It was a red-carpet affair at the Living Sky Casino yesterday evening. 

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Event Centre at the Casino was the focal point of a celebration marking a decade and a half of SIGA-backed achievements. 

Guests were welcomed to listen in as Ashley Peterson, general manager of the Living Sky Casino, spoke to the many highs over that time, which have only soared skyward as the years have gone on.

"The highlight is honestly going to events [Living Sky is involved in] and seeing just seeing how many people come out to support it," said Peterson. "Just how many positive testimonials we get back, how many people thank us for bringing these things to Swift Current, and attending concerts as well."

Dignitaries from the City of Swift Current and the Nekaneet First Nation were able to speak and touch on the importance of the casino in the fabric of the local landscape. Hosting events like Ribfest, Taillight Tuesdays, and other crowd favourites draws in the community to participate, while also ensuring that the casino is giving back. 

Another big point was made about how things have changed. Originally, the Casino had 250 slot machines and live table games. As SIGA has pivoted more towards internet-based games, the tables have been exchanged for eight internet games, and the slot machines have rounded down to an even 200 machines.

Anyone who frequents Living Sky Casino will remember earlier this year when J.G Lundy won $1,446,000 in the Smoke Signals jackpot. This was the first time the jackpot had ever been won in Living Sky Casino. 

"It's huge for us," said Peterson. "The fact that we had never given out that jackpot here in Swift Current, it was especially exciting for Living Sky and the community of Swift Current to see that jackpot go back to the community."

The event also included a showing of The SIGA Story, a short 30-minute film that followed the origin story of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. 

Since the organization began in 1995, they have opened and operated 8 casinos in Saskatchewan. Living Sky opened in 2008, and is a multi-First Nations Casino, being a partnered economic development between File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, Nekaneet First Nation, and SIGA.

Now, with the future left ahead of it, Living Sky Casino is ready to accept the fact its facilities are no longer new. Peterson confirmed that work to maintain the structure will be done, to ensure that they continue to host great games, fun events, and thrilling concerts for years to come. 

"Thank you so much for believing in us, allowing us to do what we do by partnering with us, and giving us opportunities to give back to the community," said Peterson. "We look forward to continuing to innovate and find new ways to be an important part of the community." 

 

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