Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) is set to become one of the largest casino operators in British Columbia after agreeing to acquire River Rock Casino Resort and Chances Maple Ridge.
The wholly-owned subsidiary of the Snuneymuxw First Nation has entered into definite agreements to acquire the two casinos from Great Canadian Entertainment.
The purchases build on PDG’s recent acquisitions of Great Canadian’s Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria earlier this year.
“Our growing partnership with Great Canadian Entertainment has brought us to what was envisioned by our Ancestors and guided by decades of Snuneymuxw Chiefs and Councils,” said Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse. “By securing ownership in four thriving casino operations, we are realizing a dream of long-term economic independence and creating lasting prosperity for our people and the communities we serve.
“Nation-to-Nation collaboration benefits all of us. We respectfully acknowledge Musqueam, on whose territory River Rock Resort Casino is located, and the Katzie, whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge. Snuneymuxw looks forward to continuing our conversations with both Nations and exploring the economic development opportunities before us.”
Upon closing and subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG is expected to become one of the largest casino operators in British Columbia, and the largest indigenous-owned gaming operator in Canada.
“For over 20 years, River Rock Casino Resort has been the largest casino resort in Western Canada,” said Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson. “Since its opening in 2013, Chances Casino Maple Ridge has been a cornerstone of the Maple Ridge community.
“PDG has proven to be a leader in casino operations. We are delighted to have the opportunity to transfer the ownership and operation of these two important properties to the PDG team.”
PDG president Erralyn Joseph said: “PDG continues to advance a bold and transformative economic development path in British Columbia. These acquisitions are aligned with our corporate commitment to restore a strong Snuneymuxw economy, one where Snuneymuxw capital, leadership and vision drive meaningful growth for our Nation and strengthen partnerships across territories.
“We extend our gratitude to the Musqueam and Katzie Nations as we move forward together in the spirit of collaboration, and we look forward to building new, sustainable and long-lasting relationships with the Municipalities of Richmond and Maple Ridge.”
Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow added: “Musqueam is a leading economic contributor within our traditional territory, actively diversifying our investment opportunities. We thank the Snuneymuxw First Nation for approaching us on an opportunity to partner on the acquisition of the River Rock Casino which operates on Musqueam-owned land.
“Musqueam and Snuneymuxw have reached an agreement in principle on a letter of intent. We will be working through finalizing details over the coming weeks as we meaningfully consult with community members. We look forward to collaborating on the work ahead.”