Recently, there has been some concern over the allocation of casino revenues among First Nations groups across Canada. A new CBC investigation takes an exclusive look at this situation, exposing the issue.
Over the course of the past decade, First Nations casinos have generated upwards of $50 million per year. Initially, the casinos’ gaming agreement dictated that they would pay 27.5% of their net revenue to all 63 of the First Nations groups in Manitoba. While the agreement was initially meant to equally benefit all native groups in the province, casino operators did not hold up their end of the bargain.
Over the years, it has been discovered that the First Nations groups who do not own any of the casinos have receive a smaller percentage. In some cases, groups have received less than $15 000 over the years.
Unsurprisingly, this has caused a great deal of resentment among First Nation’s groups in the province. However, those receiving more money have justified the circumstances. In some cases, more money has been offered to casino employees at Christmas while others have presented employees with the chance to go to casino conventions in Las Vegas.
