Vallejo Temporary Casino: City Council Approves Services Agreement in Key Step for Scotts Valley Band
VALLEJO, CA - April 16, 2026.
The Vallejo City Council has approved a temporary services agreement with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, a move that formally establishes the city's role in supporting the tribe's planned temporary "preview casino" on its 128-acre trust land near Highway 37. The 4=2 vote represents the most significant local government action on the project since the tribe began preparing modular buildings for Class II gaming earlier this year.
City approves police, fire, water, and permit services
Under the agreement, Vallejo will provide:
- Police services
- Fire and emergency response
- Water service
- Encroachment permit review for site access and infrastructure
City staff emphasized that the agreement is not an endorsement of the casino, but a practical framework to ensure public safety and municipal coordination as the tribe moves forward with construction.
Councilmembers added new conditions requiring the tribe to engage in discussions about:
- 15% local hiring goals
- Financial support for cleanup efforts near the White Slough area
- Ongoing community benefit contributions
A meaningful step for the tribe's timeline
For the Scotts Valley Band, the vote provides a clearer operational path for the temporary casino, which is being built using 5,400 sq ft of modular structures-more than double the size of the Napa Valley Casino card room.
The tribe has stated that:
- The facility will operate 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Only Class II gaming (electronic bingo-style) will be offered
- No slot machines have been installed
- Construction and renovation of modular units are underway
While the tribe has not announced an opening date, the city's approval removes a key logistical barrier.
#1 Choice of U.S. Players!Federal review still looms over the project
Despite local progress, the project remains under federal reconsideration. The U.S. Department of the Interior is still reviewing whether the Vallejo site qualifies as "restored lands" under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)-a requirement for future Class III gaming.
In 2025, a federal judge cautioned that any development before the review is complete is done "at their own risk."
Opposition from several tribes-including Yocha Dehe, Kletsel Dehe, Lytton, and the United Auburn Indian Community-continues to shape the federal conversation.
Why the City Council vote matters
The April 16 action is significant for three reasons:
1. It formalizes the city's operational role
Vallejo now has a defined framework for public safety, utilities, and site access-critical for any near-term opening of the temporary casino.
2. It signals municipal acceptance of the tribe's sovereign right to operate Class II gaming
While not an endorsement of the project, the agreement acknowledges the Scotts Valley Band's legal authority to proceed with Class II gaming on its trust land.
3. It positions the city for future negotiations
By tying services to community benefit discussions, Vallejo has created leverage for long-term agreements if the permanent casino proposal advances and federal approvals are secured.
Current status as of May 2026
| Plans | Status |
|---|---|
| City Services Agreement | Approved April 16, 2026 |
| Construction | Modular buildings under renovation |
| Gaming Type | Class II only |
| Opening Date | Not announced |
| Federal Review | Ongoing; restored-lands decision pending |
| Opposition | Multiple tribes and local residents |
