From grocery store to 43,000 square foot entertainment destination: Yorkton’s Painted Hand Casino celebrates 20 years of success
Press Release
December 7, 2016
Yorkton, Saskatchewan – Opened in December 1996, the Painted Hand Casino began in a former grocery store on 3rd Ave N in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and measured only 15,000 square feet. Despite its humble beginnings, Painted Hand Casino thrived and was eventually rebuilt at a new location nearly three times its original size.
One of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority’s original four casinos in the province, Painted Hand has been part of the fabric of the Yorkton community for 20 years. Since its inception, the casino has created jobs, driven tourism to the city, and made significant investment in the community through volunteerism, scholarships and sponsorships.
SIGA’s President and CEO Zane Hansen says the Painted Hand Casino marks an important time in the company’s history.
“SIGA came to the market with four casino builds in 1996. The Painted Hand Casino was one of the four original builds that drew attention to the potential impact of First Nations economic development in Saskatchewan,” he says.
Twenty years later the casino is making an impact through its community investment program. A real source of pride for General Manager Charles Ryder is the employee volunteer program.
“We give back through volunteering with smaller organizations like the Yorkton Friendship Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Soup haven, Boys and Girls Club, and the SIGN Family Centre,” says General Manager, Charles Ryder of the Painted Hand Casino. “We’re very thankful for being part of the community for the past 20 years and to be able to make an impact in this way,” he adds.
To celebrate turning 20, the casino has a variety of events planned for its patrons. The casino has planned three tribute concerts in December and an all-day anniversary event on Dec. 14, 2016 with a $20,000 cash prize giveaway.
For more information on Painted Hand Casino’s 20th anniversary events, visit www.paintedhandcasino.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Charles Ryder, General Manager
Painted Hand Casino
306-786-6777
Charles.Ryder@siga.sk.ca
Micaela Thompson, Marketing Coordinator
Painted Hand Casino
306-828-3049
Micaela.Thompson@siga.sk.ca
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