 million facelift starting in late June that would create “a brighter, more welcoming, and convenient environment for guests.”
The province expects construction to continue until early 2024.
The renovation of the two casinos is part of SaskGaming’s multi-year modernization plan to upgrade buildings under its control, explained Brian Miller, director of communications. For example, the organization just finished updating Casino Regina after spending the past four years and $5 million each year — over $20 million in total — to make that happen.
Now it’s The Friendly City’s turn.
“So that’ll pretty much be the completion of that five-year modernization plan once we complete the renovations in Moose Jaw early next year,” he added.
The renovations will focus on the gaming and food and beverage areas of the casino and will include brighter lights, new carpet, and an updated floor plan so people flow through smoothly, which should enhance guests’ experience, Miller said.
The purpose of modernizing these entertainment venues is to fulfill SaskGaming’s commitment to offering the best experience possible for people who walk through the doors.
Over the past year, Casino Moose Jaw has averaged about 38,000 visitors per month.
“When people step into Casino Moose Jaw, we want them to see that that casino reflects our commitment and (to) stay on the cutting edge of casino gaming in our province,” he continued.
Miller noted that anyone who has walked through Casino Regina recently would understand what to expect with the renovations here. This will also be the first extensive renovation to Casino Moose Jaw since it opened in 2002; the only previous renovation — in 2009 — expanded the gaming floor.
The communications director added that Casino Moose Jaw will still be open during renovations, although tarps will block the affected areas.
According to its 2021-22 annual report, SaskGaming saw a net income of $19.1 million last year, compared to a net loss of $13.4 million during the 2020-21 year.
Upgrades to the two casinos are part of a $2.1 billion plan by Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations in 2023-24 to enhance system safety and reliability, better serve customers and support the province’s growing economy, according to the province.
During this fiscal year, SaskTel plans to invest $412 million, SaskEnergy a record $331 million, SaskPower with $1.15 billion, SaskWater with $44.6 million and SGI with $31.2 million.
