Snuneymuxw First Nation announced the purchase of Coquitlam's Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, the fifth casino now under SFN management. (L-R) President of the Great Canadian Entertainment Terrance Doyle and SFN Chief Mike Wyse during the Sept. 10, 2024 announcement to purchase Elements Casino Victoria. (Submitted/SFN)

By Jordan Davidson

economic expansion

Snuneymuxw First Nation buys fifth B.C. casino

Dec 19, 2025 | 11:42 AM

NANAIMO — Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) is now the biggest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in the country, after announcing the purchase of another casino.

SFN announced on Friday, Dec. 19, they have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam through their economic development arm, Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) and Great Canadian Entertainment.

This brings the number of casinos operated by SFN to five, after announcing the purchase of Richmond’s River Rock Casino and Chances Casino in Maple Ridge earlier this year, and Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria in 2024.

“The confidence placed in us by Great Canadian Entertainment and the industry is grounded in our disciplined approach to sustainable growth,” said SFN chief Mike Wyse. “The proposed acquisition of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver marks another step toward economic self-determination for Snuneymuxw, strengthening our long-term prosperity, financial independence and restoring an economy that thrived for thousands of years.”

The entrance of Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam. (Submitted/SFN)

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In a post on social media, Wyse also said SFN has entered into a letter of intent with Musqueam First Nation, allowing them to access an ownership interest in River Rock Casino.

Great Canadian Casino Vancouver features 917 slot machines, a variety of 37 table games and 42 electronic table games.

It also features the 1,050-seat Show Theatre showcasing musical acts and comedy, as well as the Gordon Ramsay Burger, the first of the celebrity chef’s restaurants in Canada.

The agreement remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

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