Great Canadian Entertainment Sells Off Eighth B.C. Casino to First Nation
Posted on: March 11, 2026, 04:06h.
Last updated on: March 11, 2026, 04:16h.
- Media reporting says company has been raising money to pay down debt
- Elements Casino in Surrey sold to economic development arm of Semiahmoo First Nation
- Great Canadian Entertainment operates casino properties across Canada
Great Canadian Entertainment has sold an eighth British Columbia casino to a First Nation in the province – this time Elements Casino Surrey to SE-MI-AH-MU Development Corp., the economic development arm of Semiahmoo First Nation.
Eighth Casino Sold
Great Canadian’s Board of Directors approved the transaction, which remain subject to financial commitments, closing conditions, and approvals by the City of Surrey and regulatory authorities.
“Today’s announcement marks the eighth agreement we have executed with B.C.-based First Nations for the sale of our B.C. operations. We are thrilled that the Semiahmoo First Nation is eager to enter the province’s casino sector with the purchase of Elements Casino Surrey,” said Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian.
Our next step will be to continue to work with the SE-MI-AH-MU team to timely close this transaction and then work with SE-MI-AH-MU and the Elements Casino Surrey team members for long term success.”
Paying Down Debt
In December, Great Canadian sold Casino Vancouver to PDG, a wholly owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Casino Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Elements Casino Victoria, River Rock Casino Resort, and Chances Maple Ridge were also sold to PDG.
Great Canadian Entertainment also announced the sales of Elements Casino Chilliwack to Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd., and Hastings Casino in Vancouver to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in 2025.
Past media reporting had Great Canadian raised $650 million to $675 million from the sale of the properties to pay down debt after a New York private equity firm purchased Great Canadian for $3.3 billion in 2021, creating a situation where investors were looking to get a return on their investment.
A spokesperson from Great Canadian told Casino.org previously they wouldn’t be providing a statement about the media reporting.
Economic Development
Great Canadian operates casino properties across Canada.
“This acquisition represents an important step forward in strengthening economic opportunity for Semiahmoo First Nation and reaffirming our presence within our traditional territory as a strong and capable business entity,” said Chief Harley Chappell of Semiahmoo First Nation.
Through this new venture, we look forward to creating meaningful benefits for our people, supporting employment opportunities in the region, and contributing to the long-term well-being and prosperity of our community.”
No comments yet