Two Coppers Casino - Tlingit & Haida Tribal Gaming on Douglas Island

Overview

Two Coppers Casino is a Class II tribal gaming facility owned and operated by theCentral Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Located onDouglas Island near Juneau, Alaska, the casino represents a historic step in Alaska Nativegaming, tribal sovereignty, and long-term economic development for tribal citizens.

Location

Two Coppers Casino is situated on Native allotment land on North Douglas Island, near theEaglecrest Ski Area. The project was made possible through partnership with members of theGeorge family, whose allotment provides the site for the facility.

• Island: Douglas Island, near Juneau, Alaska
• Area: North Douglas / Eaglecrest corridor
• Land status: Native allotment in partnership with the George family

Gaming & Amenities

Class II Gaming

Two Coppers Casino operates exclusively under Class II gaming, as defined by the Indian GamingRegulatory Act. The gaming floor features electronic machines and games that are structured around bingo andnon-house-banked play.

• Electronic slot-style machines: Approximately 100 machines at soft opening
• Games offered: Bingo, pull-tabs, and non-house-banked card games
• Not offered: Class III games such as traditional poker, blackjack, and standard slot machines
• Alcohol policy: No alcohol service on the gaming floor

Regulatory Compliance

As a tribal gaming enterprise, Two Coppers Casino operates under a robust regulatory framework designed toprotect guests, employees, and the integrity of the operation.

• Employee licensing: Background checks and gaming licenses for staff
• Machine testing: Independent testing and certification of gaming devices
• Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of the gaming floor and sensitive areas
• Financial controls: Strict accounting, auditing, and cash-handling procedures

Economic & Community Impact

Two Coppers Casino is designed as a long-term economic engine for the Tlingit & Haida people. Revenue fromgaming supports tribal programs, services, and future investments that benefit tribal citizens and the broadercommunity.

• Job creation: New employment opportunities and career pathways for tribal citizens and local residents
• Revenue generation: Funding for tribal programs, community services, and economic development initiatives
• Future growth: Platform for expanding tourism, hospitality, and related enterprises

Tribal Leadership Perspective

Tribal President Chalyee Eesh Richard Peterson has described Two Coppers Casino as both anexpression of tribal sovereignty and a carefully regulated enterprise built for long-term sustainability.

The project reflects the Tribe's commitment to responsible development, transparency, and accountability, whilecreating new opportunities for tribal citizens and strengthening the Tribe's economic independence.

Responsible Gaming Commitment

Tlingit & Haida has integrated responsible gaming into the core design of Two CoppersCasino. The Tribe is developing behavioral-health programs to identify and support individuals who may beexperiencing gambling-related harm.

• Behavioral-health initiatives: Programs to address and prevent problem gambling
• Guest safeguards: At-risk individuals may be temporarily restricted from gaming while they receive support
• Community focus: Emphasis on wellness, family stability, and long-term community health

Legal & Jurisdictional Context

Two Coppers Casino operates in a complex legal environment shaped by federal Indian law, Alaska Native landpolicy, and evolving interpretations of tribal jurisdiction over Native allotments. Tribal leadership maintainsconfidence in the legality of the enterprise while acknowledging that future legal challenges are possible.

The casino's development underscores the Tribe's determination to exercise its rights under the Indian GamingRegulatory Act and to pursue economic self-determination within the bounds of federal and tribal law.