The story
How Bear Claw began on White Bear
Bear Claw Casino & Hotel has a short, plain history with one hard chapter in it. This page sets out that history, explains who runs the casino and shows where its profits go.
Signed by the Highway 9 deskChecked October 12, 2026
How the casino began
Bear Claw Casino first opened in 1993 on White Bear First Nations, in the Moose Mountains of southeast Saskatchewan. The site is on Highway 9, north of the town of Carlyle. After about three months, the provincial government closed it. The closure was a disputed chapter between First Nations and the province over gaming. This guide does not take a side in it.
The casino opened its doors again in November 1996 and has operated ever since. On July 1, 2010, the hotel followed, becoming SIGA's first destination resort. From then on, visitors could book a room and stay overnight, not just play. SIGA describes Bear Claw as its most historic casino.
Who runs it: SIGA
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which goes by SIGA, is the operator of Bear Claw. The Chiefs passed the First Nations Gaming Act, and SIGA, a First Nations non-profit, was set up under it in 1995. Seven Saskatchewan casinos are under its management. The building on Highway 9 covers 30,000 square feet.
Net profits mean what a casino has left once its costs are paid. At SIGA casinos, Bear Claw included, that money is divided into three shares. The First Nations Trust receives half, which is 50%. Community Development Corporations receive 25%. The last 25% is paid into the province's General Revenue Fund.
Casinos in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan counts nine permanent casinos. SIGA runs seven of them, while SaskGaming runs the remaining two, Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. Gaming management belongs to Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, abbreviated LGS. The regulator is SLGA, which stands for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
At Bear Claw, as at every SIGA casino, gambling is limited to people aged 19 or older. SIGA's rules treat anyone under 19 as a prohibited person, and no winnings can be paid to them. SIGA Rewards is the membership card program, and a single card is accepted across all seven SIGA casinos. Emerald, Gold, Platinum and Diamond are the four tiers a member can hold.
Quick answers
When did the casino open?
Bear Claw Casino first opened in 1993 on White Bear First Nations. The provincial government closed it after about three months. It reopened in November 1996 and has run since. The hotel opened on July 1, 2010.
Who runs the casino?
The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, which goes by SIGA, is the operator of Bear Claw. This First Nations non-profit dates from 1995 and manages seven casinos across Saskatchewan.
Where do the casino's profits go?
Profits left after costs at SIGA casinos are divided into three shares. The First Nations Trust receives half, or 50%. Community Development Corporations get 25%, and the other 25% is paid into the province's General Revenue Fund.