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The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has started limited gaming on tribal land in Vallejo, California, opening a temporary Class II facility while federal officials reconsider the property’s eligibility for a larger casino development.
The preview venue operates from two modular structures covering about 5,400 square feet near eastbound Interstate 80 and the Highway 37 connector. It can offer up to 100 Class II electronic machines, with entry currently available by appointment or invitation only. Appointment hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The tribe described the opening as the first stage of its effort to establish gaming on the Vallejo land.
“After decades of hard work and striving, we are exercising the tribe’s gaming rights and keeping our commitment to develop our homeland for the benefit of our members and the people of Vallejo,” Shawn Davis, chairman of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, said in a statement.
Temporary Facility Opens Under Class II Authority
Class II machines use bingo-style gaming and fall under a different regulatory structure from Class III casino games. The temporary facility opened with approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission, while the tribe’s gaming commission oversees activity on the land.
“This gaming operation has the approval of the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Tribe’s gaming commission is in place to oversee gaming operations on tribal lands. It is staffed by tribal members and residents,” the tribe said.
The venue also includes a temporary tribal office and four restrooms. Security stations, surveillance systems and on-site personnel support round-the-clock monitoring.
Vallejo approved a municipal services agreement covering the local impact of the operation. The arrangement addresses police and other city services without authorizing Class III gaming.
The tribe will pay Vallejo $502,000 in each of the agreement’s first three years and provide another $100,000 up front during the first year. The annual amount includes $12,698 in place of property tax and $27,302 for administrative support. A local nonprofit selected in coordination with the city will receive an additional $100,000 each year.
The agreement also establishes a 15% local hiring requirement. The tribe will contribute to the White Slough cleanup, with the amount still subject to negotiation.
“Working hand in glove with the city, we’ve taken steps to ensure that Vallejo has the financial resources it needs to provide city services in connection with this initiative. We will continue to work closely with city leaders as we pursue our vision of a world-class gaming and entertainment facility that drives long-term economic growth for our tribe, the city of Vallejo, and Solano County,” Davis added, as reported by the Daily Republic.
Federal Review Leaves Resort Plans Unsettled
The opening occurred before the Department of the Interior issued its final decision on whether the land qualifies for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. A decision is expected July 31.
The tribe previously received a favorable gaming eligibility determination under the Biden administration. The department announced in March under the Trump administration that it would reconsider that determination.
The dispute centers on a provision allowing restored tribes to conduct gaming on newly acquired trust land when they demonstrate a sufficient historical connection to the property.
Several neighboring tribes oppose the project. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Kletsel Dehe Nation challenged the federal approval. The Lytton Rancheria and United Auburn Indian Community later filed separate lawsuits. Yocha Dehe has also sued Vallejo over its agreement with Scotts Valley. The Scotts Valley Band filed its own case against the Interior Department over the renewed federal review.
Opponents identify the area as ancestral Patwin territory and dispute the historical connection supporting Scotts Valley’s eligibility claim.
The tribe plans to use the temporary hall as a preview while pursuing a permanent resort estimated at $700 million. Its wider concept includes an eight-story casino with restaurants and bars. Plans also call for a ballroom for events.
The proposed development would include 24 homes for tribal members and a tribal administration building. A 45-acre biological preserve forms part of the plan.
The temporary venue stands on a 128-acre trust parcel. The long-term plans describe a 160.33-acre development area.