Sand Hills Casino opens in southwestern Manitoba

Manitoba's third First Nations-owned casino, Sand Hills, has openedjust south of Carberry.

The 31,000-square-foot casino, on the Swan Lake First Nationjust off Highway 5,houses 350 slot machines, severaltable games and a restaurant and lounge. It officially opened on Monday.

This is a significant day for First Nations, said Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Derek Nepinak.

After many years of working towards a casino in Western Manitoba, were very proud to open a business that will benefit all First Nations in the province.

The province's 63 First Nations will equally share profits from the casino, which officials say hasan annual payroll of $5 million and, over 10 years, is anticipated to have a cumulative economic impact of at least $150 million in the Westman region.

"When we say $150 million, we're really talking about construction jobs, ongoing jobs, increased business opportunities and spending in the region as a result of the construction and the ongoing operation," said Barbara Czech, a casino spokesperson.

"When you factor in the whole region so Carberry, Glenboro, Brandon and, you know, that section of western Manitoba $150 million over 10 years is a significant impact. And by the way, we think that may be on the conservative side."

Czech said the casino has 175 full-time employees. Of those, 60 per cent are aboriginal.

Manitoba's other First Nations-owned casinos are South Beach, located on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation reserve, and the Aseneskak Casino on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation north of The Pas, Man.