Something pretty major is happening out of Nanaimo, and it’s catching attention across B.C. The Snuneymuxw First Nation is set to become the largest Indigenous-owned casino operator in the country. That might sound like a big claim, but it’s backed up by action: the Nation is buying two well-known Metro Vancouver venues, River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond and Chances Casino in Maple Ridge.
These aren’t small operations. River Rock has been a staple on the Lower Mainland since 2004 and is still considered the biggest casino resort in Western Canada. Chances Maple Ridge opened in 2013 and continues to draw steady traffic. Both are currently owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, but under the proposed deal, control would move to the Nation’s economic development arm, Petroglyph Development Group.
Details like the purchase price haven’t been made public yet, and there’s still the matter of regulatory approval. But for Chief Mike Wyse and the Snuneymuxw community, this is the kind of milestone that reflects decades of planning. Wyse said the move is rooted in the Nation’s vision for long-term prosperity and economic independence. It’s not just about expansion, it’s about ownership, opportunity, and defining what the future looks like, on their own terms.
It also arrives at a time when casino culture is changing. More players across the country are opting to stay home rather than make the drive to a local venue. What’s changed? Convenience mostly. Platforms offering the perfect new online casinos now let Canadians play securely from wherever they are. No lineups, no travel, no fuss, just straight into the action from a laptop or phone.
That move to online hasn’t made land-based venues irrelevant, though. River Rock and Chances still play a huge role in their communities, both as local employers and social spaces. Casino floors still draw regular visitors, and many players still prefer the energy of an in-person experience. The Snuneymuxw move suggests something more than just keeping up, it’s a long-term play that blends tradition with growth.
And they’re not doing it alone. The Musqueam Indian Band, on whose land River Rock sits, announced it supports the Snuneymuxw purchase. They had considered buying the property themselves, but ultimately decided to back the proposal instead. Their chief, Wayne Sparrow, said the approach from the Snuneymuxw was respectful and transparent, which helped shape that decision. It’s also a strong sign of what collaboration between Nations can look like in practice, not just in principle.
Erralyn Joseph, president of Petroglyph Development Group, emphasized that the deal isn’t just about business ownership. It’s about jobs, training and the kind of regional partnerships that can grow well beyond casino walls. In her view, this is a chance to show what modern Indigenous leadership in the gaming industry can actually achieve, not just as operators, but as innovators and job creators.
The economic benefits are part of it, of course. Running multiple casinos opens the door to reinvestment in local services, education, and community-led initiatives. It also means having more control over how those operations are run, who they hire, and where the revenue flows. With two more venues coming under their umbrella, the Snuneymuxw First Nation would be operating four casinos across B.C.
Meanwhile, the online casino space continues to expand. More players are logging in from all over British Columbia, choosing flexible, modern experiences over traditional outings. That’s part of why the industry is changing, but also why ownership like this matters. As the industry grows, it’s important that Indigenous operators aren’t just invited to the table, they own their share of it.
When you look at the full picture, it’s not hard to see why this move stands out. It’s built on relationships, not just contracts. In respect, not just transactions. On a broader understanding that economic development, when done right, doesn’t just bring money into a community, it opens doors for others too.
The long-term lease on River Rock, currently held by Great Canadian Entertainment, runs until 2041. That gives plenty of time for transition, collaboration and planning with the Musqueam and Katzie First Nations, both of whom are expected to have a hand in future development projects tied to the site.
If everything clears, it’ll be a landmark moment in how casino ownership in Canada is structured. A move that shows what can happen when leadership, patience, and community all point in the same direction.