Two Coppers Casino Opening Marks Historic Milestone for Tlingit & Haida

A Two-Phase Launch for Alaska Tribal Gaming

The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska celebrated a two-stage opening of its new Class II gaming facility, Two Coppers Casino, located on North Douglas Island near Juneau.

The soft opening on June 14, 2026 welcomed invited guests, tribal citizens, and community partners for the first look inside the casino. The public grand opening on July 1, 2026 officially opened the doors to all visitors, marking a historic moment for Alaska Native economic sovereignty.

Soft Opening - June 14, 2026

The soft opening offered a controlled preview of the gaming floor, allowing the Tribe to test operations, finalize regulatory procedures, and introduce the facility to key stakeholders.

Guests were greeted by neon-lit electronic gaming machines, upbeat music, and the excitement of Juneau's first tribal gaming venue. The soft opening also provided an opportunity for staff training, machine testing, and operational fine-tuning ahead of the public launch.

Grand Opening - July 1, 2026

The July 1 grand opening marked the official debut of Two Coppers Casino to the public. Visitors from Juneau, Douglas Island, and cruise ship passengers arriving in the capital region were welcomed into Alaska's newest tribal gaming destination.

The Tribe expects the casino to become a new attraction for visitors, especially once shuttle service begins connecting the casino with Juneau's cruise docks.

Class II Gaming Experience

Two Coppers Casino operates under Class II gaming regulations, offering:

• Electronic bingo-based gaming machines
• Pull-tabs
• Non-house-banked card games

Alcohol is not served, and Class III games such as blackjack, poker, and traditional slot machines are not permitted under federal law.

Leadership Perspective

Tribal President Chalyee Eesh Richard Peterson described the two-phase opening as a strategic approach to launching a major economic enterprise.

"Projects like this require patience, courage, and a willingness to believe in a future that cannot yet be seen," Peterson said. "The soft opening allowed us to prepare, and the grand opening allowed us to celebrate."

Regulatory Safeguards

Gaming General Manager Janice Hotch emphasized the strict regulatory framework governing tribal gaming operations.

• Employee background checks and licensing
• Independent testing and certification of gaming machines
• Continuous surveillance and monitoring
• Strict financial controls and auditing

Economic Impact for Tribal Citizens

Revenue from Two Coppers Casino will support tribal programs, community services, and long-term economic development initiatives. Tribal citizens expressed excitement about the opportunities the casino will create.

"Other tribes have proven the economic benefit of gaming," said tribal citizen Amber Forrester. "Now for our tribe to finally be able to take advantage of the opportunity is tremendous."

Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Tlingit & Haida is implementing behavioral-health programs to identify and support individuals who may be experiencing gambling-related harm. At-risk guests may be temporarily restricted while receiving support services.

Legal Context

The casino's opening comes amid ongoing legal questions related to tribal jurisdiction over Native allotments. Tribal leadership remains confident in the legality of the enterprise while acknowledging that future challenges are possible.