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River Rock Casino Resort, one of Western Canada’s most recognisable gaming destinations, has officially changed ownership. Great Canadian Entertainment has completed the sale of the Richmond property to a new Indigenous partnership formed by Petroglyph Development Group and Musqueam Capital Corp. The move marks a major shift in British Columbia’s casino landscape and strengthens Indigenous leadership in the province’s gaming sector. It also represents one of the most significant Indigenous economic developments in the Canadian gaming industry to date.
The new ownership group brings together two influential First Nations economic development corporations with a growing presence in the gaming industry.
Petroglyph Development Group, owned by the Snuneymuxw First Nation, has been steadily expanding its gaming footprint across British Columbia. In recent years, PDG has acquired Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, Chances Maple Ridge and Great Canadian Casino Vancouver. With River Rock now added to the portfolio, PDG becomes the largest Indigenous‑owned casino operator in Canada by revenue. The group has been vocal about its long‑term strategy to build sustainable economic opportunities for Snuneymuxw members through major commercial investments.
Musqueam Capital Corp represents the Musqueam Indian Band, whose traditional territory includes the land where River Rock stands. MCC manages the band’s business ventures and long‑term investments, with a focus on sustainable growth and community prosperity. Their involvement in the acquisition brings River Rock under local Indigenous economic control for the first time, creating a meaningful opportunity for the Musqueam community to benefit directly from one of the region’s most successful entertainment properties.
Together, PDG and MCC form a partnership with both the financial strength and cultural connection to guide River Rock into its next chapter.
Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matt Anfinson said the company is confident the new owners will continue to build on River Rock’s long‑standing success. The sale is more than a corporate transaction — it represents a major moment for Indigenous economic development in British Columbia. The partnership positions both First Nations to benefit from a high‑performing gaming asset while reinforcing their presence in the province’s entertainment sector.
The deal also reflects a broader shift in Canada’s gaming industry, where Indigenous groups are increasingly taking ownership roles in major casino operations. For both Snuneymuxw and Musqueam, the acquisition is expected to generate long‑term revenue, employment opportunities and community investment.
Since opening in 2004, River Rock has been a cornerstone of British Columbia’s gaming and hospitality market. The resort features more than 1,200 slot machines and electronic table games, over 80 live tables, a poker room, a racebook, nearly 400 hotel rooms, a 1,000‑seat theatre, a marina and a full range of dining options. One of its standout attractions is Gordon Ramsay Steak, the celebrity chef’s first Canadian fine‑dining restaurant.
River Rock has consistently set the benchmark for casino entertainment in Metro Vancouver, and its scale and reputation place it among the types of properties often highlighted in broader casino reviews across the industry, drawing millions of guests each year and serving as a major economic driver for the region. Under the new ownership partnership, the resort is expected to maintain its strong market position while contributing to long‑term economic growth for both the Snuneymuxw and Musqueam communities.
Great Canadian Entertainment was represented by McMillan LLP during the transaction.
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