Why First Nations in B.C. are buying up casinos – CBC

Mar 23, 2026

Casinos are consistent source of revenue over decades, academic and development group CEO say

Eight casinos across southwest B.C. have been sold to First Nations in the last two years, with the province’s gambling scene set to be reshaped as a result.

Both the CEO of a First Nations development arm and an academic say acquiring these businesses provides economic incentive at a time when nations still face barriers to generating wealth.

With casinos being seen as a consistent revenue-generator for decades, even with the rise of online gambling, the trend of casino acquisition comes as First Nations’ investment arms start to get involved in sectors from real estate to cannabis and beyond.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/first-nations-bc-casino-acquisitions-9.7137178