Scotts Valley Casino Resort - Vallejo, California

Project Overview

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is pursuing a $700 million casino resort on its 160-acre federal trust property in Vallejo, California. The project includes a full casino, hotel, restaurants, spa, parking structure, and a family entertainment center.

Federal approval for the project was granted on Jan. 10, 2025, but later rescinded for review on Mar. 29, 2025. The U.S. Department of the Interior is now re-evaluating whether the land qualifies for gaming under the "restored lands" exception of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). A final determination is expected in late 2026 or 2027.

While the federal review continues, the tribe opened a temporary Class II "Preview Casino" in July 2026 at the same site.

In June 2026, the Vallejo City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Scotts Valley Band to support the temporary casino.

City Services Authorized

• Police services
• Fire and emergency response
• Water service (commercial rate)
• Encroachment permit processing

Additional Requirements

• 24/7 on-site security, including a full-time police officer
• FLOCK license-plate reader cameras
• Security tower camera
• 15% local hiring goal
• $100,000 community benefit payment
• White Slough cleanup contribution

The MOU does not approve or endorse the permanent casino; it only governs municipal services for the temporary facility.

Estimated Cost

$700 million

Size

400,000 square feet of total development

Gaming

• Slot machines: TBD
• Table games: TBD
• Additional gaming: TBD
• Operating hours: 24/7

Restaurants & Bars

• Restaurant types: TBD
• Bars & lounges: TBD

Family Entertainment Center

• Arcade
• Movie theater
• Bowling alley

Hotel & Spa

• Room count: TBD
• Spa services: TBD

Parking

Multi-level parking structure (details pending)

The project's eligibility for gaming hinges on whether the Vallejo site qualifies as restored lands under IGRA.

Key Points

• Approval granted Jan. 2025
• Approval rescinded Mar. 2025
• Federal judge ruled DOI violated due process by rescinding without notice
• Tribe allowed to continue planning during review
• Final decision expected 2026-2027

Active Lawsuits

Two Patwin tribes - Yocha Dehe and Kletsel Dehe - are challenging the project in federal court.

The casino site is located at:

200 Columbus Parkway
Vallejo, CA 94591
Near the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 37.

• 1851 - Scotts Valley Band signs treaties promising a reservation; treaties rejected.
• 1965 - Tribe loses federal recognition.
• 1991 - Federal recognition restored.
• 2015 - Tribe acquires 160 acres in Vallejo.
• 2016 - Tribe submits applications for trust land and casino approval.
• 2019 - Applications denied; tribe files federal lawsuit.
• 2022 - U.S. Circuit Court orders DOI to reconsider, citing "inescapable" ancestral ties.
• 2024 - BIA environmental assessment completed; public review period opens.
• 2025 - Jan: DOI approves casino; land taken into trust. Mar: Approval rescinded for review. Apr: Tribe files emergency motion. Oct: Judge rules DOI violated due process.
• 2026 - Temporary casino prepared for opening; federal review ongoing.

1. What is the Scotts Valley Casino project?

The tribe is pursuing a $700 million casino resort on its Vallejo trust land, including gaming, hotel, dining, spa, parking, and entertainment.

2. What is the "Preview Casino"?

A temporary Class II casino inside modular buildings, opening in 2026.

3. What type of gaming will the temporary casino offer?

Only Class II electronic bingo-style machines.

4. When will the temporary casino open?

Expected later in 2026; no official date announced.

5. Did the City of Vallejo approve the temporary casino?

The city approved an MOU for police, fire, water, and permit services.

6. Is the permanent casino fully approved?

No - federal review is ongoing.

7. Why was federal approval withdrawn?

The Department of the Interior reopened the case to re-evaluate restored-lands eligibility.

8. Are there lawsuits involving the project?

Yes - two Patwin tribes are challenging the project.

9. Will the casino offer slot machines and table games?

Not until the tribe receives restored-lands approval and signs a compact with California.

10. Where is the casino located?

200 Columbus Parkway, Vallejo, CA, near I-80 & Highway 37.

11. How large will the full resort be?

Approximately 400,000 square feet.

12. Will the temporary casino remain open after the resort is built?

No - it will close once the full resort opens.

13. Does California regulate the temporary casino?

No - Class II gaming is regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the tribe.

14. What benefits will Vallejo receive?

Security funding, police and fire support, cleanup contributions, and a $100,000 community benefit payment.

15. What happens next?

Security installation, city coordination, federal review, and opening of the Preview Casino.

This timeline highlights major developments, expansions, announcements, and milestones for the Scotts Valley Casino. Each item links to a full article in the 500 Nations News section.

Scotts Valley Band Quietly Opens Temporary Gaming Hall in Vallejo July 25, 2026 - The tribe's temporary casino in Vallejo officially opened yesterday as a "preview venue" in a $700M casino project under process reconsideration by the federal DOI ... Read more

Vallejo City Council Approves MOU With Scotts Valley Tribe, Advancing Temporary Class II Casino Toward Opening June 21, 2026 - The Vallejo City Council has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Scotts Valley Tribe ... Read more

Scotts Valley Tribe Races to Open Temporary Vallejo Casino Amid Regulatory Uncertainty May 16, 2026 - With black modular buildings nearly ready along Highway 37, the Scotts Valley tribe is racing to open a temporary casino in ... Read more