PROFITABILITY, YOUNG WORKFORCE AND NEW GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE HALLMARKS OF SASK GAMING SUCCESS

Continued profits for Saskatchewan people, a young workforce and a new governance structure were the highlights of the 2008 Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (Sask Gaming) annual report, tabled in the legislature today. From income of $38 million, Sask Gaming paid $19 million to the provincial General Revenue Fund (GRF) and declared a dividend of $15 million to Crown Investment Corporation (CIC). Income increased from $33 million for the same period in 2007.

"We believe that people make things happen," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Bill Hutchinson said. "Sask Gaming is an important employer in our province. With a workforce of 1,000 people, the corporation provides a place where careers can begin, and grow. The corporation has a history of delivering both strong profits and high quality entertainment for the people of Saskatchewan."

Providing casino entertainment in a socially responsible manner is at the heart of the corporation's 2008 annual report. More than three million patrons chose Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw as their entertainment destination. In addition, the corporation was recognized for its outstanding leadership and contribution by the industry.

Accomplishments of this magnitude are possible with a stellar workforce dedicated to delivering excellent service at every turn. Sask Gaming has also been successful at employing young people, with 32 per cent of the workforce under 30 years of age. As well, the corporation is a leader in meeting or exceeding the workforce representation targets set by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

"Sask Gaming is creating the inclusive workforce that's so important to Saskatchewan's future," Hutchinson said. "This not only provides an economic benefit to the employees and their families, but it also provides an important economic benefit to the community."

In addition to being an employer of choice for Saskatchewan, Sask Gaming strengthened its commitment to the province giving more than $560,000 in charitable community investments and marketing sponsorships to hundreds of local events and organizations. Responsible gaming awareness and education, and Saskatchewan and Aboriginal-based procurement practices demonstrate the corporation's continued commitment to being a socially responsible Crown corporation.

The corporation became a subsidiary of CIC on April 1, 2008, after operating as a Treasury Board Crown since being established in 1994. As a result of this change in governance, the 2008 annual report covers the April 1 to December 31 timeframe. Due to the new governance structure, the corporation now pays dividends to CIC in addition to making payments to the GRF.

Income before payments to the GRF was $38 million. Sask Gaming paid 50 per cent of income ($19 million) to the GRF. The Corporation also paid a dividend of 80 per cent of its remaining net income ($15 million) to CIC, with retained earnings of $4 million. The GRF transfers gaming profits to the Community Initiatives Fund, the First Nations Trust and the Métis Development Fund.

"Demonstrating economic benefit to the community is an important hallmark of the corporation's success in 2008," Sask Gaming Acting President and CEO Twyla Meredith said. "In 2009 Sask Gaming will continue its 14 year history of providing quality employment and an important revenue stream for the people of Saskatchewan. We operate Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw with an eye to the future. Responsibility, integrity and security are the hallmarks of duty of care in our business and ensure that we can meet the social and economic needs of our stakeholders."

To view a copy of the 2008 Sask Gaming Annual Report, please visit:
http://www.saskgaming.com/corp_info.html.

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For more information, contact:

Felechia Brodie
Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8515
Email: felechia.brodie@saskgaming.com
Cell: 306-529-1530