The Snuneymuxw First Nation has agreed to purchase Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, B.C., from Great Canadian Casino for an undisclosed price.

Snuneymuxw, through its wholly owned Petroglyph Development Group, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the property.

The proposed transaction marks the fifth major casino acquisition agreement in British Columbia for Snuneymuxw in the past 12 months and further expands its gaming portfolio following previously announced deals involving Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge.

“This latest agreement reinforces the strategy we’re executing and the proven results we’ve achieved across our gaming portfolio,” said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse. “The confidence placed in us by Great Canadian Entertainment and the industry is grounded in our disciplined approach to sustainable growth.”

The proposed acquisition marks another step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening its long-term prosperity and financial independence while restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years, he added.

The acquisition positions Petroglyph Development Group to become one of the largest casino operators in British Columbia and Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue.

“We are seizing opportunities that will unlock Snuneymuxw’s economic potential and build a strong, resilient future for our Nation,” said Erralyn Joseph, president of Petroglyph. “Decades of big work have delivered transformative economic growth. Over the last 10 years, PDG has grown from three companies to 13, and counting. We plan to keep the pedal to the metal with a measured and strategic approach, smashing economic ceilings for the benefit of Snuneymuxw, the region, the province and the country.”

Great Canadian Casino Vancouver features 917 slot machines, 37 table games, 42 electronic table games, multiple dining and nightlife options and The Show Theatre, a 1,050-seat venue.

“This milestone contributes to the momentum of our dynamic gaming portfolio and our commitment to local sustainable economic development,” said Ian Simpson, CEO of Petroglyph. “Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has long been an important contributor to the Coquitlam economy, and we’re committed to ensuring those benefits continue. As we expand Snuneymuxw’s economic development footprint, we remain focused on creating lasting value for our nation, for the communities where we operate and for the region as a whole.”

The Casino Vancouver transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory and third-party approvals, including approvals under the Competition Act.

“Great Canadian Casino Vancouver has thrived because of the passion and dedication of our team members and community,” said Matthew Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment. “We are pleased to pass this legacy into the hands of Snuneymuxw First Nation and the vision they hold for the business’s future.”

Great Canadian’s proposed divestment comes after the company shut down its Hastings Park horseracing business and agreed to sell its casino business located at the Vancouver racetrack to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in Vancouver in late 2025. (Great Canadian leased the racetrack from the city, which has launched year-long process with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer to explore the possibility of redeveloping the site as a new stadium and entertainment centre.)

The Musqueam Indian Band also agreed to partner with Snuneymuxw on its purchase of the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, B.C., from Great Canadian in the latter part of 2025.

Great Canadian has been selling off several assets in recent months as the company seeks to reduce debt, and Snuneymuxw has agreed to purchase a number of them.

Pictured: Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam, B.C.

Photo: Concerts 50