Snuneymuxw First Nation to buy River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge in British Columbia
Summary
Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation, has entered definitive agreements with Great Canadian Entertainment to acquire River Rock Casino Resort (Richmond) and Chances Maple Ridge. Subject to regulatory approvals, PDG will expand its portfolio — adding to recent purchases of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria — and is expected to become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in British Columbia and the largest Canadian Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue in Canada.
Snuneymuxw leaders framed the purchases as a major step towards economic self-determination and long-term prosperity, with commitments to reinvest revenues into community priorities. The announcement includes acknowledgements of Musqueam (on whose territory River Rock sits) and Katzie (whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge), and mentions an agreement in principle with Musqueam as talks continue.
Key Points
- PDG (a Snuneymuxw-owned corporation) will buy River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge from Great Canadian Entertainment, pending approvals.
- If completed, PDG will be one of BC’s largest casino operators by revenue and likely the largest Indigenous‑owned gaming operator in Canada by revenue.
- These acquisitions build on PDG’s earlier 2025 purchases (Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria), signalling rapid expansion of its gaming platform.
- Leaders highlight the deal as a pathway to economic self-determination, with profits to be reinvested into Snuneymuxw community priorities and long-term prosperity.
- Snuneymuxw has acknowledged and is consulting with Musqueam and Katzie Nations as part of Nation-to-Nation collaboration on the transactions.
Why should I read this?
Because this isn’t just a business sale — it’s a big moment for Indigenous economic power in BC. If you follow gaming, regional development, or Indigenous-led investments, this deal will reshape who controls major gaming assets and where the profits flow. Short version: money, jobs and decision-making could shift locally — worth a quick read.
Author’s take
Punchy and to the point: Snuneymuxw’s moves are strategic and ambitious. Turning casino revenue into community capital is a clear, bold plan for long-term independence. For the province’s gaming landscape and anyone tracking Indigenous economic initiatives, this is headline material.
