A Saskatoon ATM operator has admitted to taking most of the $1.2 million loss that was reported by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

     Alain Germian, owner of Cash is King ATM Limited, told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix newspaper that he funnelled around $939,000 of the cash to support his ailing business.

     SIGA says the money was supposed to be given to them to recover cash withdrawn from ATMs at the Living Sky Casino in Swift Current, and the Bear Claw Casino on the White Bear First Nation in the southeast.

     The bank machines have not been operational at either Casino since the loss was made public.

     Saskatoon City Police are investigating the case and have not yet laid any charges.

     Germain, his company, and several others, were named in a lawsuit that was launched by SIGA earlier this week.