The Snuneymuxw First Nation, based in Nanaimo, is set to expand its gaming portfolio significantly with the planned acquisition of the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver facility located in Coquitlam. This strategic move solidifies the Nation's position as a dominant force in the Canadian gaming industry.
A Landmark Deal for Economic Self-Determination
While the financial terms of the transaction between the First Nation's business development arm and the casino operator, Great Canadian Entertainment, remain confidential, the deal's significance is clear. Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse announced that this will be the fifth casino acquisition for the Nation since 2024, a rapid expansion that now makes it Canada's largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue.
"This latest agreement reinforces the strategy we're executing and the proven results we've achieved across our gaming portfolio," stated Chief Wyse. He emphasized that the acquisition is a crucial step toward the community's long-term goals, saying it 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."
Building a Gaming Empire in British Columbia
The Snuneymuxw First Nation, which represents over 1,700 members, has been actively building its presence in B.C.'s gaming sector. Its existing assets and pending agreements include:
- Casino Nanaimo
- Elements Casino Victoria
- A purchase agreement for the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond
- A purchase agreement for Chances Maple Ridge
The addition of the Coquitlam property, announced on December 21, 2025, represents a major expansion into the Metro Vancouver market. The Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam is a substantial operation, featuring:
- 917 slot machines
- 37 table games
- 42 electronic table games
- A 1,060-seat theatre
Path Forward and Regulatory Approvals
The proposed acquisition is not yet finalized and remains subject to necessary third-party approvals. These include regulatory clearances required under the federal Competition Act. Once completed, this deal will cap an extraordinary year of growth for the Snuneymuxw First Nation's economic development initiatives, directly contributing to community prosperity and financial sovereignty for its members.
