Canada’s money-laundering watchdog fined the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) nearly $1.2 million, alleging it failed to report suspicious transactions and had inadequate policies for monitoring high-risk patrons. SIGA remits profit from its seven casinos and online gambling site to the Saskatchewan government and Indigenous communities, said in a statement that it denies the allegations and plans to appeal.

(The Logic)

Talking point: The fine marks the third penalty Fintrac has announced against a casino operator in just over two weeks, part of what the regulator has confirmed to The Logic is a targeted enforcement blitz, to the frustration of the industry. Fintrac has launched more than 50 investigations into the sector over the past year because it is “highly vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing threats,” spokesperson Erica Constant said. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation and the CNE Casino have also appealed their fines. SIGA did not immediately respond when asked if it plans to do the same.