SaskGaming appoints Blaine Pilatzke as permanent president and CEO
Former VP selected as gaming corporation's new leader
The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SaskGaming) has selected a new leader, naming former VP of Corporate Services Blaine Pilatzke as its new president and CEO.
Effective immediately, Pilatzke will lead the crown corporation’s operations on a permanent basis. Pilatzke, a longtime senior employee at SaskGaming, has served as acting president and CEO since former president and CEO Susan Flett took up the same roles at Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) in September.
Since last year, SaskGaming, which operates Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw in the province, has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of LGS.
The corporation said Pilatzke’s appointment is the final result of an “extensive” search by the corporation.
“It was evident through the competitive process that Mr. Pilatzke demonstrated the vision, leadership and a thorough understanding of the gaming industry to succeed in the role,” SaskGaming Board Chair Blair Ross said. “Mr. Pilatzke has been a major contributor to SaskGaming’s success over the past 20 years, and the Board is confident he will keep SaskGaming competitive and on the cutting edge of casino gaming in our province as President and CEO.”
Pilatzke has two decades of experience in the gaming industry at the crown corporation, most recently serving as acting president and CEO as well as VP of corporate services.
“On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Board of Directors of LGS, I am pleased to congratulate Blaine Pilatzke on his appointment as President and CEO of SaskGaming,” said Minister Responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Laura Ross. “SaskGaming had one of its strongest years on record in 2023-24, and we look forward to building on that success with Mr. Pilatzke at the helm.”
SaskGaming was formerly the standalone administrator of casino and online gaming in Saskatchewan. When LGS was established as a new commercial crown corporation a year ago, it yielded its online gaming oversight to LGS, while management of the province’s VLT program moved from Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to LGS. SaskGaming still operates Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw.