Northern Lights Casino, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, officially moved into Phase 2 of an expansion worth more than C$30 million on August 24, 2026, after completing the first stage of the project and reopening its new gaming floor, main entrance and expanded smoking room.
The casino, which opened in March 1996 and had not undergone a major renovation since 2011, is operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) on land belonging to the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. The property structure is held through Prince Albert Casino Ventures Limited Partnership.
The expansion will add approximately 31,000 square feet to a property that previously covered around 40,000 square feet. The new smoking room increased from 223 to 275 gaming machines, adding 52 slots, together with an upgraded air-treatment and ventilation system. During the weekend of August 22–23, the casino held a soft opening featuring entertainment, food and complimentary beverages. Denzel Smith, acting general manager during the reopening, highlighted the response from customers. SIGA’s corporate leadership structure continues to list Angela Isbister as General Manager of Northern Lights Casino.
Phase 2 will redevelop the former smoking room, the previous live table games area, further expand the smoking section and introduce a new bar-and-deli concept, while also renovating the restaurant, employee areas and additional sections of the gaming floor. A third phase will address administrative offices, warehouse space and back-of-house operations.
Zane Hansen
The project was announced on August 28, 2024, with construction beginning on October 15, 2024. The design was developed by aodbt architecture + interior design, incorporating First Nations identity and the Northern Lights theme.
SIGA is led by President and CEO Zane Hansen. In fiscal 2025–26, the organization generated C$418 million in gross gaming revenue and distributed C$167 million. It operates seven casinos as well as PlayNow.com in Saskatchewan. Northern Lights currently has about 522 slots, 12 gaming tables and 310 employees, with approximately 81% of staff identifying as First Nations. In 2024–25, the casino paid out C$43.07 million in jackpots. No layoffs linked to the construction project have been announced.
