A gaming hall in Canada has been praised by the mayor of Whitecourt on its second anniversary.

A Canada casino operated by the Sioux Indians has helped to bring prosperity to the town of Whitecourt, Alberta, the mayor has claimed.

The Eagle River Casino celebrated its second anniversary on January 30th 2010 and the gaming hall's management met with local politicians on the day to mark the occasion.

Mayor Trevor Thain expressed his pleasure at the success of the casino, which he said has been a significant driver of tourists to the town, which has a population of less than 10,000 people.

"It's had an impact on bringing people into the area, increased stays at our hotels and given our populace a reason to stay in our community and spend their money here," Mr Thain told the Whitecourt Star.

He went on to add that the casino has managed to have a "beneficial economic effect" on the settlement.

Chief Cam Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux nation said that the gaming hall has done more bring jobs to the community, pointing out it has also helped to fund social projects such as housing.

The casino has 250 slot machines and also offers opportunities for table games such as blackjack, poker and roulette.