Key Moments:
- FINTRAC issued a $1.175 million fine to SIGA for alleged administrative breaches of anti-money laundering regulations
- SIGA announced its intent to contest both the findings and penalties in Federal Court
- BCLC previously appealed a separate FINTRAC fine for similar violations
Regulatory Action Against SIGA
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has imposed a $1,175,000 penalty on the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), citing alleged failures in complying with administrative aspects of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). According to FINTRAC, these violations are linked to SIGA’s purported failure to report suspicious transactions and to maintain adequate written compliance frameworks.
FINTRAC has imposed an administrative monetary penalty of $1,175,000 on the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). For more information, consult: https://t.co/ZHAIUzuGHy pic.twitter.com/z6RCUtYQUv
— FINTRAC_Canada (@FINTRAC_Canada) September 12, 2025
Details of Alleged Violations
FINTRAC’s announcement outlined several compliance shortcomings, including not filing suspicious transaction reports even in cases where there were grounds to suspect links to money laundering or terrorist financing. Additional alleged violations involve incomplete reporting, not maintaining up-to-date compliance policies, and lacking senior officer approval for such policies at the organizational level.
The PCMLTFA sets the regulatory foundation for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures within Canada.
| Entity | Fine Amount | Alleged Offense | Appeal Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) | $1,175,000 | Administrative anti-money laundering violations | Announced appeal |
| British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) | Over $1,000,000 | Anti-money laundering legislation violations | Appealed in August |
SIGA’s Position and Response
In response to FINTRAC’s findings, SIGA confirmed it would launch an appeal, disputing both the identified violations and the imposed penalty. In a statement, SIGA emphasized, “It should be noted that the penalty is based on administrative reporting requirements only. There is no money laundering, terrorist financing, or other financial crimes at SIGA’s properties. SIGA does not agree with the violations found by FINTRAC, nor does it agree with the administrative penalties assessed. SIGA will be appealing both the findings of violations and the penalties assessed to the Federal Court.”
The authority added that its in-house compliance program undergoes regular audits by FINTRAC and that it works closely with regulatory organizations, maintaining a strong commitment to compliance.
Broader Regulatory Context
This case follows a similar instance in August, when the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) was also fined by FINTRAC for three alleged violations under the same anti-money laundering legislation. BCLC has since pursued an appeal in Federal Court.
Since its founding in 1996, SIGA has operated seven Saskatchewan-based casinos offering a variety of gaming and entertainment options, including slot machines, live and electronic table games, as well as the province’s only regulated online gaming platform, PlayNow.com.
- Author
Daniel Williams
