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Great Canadian Entertainment has finalized the sale of River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, British Columbia, transferring ownership to a partnership formed by Petroglyph Development Group and Musqueam Capital Corporation. The transaction closes a previously announced agreement between the parties and marks the latest change in ownership of one of Western Canada’s largest casino properties.
Petroglyph Development Group, which is fully owned by Snuneymuxw First Nation, and Musqueam Capital Corporation, the economic development arm of the Musqueam Indian Band, now jointly control the asset. River Rock is located on Musqueam-owned land in Richmond and operates as a major gaming and hospitality destination in the region.
The deal follows a series of earlier acquisitions by Petroglyph Development Group from Great Canadian Entertainment, including Casino Nanaimo, Elements Casino Victoria, Chances Maple Ridge, and Great Canadian Casino Vancouver. With this expanded portfolio, the group is positioned as the largest Indigenous-owned casino operator in Canada by revenue.
The River Rock transaction did not include disclosed financial terms. Operational control of the casino and hotel will sit with PDG through its Lahal Casino Management subsidiary, according to information linked to the acquisition structure.
Asset with long-tanding presence in Western Canada
River Rock Casino Resort opened on June 25, 2004. Since then, it has developed into the largest casino resort in Western Canada and a central property in the Metro Vancouver gaming market.
The complex is located along the Fraser River and combines gaming, hospitality, and entertainment operations. Its facilities include more than 1,200 slot machines and electronic table games, more than 80 live table games, a live racebook, and a dedicated poker room.
Beyond gaming, the resort includes close to 400 hotel rooms, a 1,000-person theatre, a marina, a full-service spa, and 10 food and beverage outlets. Among its dining venues is Gordon Ramsay Steak, identified as the first Canadian fine dining restaurant launched by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
The property has been described as a long-standing benchmark within the regional casino and hospitality sector, reflecting its scale and breadth of services since opening.
Leadership comments on the transaction
Great Canadian Entertainment leadership framed the transaction as a transition to experienced regional operators with strong community links.
Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment, said in a press release: “River Rock Casino Resort is one of the most successful and iconic gaming and hospitality destinations in Canada. We have full confidence in PDG’s and MCC’s collective leadership and long-term vision for River Rock and the community it serves. We look forward to watching River Rock and its team members continuing to thrive while contributing to the economic success of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and Musqueam Indian Band.”
The acquisition adds to a wider sequence of ownership changes involving British Columbia casino assets, with First Nations economic development organisations increasing their presence across established gaming properties previously operated by Great Canadian Entertainment.
The acquisition strengthens Petroglyph Development Group’s position in the Canadian gaming sector following its recent expansion strategy. The group’s portfolio includes multiple established casino properties across British Columbia, reflecting a broader consolidation trend under Indigenous-owned operators.
The River Rock deal also highlights the continued role of Musqueam Capital Corporation in regional economic development initiatives tied to land-based assets and gaming operations on Musqueam territory.
With River Rock now part of its holdings, PDG’s combined assets further consolidate its operational footprint in Western Canada’s casino industry, both in terms of scale and revenue contribution.
McMillan LLP acted as legal counsel to Great Canadian Entertainment in connection with the transaction.