Canada’s gaming industry experienced a groundbreaking acquisition coming into 2025. A coalition of five Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia has teamed up to create the Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP) entity, consisting of Millbrook (Truro), Paqtnkek (Antigonish Harbour), We’koqma’q (Cape Breton Island), Glooscap (Hantsport), and Annapolis Valley (Annapolis County). The partnership has successfully purchased PURE Canadian Gaming and its portfolio consisting of four Alberta casinos.
The IGP will now operate casino properties in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge through a master lease agreement with hospitality company VICI Properties.
This is a historical transaction, marking the Mi’kmaw communities’ first entry into the casino industry at such a large scale. It is a significant step towards economic reconciliation and economic autonomy of indigenous groups. Although many First Nations across the country have participated in small-scale gaming operations, like video lottery terminals, the purchase of an operator like PURE Canadian Gaming will launch IGP into the market.
Michael Peters, member of the Glooscap First Nation, CEO of Glooscap Ventures, and chairman of the IGP, said, “We’re excited to take this significant step forward in diversifying and building lasting economic opportunities for our Nations. This acquisition allows us to enter the gaming industry at scale, creating new opportunities for growth and meaningful benefits for our communities.”
The PURE acquisition follows the growing trend of Indigenous groups pursuing various business ventures for financial sustainability and community development. Mi’kmaw groups in Nova Scotia have expanded into various sectors, including seafood, renewable energy, and shipbuilding. The gaming sector now offers a new, lucrative opportunity, especially when acquiring established properties like the four Alberta casinos under PURE Canadian Gaming.
Although this acquisition involves brick-and-mortar establishments, Canada’s online gaming sector is also growing rapidly. Players are turning to casinos accepting Interac to simplify transactions, providing convenience that is fueling the growth of the sector. The online casino market is supporting land-based gaming initiatives, establishing Canada as a global leader in the casino industry. Although the IGP currently has no plans for online expansion, the Canadian online gambling space may be a promising future prospect, especially with consumers looking for secure payment methods and convenience.
The PURE Canadian Gaming acquisition relied heavily on a partnership with Sonco Gaming Inc. This company has experience in Indigenous-owned casino development and has previously managed the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino and Great Blue Heron Casino projects. They bring their operational expertise to the IGP. Anthony Novac, CEO of Sonco, said, “This transaction represents an important step toward economic reconciliation and demonstrates the potential for meaningful partnerships in Indigenous gaming.”
The IGP can begin operations immediately due to regulatory approval from the Canada Competition Bureau and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission. The IGP has acquired an experienced workforce and operational infrastructure, and the Mi’kmaw communities are expecting to start benefiting financially within the year.
Although Alberta is far from the IGP’s territories in Nova Scotia, it shows the need for Indigenous communities to diversify. The group is open to future expansions as it wishes to build a lasting economic legacy across Canada.
