Great Canadian Entertainment has sold Elements Casino Surrey to the Semiahmoo First Nation, marking the eighth casino transfer to Indigenous ownership in British Columbia within two years.
The purchase was made through the SE-MI-AH-MU Development Corporation, which will assume control of the casino adjacent to the Fraser Downs racetrack. Although Fraser Downs ended live horse racing in August 2025, the casino continues to operate with 500 slot machines.
The deal, approved by Great Canadian’s board, remains subject to financial commitments and municipal approval since the property is city-owned. Great Canadian has pledged to provide transition services for up to one year following the handover.
Indigenous ownership of casinos is expanding rapidly across Canada. Nations such as Semiahmoo and Snuneymuxw are reshaping the gaming industry by reinvesting revenues into community priorities, emphasising community hiring, employment creation, and regional benefits.
Casinos often generate hundreds of direct jobs, such as dealers, hospitality staff, security, and marketing. Meanwhile, creating indirect jobs like suppliers, contracts, and tourism-related services.
The Snuneymuxw First Nation, which has acquired five Great Canadian properties since 2023, is now positioned to become Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned gaming operator by revenue. Many of these transactions are privately negotiated, with financial terms undisclosed to protect both corporate and community interests.
Other Nations have used casino revenues for education, housing, healthcare, and cultural programmes.
The B.C. First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing and Financial Agreement (2020) grants First Nations access to 7 percent of the province’s net gaming revenue, amounting to about $3 billion over 25 years. This ensures long-term community planning and collective benefits across Nations as reported by The Times Colonist.
Because Surrey owns the land, the valuation likely involves complex lease or property arrangements rather than a straightforward sale price.
Great Canadian CEO Matt Anfinson said the company is excited for the Semiahmoo First Nation to enter the province’s casino sector by purchasing Elements Casino Surrey, as quoted by several media reports.
Semiahmoo Chief Harley Chappell called the acquisition a milestone in strengthening the Nation’s economic opportunity and self-determination. He emphasised that casino operations will align with community priorities, focusing on employment, regional benefits, and long-term prosperity rather than purely commercial ventures.
Despite divesting multiple properties in B.C., Great Canadian remains one of Canada’s largest gaming operators, with holdings in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Corporate sellers like Great Canadian must navigate both provincial and Indigenous regulatory frameworks when transferring assets.
Indigenous operators are not only entering the market, but they are also consolidating their portfolios. Snuneymuxw’s acquisitions across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland reflect a regional dominance strategy, while Semiahmoo’s entry diversifies Indigenous presence in Surrey.
Analysts suggest that this trend could quicken regulatory change. Senate Bill S-268 proposes granting First Nations equal jurisdictional authority over gaming, affirming their inherent rights to oversee operations on their lands. This shift could reduce reliance on provincial licencing and position Indigenous operators as major players in tourism, branding, and customer experience.
Still, Indigenous-owned casinos may compete directly with provincial operations, particularly in B.C. and Ontario, where gambling remains provincially regulated under agencies such as British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC).
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