Snuneymuxw Chief Michael Wyse (left) and Terrance Doyle, president of Great Canadian Entertainment, celebrate the Nation's purchase of two Lower Mainland properties. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

major acquisitions

River Rock Casino, Chances Maple Ridge purchased by Snuneymuxw First Nation

Oct 30, 2025 | 9:56 AM

NANAIMO — Snuneymuxw First Nation’s economic arm is now the largest Indigenous-led casino operator in the province.

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) announced acquisitions of Richmond’s River Rock Casino and Chances Casino in Maple Ridge on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Both properties were previously under the Great Canadian Entertainment structure, which also owned Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria prior PDG purchases in 2024.

“These acquisitions represent a transformational step for our Snuneymuxw,” Chief Michael Wyse said. “We are moving towards financial independence and sovereignty with sustainable, Nation-led revenue. We reinvest this revenue into what matters most: projects that strengthen our people, that honour our way of being and build opportunity for future generations.”

The announcement of the casino acquisitions were met with audible gasps and applause by those gathered at the announcement on Thursday at SFN’s Health and Wellness Centre south of downtown Nanaimo.

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Both deals are expected to formally close early in 2026 and are subject to regulatory approval.

Wyse said securing four casino operations in B.C. is helping Snuneymuxw “realizing a dream of long-term economic independence and creating lasting prosperity for our people and the communities we serve.”

“When we announced our purchase of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria last summer, we spoke about realizing a dream carried by our…generations of chiefs and councils who advocated for economic independence. Today, that dream continues to unfold. We have moved from vision to momentum, from aspiration to steady action.”

Wyse mentioned housing, health and wellness, and education as important factors to consider in their future vision.

River Rock Casino is the largest facility of its kind in Western Canada, with an operational history spanning more than 20 years, while Maple Ridge’s Chances Casino opened in 2013.

The total purchase price of the two properties was not disclosed.

The move, as Wyse spoke about on Thursday, enables an increased level of financial self-sufficiency for SFN with funding being directed into capital projects.

“PDG is in a unique and strong position. We’ve established a solid foundation of recurring revenue and built a trusted relationship with the First Nations Finance Authority. This means we can pursue greater opportunities while maintaining a thoughtful balance between strategic investment, responsible debt and sustainable revenue growth.”

Snuneymuxw First Nation is in the process of finalizing plans for the former Howard Johnson Hotel site in downtown Nanaimo, as well as recently acquired lands on Fifth St.

President of PDG, Erralyn Joseph, said in a statement, the acquisitions are aligned with their goal of restoring a strong Snuneymuxw economy.

“One where Snuneymuxw capital, leadership and vision drive meaningful growth for our Nation and strengthen partnerships across territories.”

She also celebrated new working relationships with both the Musqueam and Katzie Nations, where both casinos reside.

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