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Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP) has secured a key legal approval that moves its planned acquisition of Gamehost closer to completion, paving the way for a major expansion of its casino and hospitality operations across Alberta.
The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta has issued a final order authorizing the transaction under which a subsidiary of Pure Casino Entertainment Limited Partnership will purchase all outstanding Gamehost common shares for $13.65 in cash per share. The deal follows shareholder approval received during a special meeting held on June 11.
Gamehost stated that the acquisition will proceed through a plan of arrangement under Alberta’s Business Corporations Act. The companies expect the transaction to close before the end of June, subject to remaining customary conditions, including regulatory approvals required under gaming laws.
The agreement marks a significant step for IGP, a gaming company established in 2024 through a partnership between five Nova Scotia-based First Nations and Sonco Gaming Inc. Once completed, the acquisition will increase the organization’s presence in Alberta’s land-based gaming sector and add several casino and hotel properties to its portfolio.
Casino and Hotel Portfolio Set to Expand
Gamehost owns and operates several gaming and hospitality facilities throughout Alberta. The assets included in the transaction are the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, the Great Northern Casino in Grande Prairie, and the Rivers Casino and Entertainment Centre in Fort McMurray.
The acquisition also includes two accommodation properties in Grande Prairie: the Service Plus Inns & Suites hotel and the Encore Suites by Service Plus extended-stay hotel. In addition, Gamehost owns an investment property adjacent to the Service Plus Inn in Grande Prairie.
Following completion of the purchase, IGP’s operating entity, Pure Casino Entertainment Limited Partnership, will assume ownership of the operating assets associated with these facilities.
The transaction will substantially increase Pure’s footprint in the province. The company already operates four Alberta casinos: Pure Casino Edmonton, Pure Casino Yellowhead, Pure Casino Calgary and Pure Casino Lethbridge. Together, those properties employ more than 1,200 people and attract millions of visitors annually.
When the Gamehost acquisition closes, IGP’s Alberta portfolio will consist of seven casinos and two hotels.
Real Estate Arrangement Involves VICI Properties
While Pure Casino Entertainment will control the operating side of the acquired facilities, ownership of the underlying real estate will be handled through a separate arrangement involving VICI Properties Inc.
Under a sale-leaseback structure, VICI will own the real estate connected to the Gamehost properties. The agreement expands VICI’s Canadian holdings and builds on an existing relationship between the real estate company and IGP.
VICI maintains one of the largest casino-focused real estate portfolios in North America. Its holdings include major Las Vegas properties such as Caesars Palace, the Venetian and the MGM Grand. The company has also owned the real estate assets associated with Pure-branded casinos since January 2023.
Acquisition Comes Ahead of Alberta Online Gaming Launch
The timing of the acquisition places IGP in a stronger position just before Alberta opens its commercial online gambling market.
The province is scheduled to launch its regulated iGaming framework on July 13. Industry observers expect online casino gaming to account for a substantial share of wagering activity and revenue, mirroring trends seen in Ontario’s competitive online gambling market.
IGP has already signaled plans to participate in the digital sector. Through Pure Casino Entertainment Ltd. Partnership, the company has applied to operate an online gambling platform in Alberta.
According to Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis, 47 operators had registered for the market at the time of reporting. The list includes several established land-based operators alongside major international online gaming brands.
Among the companies expected to compete in the province’s new online market are bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and theScore Bet.
Government officials have encouraged participation from both traditional casino operators and Indigenous organizations.
“We want to see as many land-based operators in Alberta participating in the online space [as possible],” Alberta Minister Dale Nally said during SBC Summit Canada 2026 in Toronto, according to Candian Gaming Business. “We are certainly encouraging land-based operators to participate in the space, and we also want to see First Nations in Alberta participating in the online gaming space.”
Indigenous Ownership Strategy Continues to Grow
IGP was formed with the goal of building a portfolio of casino properties through acquisitions and operational management. The partnership includes Glooscap First Nation, Millbrook First Nation, Annapolis Valley First Nation, We’koqma’q L’nue’kati and Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, alongside Sonco Gaming.
The organization has stated that it aims to increase Indigenous ownership within Canada’s gaming and entertainment sector while supporting economic opportunities for its partner communities and stakeholders.
Completion of the Gamehost transaction would represent the latest milestone in that strategy. By combining the existing Pure Casino operations with Gamehost’s casino and hotel assets, IGP will become one of Alberta’s larger gaming operators at a time when the province is preparing for significant changes in both its land-based and online gambling industries.
With shareholder approval secured and court authorization now in place, the companies are preparing for the final steps required to close the transaction later this month.