Maple Ridge’s casino will have new ownership.
Nanaimo’s Snuneymuxw First Nation, through its company Petroglyph Development Group (PDG), is buying both Chances Maple Ridge and the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
The deal for the two casinos was announced in a press release from Petroglyph and Great Canadian Entertainment on Thursday morning, Oct. 30.
Upon closing of the deal, and subject to regulatory and other approvals, PDG is expected to become one of the largest casino operators by revenue in British Columbia, and the largest Indigenous-owned operator by revenue in all of Canada.
“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 Chief Mike Wyse of the First Nation. “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 communities we service.”
The band already owns Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria, purchased earlier this year.
“We respectfully acknowledge Musqueam, on whose territory River Rock Resort Casino is located, and the Katzie, whose territory includes Chances Maple Ridge,” added Wyse. “Snuneymuxw looks forward to continuing our conversations with both nations and exploring the economic development opportunities before us.”
Chances Maple Ridge opened in 2013, and has been part of the empire of Great Canadian Entertainment, Canada’s leading gaming and entertainment company, that boasts having the most diversified collection of gaming and hospitality destinations across the country.
The terms of the deal have not been made public.
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Chances contributed $1.49 million to the City of Maple Ridge, as the host local government. Since it opened, the city has received more than $17.4 million in payments.