Canada's Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre, FINTRAC, has imposed an administrative monetary penalty of $1,175,000 on the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority for committing three violations of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and its associated regulations. The penalty was levied on 28 August 2025 and the case was made public on 12 September 2025.
SIGA has filed an appeal of the penalty to the Federal Court, contesting the regulatory findings. The organisation operates multiple casino properties across Saskatchewan. FINTRAC has jurisdiction over casinos as designated reporting entities under Canada's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, meaning gaming operators are subject to the same transaction reporting, customer due diligence, and compliance programme obligations that apply to banks, insurance companies, and other regulated financial service providers.
FINTRAC'S PENALTY REGIME
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, penalties can be levied where a reporting entity has failed to file required suspicious transaction reports, has not implemented an adequate compliance programme meeting the prescribed standard, or has not met know-your-client obligations for customers transacting above applicable thresholds. FINTRAC publishes the identity of the penalised entity, the number of violations, and the quantum of the penalty.
APPEAL PROCESS
SIGA's decision to appeal to the Federal Court means the $1,175,000 penalty is not yet final and enforceable pending the outcome of the appeal.
FINTRAC’s notice lists the violations, including failure to submit four suspicious transaction reports, classified as a very serious violation.