Published on: June 17, 2026, 04:09h.

Updated on: June 17, 2026, 04:09h.

• Gamehost casino acquisition initially revealed in March
• Pure Casino Entertainment expands its portfolio of Alberta’s physical casinos to seven
• Indigenous groups eye further growth in the Western Canadian gaming market

Pure Casino Entertainment has received the green light to acquire the multi-casino operator Gamehost, enhancing its collection of land-based venues in Alberta to seven.

Pure Casino Entertainment Expands to Seven Casinos in Alberta

Pure Casino Entertainment is privately owned by Indigenous Gaming Partners Inc. (IGP), a collaboration among five Nova Scotia First Nations and Sonco Gaming Inc.

This First Nations coalition currently holds four land-based casinos in Alberta, following their acquisition of Pure Casino Entertainment last year.

The merger between Gamehost and Pure was announced on March 30, with Pure planning to purchase all outstanding shares of Gamehost for $13.65 per share in cash, via a subsidiary.

Transaction Anticipated to Finalize by Month-End

On June 11, Gamehost’s shareholders endorsed the acquisition, alongside confirmation from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, as reported by Canadian Gaming Business. The transaction is set to conclude by the end of this month.

The casinos that Pure will take over from Gamehost include the Great Northern Casino in Grand Prairie, the Rivers Casino and Entertainment Centre in Fort McMurray, and the Deerfoot Inn & Casino situated in Calgary.

Additionally, the deal includes two hotels, both located in Grand Prairie.

Emergence of First Nation Casino Ownership

Pure will manage Gamehost’s operational assets, while VICI Properties will oversee the real estate with a master lease arrangement with Pure. The Rivers Casino is presently under lease to a third party, not included in this transaction, but Pure will manage its operations, as per a VICI Properties spokesperson.

The acquisition of Gamehost marks another significant step in a trend across Western Canada, where First Nations are increasingly purchasing major casinos and gaming firms. This trend is also seen in British Columbia, where Great Canadian Entertainment has divested several properties to Indigenous groups.

Strategic Economic Development

“First Nations should take the lead in ownership and partnerships within the gaming industry,” stated Chief Paul Rice, Council Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, during a discussion on First Nation ownership in Western Canada’s gaming landscape at the SBC Summit Canada in May. “This development will benefit everyone — not just our communities but the broader Canadian society as well.

“To rejuvenate Canada’s economy, which has stagnated for almost a decade, the gaming sector plays a vital role. Collaborating with First Nations is crucial for economic revival. This is a key economic strategy that requires more promotion. We can advocate for this together as nations for the benefit of our communities.”

Casino Ownership Diversification

Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures, which represents one of the First Nations behind IGP, mentioned during the panel that IGP plans to venture into online gaming in Alberta, with the newly regulated market set to launch on July 13.

“Unity makes us stronger in our endeavors,” he remarked. “Our objective is to broaden our economic development, enhancing our resources and achieving greater independence.

“Achieving financial independence from the government is crucial. Diversifying in terms of both industry and location is one way to accomplish that. We’re exploring new opportunities in gaming not only in Nova Scotia but nationwide, with Alberta presenting a promising market.”