Casino lays off staff

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Provincial operating restrictions have forced the layoff of 21 employees from the White Bear band casino.

The layoffs were the result of licensing regulations restricting the on-reserve casino's operation to four days per week, said representatives of the casino negotiating team.

"As we were unable to get the time we needed, we felt we could not carry on with as many people on staff as before. The province has not been as enthusiastic in dealing with the White Bear and Bear Claw casino as we had hoped," read a prepared statement. Two band members and Al King, the casino's American supplier, sit on the team.

Under the interim agreement with the province, the White Bear band can only operate the casino from Thursdays at 5 p.m. until the following Monday at 2 a.m.

The limited hours and lack of slot machines, which were confiscated this spring, generate only 25 per cent of the revenues necessary to maintain a full staff, said casino manager Roger LaBine.

"When we negotiated for our reopening, my instructions were to open up with staff for 7 days of operation and with slot machines," he said.

The band opened the casino in late February, creating jobs for approximately 75 people on the reserve. RCMP raided and closed the casino March 22, confiscating 115 VLTs and six blackjack tables. Three band members, including Chief Bernard Shepherd, were arrested.

The casino now operates with approximately 35 employees, and generates between $1,500 and $3,000 each night.

The provincial guidelines also forbid the band from operating any electronic gaming machines, including video lottery terminals (VLT), said acting-Chief Annette Lonechild.

"Our provincial license is only for gaming tables," she said. "There was not enough revenue generated. There are no slots."

Electronic gaming devices like VLTs and slot machines accounted for almost 50 per cent of the casino's income, LaBine said.

The band reached an interim agreement with the province May 28 which allowed them to operate the casino in conjunction with the Weyburn Agricultural Association. A permanent casino agreement would allow the band to run electronic games provided the province and local exhibition associations were involved.