Scotts Valley Pomo Indians' Casino Plans Rejected by Feds

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians planned to construct a $700 million casino in Vallejo, California. The Department of Interior (DOI) ruled that the tribe’s land doesn’t qualify for a gaming establishment under the Gaming Regulatory Act. The move reversed a previous ruling from 2025. DOI officials said the tribe lacked a significant historical connection to the land to qualify under the Indian restored lands exception.

The tribe has vowed to continue the fight. “The administrative record overwhelmingly supports the tribe’s gaming eligibility,” Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis said. “We will move quickly to challenge the decision in federal court.” The ruling forces the tribe to close a temporary casino it set up in July.

The city of Vallejo was expected to receive more than $400,000 annually in tax revenue from the temporary casino alone. “We were hopeful this could be an economic benefit to the city,” Vallejo Vice Mayor Diosdado Matulac said. “Scotts Valley tribe was willing to provide community benefits and support the city.”