Semiahmoo First Nation Enters Casino Ownership With Surrey Deal

Semiahmoo First Nation has reached an agreement to buy Elements Casino Surrey from Great Canadian Entertainment. The announcement came on March 9, 2026, and the deal still depends on approval from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and other regulators that oversee gaming activity in the province.

The acquisition will be carried out through Se-mi-ah-mu Development Corporation, the Nation’s business arm responsible for commercial projects and investments. Chief Harley Chappell said the move fits into a broader plan to strengthen long-term revenue and increase control over commercial activity linked to gaming and related operations.

This deal also fits a pattern seen across British Columbia. More First Nations are stepping into ownership roles, instead of relying only on revenue-sharing models tied to provincial systems, as groups look for more direct control over income and decision-making.

Elements Casino Surrey, based at Fraser Downs in Cloverdale, will stay under Great Canadian’s management for a transition period that could last up to a year after closing. During that time, day-to-day operations will not change, and existing relationships with staff, suppliers, and customers will remain in place while the ownership shift is completed.

TGJ Take

First Nations are taking a more direct role in the gaming business, and this deal shows how that shift is happening in practice. Ownership through entities like Se-mi-ah-mu Development Corporation gives more control over cash flow, staffing, and long-term planning. For operators, this raises the likelihood of more asset sales where local groups become buyers. Suppliers working with these properties should prepare for changes in procurement and decision timelines once new ownership takes over.