Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Closes Vallejo Preview Casino After Federal Gaming Eligibility Reversal

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians shuttered its temporary Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, immediately after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe's trust parcel there, citing insufficient historical connection to the land. The small-scale Class II facility, which had opened only recently and employed more than 100 workers, ceased operations late Sunday night in August 2026 following the federal action.

Officials with the tribe described the decision as unlawful and announced plans to challenge it through a new lawsuit filed under the Administrative Procedure Act. At the same time the tribe confirmed that its larger $700 million resort casino project remains delayed yet not abandoned, with development timelines now under review.

Background on the Trust Land and Gaming Eligibility

The Vallejo trust parcel had been placed into federal trust status several years earlier, opening the door for the Scotts Valley Band to pursue gaming operations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Federal reviewers initially examined whether the land qualified for gaming based on historical tribal connections, yet the Department of the Interior later reversed course and determined the parcel did not meet the required criteria. That reversal directly triggered the closure of the Preview Casino, which had operated as a limited Class II facility offering electronic bingo and related games while the tribe awaited further approvals.

Records show the Preview Casino opened on a temporary basis to generate revenue and create jobs in the Vallejo area. Employment figures exceeded 100 positions during its brief run, providing immediate economic activity for tribal members and local residents before the federal determination took effect.

The Shutdown Process and Immediate Effects

Closure procedures began once the tribe received formal notice of the eligibility withdrawal. Management directed staff to wind down gaming activities, secure equipment, and inform patrons that operations would not resume under current conditions. The facility locked its doors late Sunday night, marking the end of what had been a short-lived experiment in Class II gaming on the site.

Workers received notification of the shutdown through internal channels, and the tribe indicated it would explore options for reassigning personnel to other projects or providing support during the transition period. Local suppliers and service providers also felt the ripple effects as contracts tied to the Preview Casino came to an abrupt halt.

Tribe's Legal Strategy Moving Forward

The Scotts Valley Band stated it intends to file suit in federal court to contest the Department of the Interior's determination. Attorneys for the tribe argue the reversal violates procedural requirements and fails to account for historical evidence the band had previously submitted. The lawsuit will seek judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act, which allows tribes and other parties to challenge certain federal agency decisions.

While the Preview Casino has closed, the tribe continues to advance planning for its broader $700 million resort project on the same parcel. Project documents indicate the larger development would include a full-service casino, hotel, and entertainment complex once all regulatory hurdles are cleared. Current timelines have shifted, yet tribal leadership has reiterated that the overall vision remains intact and will proceed once legal questions are resolved.

Regulatory Context and Historical Connection Requirements

Under federal law, lands taken into trust after 1988 generally must demonstrate a historical connection to the tribe before gaming can occur. The Department of the Interior's August 2026 determination concluded that the Vallejo parcel did not satisfy this standard, prompting the immediate cessation of Class II activities. This requirement stems from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and subsequent court interpretations that limit off-reservation gaming expansions.

The Scotts Valley Band has maintained that its ancestral ties to the region support gaming eligibility, pointing to documentation submitted during earlier review stages. The upcoming lawsuit will likely focus on whether the agency properly weighed that evidence and followed required procedures before issuing the reversal.

Conclusion

The closure of the Preview Casino represents a significant setback for the Scotts Valley Band's immediate gaming operations in Vallejo, yet the tribe's commitment to pursuing both legal remedies and the larger resort project continues. Federal reviewers have issued a clear determination on the trust parcel's eligibility, and the band now turns to the courts to address its concerns. Developments in the coming months will determine whether the $700 million vision can move ahead or whether additional regulatory steps will be required before any further gaming activity resumes on the site.