Members of the public were eagerly lined up outside the new smoking room at Dakota Dunes Casino Thursday afternoon, waiting to get a look inside after the ribbon was cut. 

The new room, with higher ceilings, additional game machines, and an enhanced H-VAC system, is Phase One of a three-phase, $14 million expansion taking place.  

SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen says the old smoking room had about 250 machines, whereas the new one will have roughly 100 more. He expects the new space to bring in more revenue, as well. 

“We should see a pretty decent lift with extra product, more convenience. We’re really able to space things out in a much higher air quality environment, so I think the customers will really like that.”

Whitecap Dakota Nation Chief Darcy Bear says the old smoking room generated nearly 60 per cent of the casino’s profits. 

“We’ve got about 350 machines in the new development, so it’s going to be a lot better for those players who want to go into that smoking experience.”

The old smaller smoking room will be turned into a new High Stakes Game table room. This project, Phase Two, is expected to wrap up in May. Phase Three will see an assortment of new food and beverage options, such as a refreshed Tim Hortons, a Deli and Bar, and a noodle bar.  

Also, work on the province’s first thermal spa is also underway on site.  Bear says that’s expected to be open by late 2026.