Scotts Valley Casino Vallejo | Plans, Status & Update

Overview

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has pursued plans for a tribal casino in Vallejo for years. The project is proposed for land that has been taken into federal trust for the Band, but its eligibility for casino gaming remains disputed.

In January 2025, Interior determined that the property qualified for gaming under the restored-lands exception of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Neighboring tribes challenged that decision, and Interior subsequently reconsidered its approval after examining additional evidence concerning Scotts Valley's historical connection to the Vallejo property.

Interior ultimately reversed the favorable gaming determination. Scotts Valley challenged that action in federal court and sought a preliminary injunction to restore its gaming eligibility.

On September 30, 2026, Judge McFadden denied the injunction, finding that Scotts Valley had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on its claims or irreparable harm. He also found that the balance of equities and public interest weighed against preliminary relief.

The ruling does not end the casino project or Scotts Valley's lawsuit. The Vallejo land remains in federal trust, but the federal determination blocking gaming remains in effect while the litigation continues.

September 30, 2026

Scotts Valley Casino Hits Court Setback

A federal judge has denied the Scotts Valley Band's request for a preliminary injunction, leaving its proposed Vallejo casino blocked while the tribe's legal challenge continues.

Read full article

Current Project Status

Land: Federal trust land
Gaming: Currently ineligible
Casino: Proposed; gaming blocked
Latest Development: Preliminary injunction denied September 30, 2026
Legal Status: Federal lawsuit continues

Project Timeline

2016: Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians applies to have the Vallejo property taken into federal trust and declared eligible for gaming.
2019: The U.S. Department of the Interior denies gaming eligibility, finding the Band had not demonstrated the required significant historical connection to the land.
2022: A federal judge vacates Interior's decision and sends the gaming eligibility question back to the agency for reconsideration.
January 2025: Interior reverses its earlier decision and determines the property qualifies for gaming under IGRA's restored-lands exception. The property is subsequently taken into federal trust.
March 2025: Interior temporarily rescinds the gaming eligibility determination for reconsideration while leaving the property in federal trust.
July 2026: Interior completes its reconsideration and determines that the Vallejo parcel is not eligible for gaming.
September 30, 2026: U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden denies Scotts Valley's request for a preliminary injunction. The federal lawsuit continues, but the casino remains without gaming eligibility.

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Temporary Casino

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.

Class II gaming remains legal despite Interior's Class III denial
No slot machines or table games at the preview facility
Revenue bridge while litigation and federal review continue
Operations governed by the municipal services agreement with Vallejo

Vallejo Municipal Services Agreement

The City of Vallejo and Scotts Valley maintain an active municipal services agreement covering public safety, administrative fees, and community contributions.

Approximately $402,000 per year for municipal services
A $100,000 activation fee
At least $100,000 annually for local nonprofit support

The agreement remains valid because Class II gaming continues on the trust parcel.

Resort Plan

Artist Rendering of Scotts Valley Casino Resort

The 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.

Class III resort plan blocked by federal determination
Tribe expected to challenge the decision in court
Future development depends on litigation outcomes
No Class III construction underway at the site

Location

The 128-acre Vallejo trust parcel is located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 37\ abd close to Mare Island, providing regional access from the North Bay, Sacramento Valley, and Solano County.

Address: 200 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo, California 94591
Website: Visit Official Website ➤
Map: View on Google Maps ➤

Map location of Scotts Valley Casino Resort

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Vallejo casino still happening?

The Class III resort plan is halted by Interior's decision. Only Class II gaming is currently operating on the site.

Is the preview casino legal?

Yes. Class II gaming is permitted on trust land under IGRA and is not affected by the Class III denial.

Did Interior revoke trust status?

No. The land remains in federal trust; the decision is limited to Class III gaming eligibility.

Can the tribe appeal?

Yes. Scotts Valley is expected to challenge the ruling through litigation or administrative avenues.

Does Vallejo still receive payments?

Yes. The municipal services agreement remains active as long as Class II operations continue.

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News

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.