May 19, 2026 | 8:45 am
First Nations communities are taking a larger ownership role in Canada’s casino sector as Indigenous organizations continue acquiring gaming properties across several provinces. The shift has seen established casino operators transfer control of major venues to First Nations groups seeking direct involvement in commercial activities.
The growing number of acquisitions reflects efforts by Indigenous communities to create their own revenue streams and make more decisions about how business income supports their priorities.
In British Columbia, the Snuneymuxw First Nation has become one of the most active participants in the changing casino market. Through its economic development arm, Petroglyph Development Group, the Vancouver Island nation has completed the purchase of five casino properties from Great Canadian Entertainment over the past two years.
The acquisitions include Casino Nanaimo, River Rock Casino Resort and Great Canadian Casino Vancouver. The purchases followed a long-term plan by Snuneymuxw to become directly involved in casino ownership.
Casino Nanaimo became the first significant property acquired by the First Nation. The agreement also brought the land connected to the casino site back under Snuneymuxw ownership. The property is part of the nation’s xwsol’lexwel village.
“It’s important to the nation for us to be reacquiring these sites by whatever means necessary,” Simpson said of that acquisition. “In this transaction, we’re paying market value for land that was taken from us, which is bittersweet, but we’re really happy to have it brought back to us.”
Indigenous Groups Take Control of More B.C. Casino Properties
Other First Nations in British Columbia have followed similar paths as casino ownership changes hands across the province.
Great Canadian Entertainment reached agreements involving additional properties with Indigenous groups. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation purchased the casino operations at Hastings Racecourse & Casino. The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe acquired Elements Casino Chilliwack, while the Semiahmoo First Nation bought Elements Casino Surrey at Fraser Downs.
Once these transactions are completed, eight of Great Canadian Entertainment’s nine former British Columbia casino properties will have moved to First Nations ownership. Chances Dawson Creek remains the only property from the company’s previous B.C. portfolio.
The deals have become part of a wider effort by Indigenous communities to establish independent commercial income sources. These investments allow communities to participate more directly in businesses that operate in their regions.
Alberta Casino Market Sees New Indigenous Ownership
Indigenous ownership has also expanded in Alberta, where First Nations-backed groups have acquired several gaming properties.
At the end of 2024, Indigenous Gaming Partners, representing five rural First Nations in Nova Scotia and working with Sonco Gaming, purchased the casino operations of Edmonton-based Pure Canadian Gaming. The transaction covered Pure Casino Edmonton, Pure Casino Yellowhead, Pure Casino Calgary and Pure Casino Lethbridge.
The expansion continued in March when Pure Casino Entertainment completed its purchase of Gamehost Inc. The deal added Deerfoot Inn & Casino in southeast Calgary, Rivers Casino and Entertainment Centre in Fort McMurray, and Great Northern Casino in Grande Prairie to the company’s holdings. The acquisition also included several hotels.
Indigenous Gaming Partners said the purchases opened new opportunities for participating communities. Michael Peters, chairman of IGP and CEO of Glooscap Ventures, said the first Pure Canadian Gaming acquisition generated additional income for member First Nations.
During the six months between completing that first acquisition and the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Glooscap First Nation received more than $600,000 in revenue. The community used those funds for services such as housing and healthcare.
Alberta’s regulated online gaming market has added another area of interest for Indigenous casino operators. The province launched its regulated iGaming market on July 13, allowing companies to introduce licensed online platforms. Pure registered its Pure Casino digital brand, while River Cree Resort and Casino announced plans for its own online operation.
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Ownership Gives First Nations Greater Role in Gaming Decisions
Industry representatives say these acquisitions represent a change in how Indigenous communities participate in Canada’s gaming industry.
The growth of Indigenous casino ownership comes as discussions continue around possible federal legal changes involving First Nations authority over gambling. Groups such as Snuneymuxw First Nation and Pure Casino Entertainment now represent examples of how Indigenous communities are building ownership positions within Canada’s gaming industry.
Source:
First Nations Casino Ownership Grows Across Canada, casinoreports.ca, July 31, 2026.