The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a final determination rejecting Class III gaming eligibility for the Scotts Valley Band's Vallejo trust land, halting the tribe's resort-casino plans.
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' proposed Vallejo casino project has undergone a major shift following a final determination by the U.S. Department of the Interior rejecting the tribe's bid for Class III gaming on the 128-acre trust parcel. Interior concluded the tribe did not demonstrate a significant historical connection to the Vallejo area, a requirement under IGRA's "restored lands" exception.
This ruling blocks development of a full Class III casino resort, including slot machines, table games, and hotel amenities. However, the tribe's Class II preview casino - a modular facility offering bingo-style electronic gaming - remains legal and continues operating under IGRA, which allows Class II gaming on trust land without federal gaming eligibility approval or a state compact.
The City of Vallejo's municipal services agreement with the tribe remains active, and Scotts Valley is expected to pursue legal options to challenge Interior's ruling. The future of the Vallejo casino project now depends on litigation outcomes and potential federal reconsideration.
The legal battle over the Scotts Valley casino project took another turn this week as two California tribes joined the opposition, strengthening a growing coalition seeking to halt the proposed Vallejo gaming development.
The Scotts Valley Band operated a Class II preview casino on the Vallejo trust parcel in July 2026. The facility used modular structures and offered bingo-style electronic gaming machines regulated under IGRA. The casino was shut down after the DOI's decision to void Class III gaming on the land.
The City of Vallejo and Scotts Valley maintain an active municipal services agreement covering public safety, administrative fees, and community contributions.
The agreement remains valid because Class II gaming continues on the trust parcel.
Artist Rendering of Scotts Valley Casino ResortThe tribe's original plan envisioned a full Class III casino resort featuring slot machines, table games, restaurants, entertainment venues, and a hotel. Interior's decision halts this development path.
Interior's final determination states the Vallejo parcel does not qualify for Class III gaming because Scotts Valley "has not demonstrated a significant historical connection" to the area.
The 128-acre Vallejo trust parcel is located near Highway 37 and Mare Island, positioned for regional access from the North Bay, Sacramento Valley, and Solano County.
The casino site is located at:
200 Columbus Parkway
Vallejo, CA 94591
Near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 37.
The Class III resort plan is halted by Interior's decision. Only Class II gaming is currently operating on the site.
Yes. Class II gaming is permitted on trust land under IGRA and is not affected by the Class III denial.
No. The land remains in federal trust; the decision is limited to Class III gaming eligibility.
Yes. Scotts Valley is expected to challenge the ruling through litigation or administrative avenues.
Yes. The municipal services agreement remains active as long as Class II operations continue.
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For the latest coverage on the Scotts Valley Vallejo casino project, including Interior's Class III denial and ongoing legal developments, see our most recent news articles and updates.
More California Tribes Join Fight Against Scotts Valley Vallejo Casino Project as Federal Court Battle Intensifies September 11, 2026 - Opposition to the Scotts Valley Vallejo casino continues to grow as additional tribes enter the federal court battle ... Read more 
Scotts Valley Band Moves Toward New Federal Lawsuit After Latest Casino Approval Revocation August 11, 2026 - The tribe is is preparing to file a new federal lawsuit after the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a fresh reversal of the tribe?s gaming eligibility determination ... Read more 
Preview Casino Shuts Down After Interior's Reversal, Leaving Vallejo Project in Limbo August 5, 2026 - The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has closed its Preview Casino following a sudden federal decision to withdraw gaming eligibility for the ... Read more 
Scotts Valley Casino Plan in Vallejo rejected by U.S. Interior Dept. August 2, 2026 - The DOI has rejected Scotts Valley's bid for Class III gaming on its Vallejo trust land, ruling the tribe lacks the required historical connection to the site ... Read more 
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