Scotts Valley Band Closes Preview Casino After Federal Reversal on Vallejo Trust Land
Written by Felix Jenkins · Aug 6, 2026
Scotts Valley Band Closes Preview Casino After Federal Reversal on Vallejo Trust Land
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians shut down its temporary Preview Casino in Vallejo late Sunday night in August 2026 after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe's Vallejo trust parcel, and the closure came swiftly once the federal determination arrived. The small-scale Class II facility had operated for a short period and supported more than 100 workers before the reversal took effect, while the tribe described the decision as unlawful and announced plans to challenge it through a new federal lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Background on the Federal Determination
The Department of the Interior based its withdrawal on findings of insufficient historical connection to the Vallejo land, and this final determination rejecting Class III gaming eligibility for the Scotts Valley Band's Vallejo trust land ended the temporary operation's legal footing without delay. Observers note that the parcel had been placed into trust earlier, yet the agency concluded the tribe lacked the required ties under federal standards, which prompted the immediate compliance action by tribal leadership.
Details of the Casino Closure
Staff received notice of the shutdown as operations wound down on Sunday, and the facility ceased all gaming activities by the end of the night, while the tribe coordinated with employees on final payroll and transition steps. The Preview Casino represented an initial step toward broader development, yet its brief run ended once the eligibility reversal removed the necessary authorization for continued Class II gaming.
Impact on Employment and Operations
More than 100 workers lost their positions at the site following the closure, and the tribe has indicated it will assist affected staff through available support programs during the transition period. Those who've followed tribal gaming developments know such short-term facilities often serve as testing grounds, yet the sudden halt left little time for extended planning around workforce needs.
Tribe's Response and Legal Plans
The Scotts Valley Band called the Department of the Interior's action unlawful and stated it intends to file suit to contest the eligibility withdrawal, while the lawsuit will seek review under the Administrative Procedure Act to examine the agency's decision-making process. Tribal representatives have emphasized that the reversal does not reflect the full historical record they provided during consultations, and the band plans to present additional evidence in court.
Status of the Larger Resort Project
The planned $700 million resort development on the same Vallejo parcel now faces delays after the eligibility reversal, although the tribe has confirmed the overall project remains active rather than abandoned. Construction timelines will shift while the legal challenge proceeds, and the band continues to pursue necessary approvals for the full-scale facility that would include expanded gaming, hospitality, and entertainment components.
Context of Class II Gaming Operations
Class II facilities like the Preview Casino typically feature bingo-style games and certain electronic machines under tribal oversight, and this temporary site allowed the Scotts Valley Band to begin limited operations while pursuing broader Class III compact negotiations. The short operational window demonstrated demand in the Vallejo market, yet the federal determination on historical connection overrode those early activities once it took effect in August 2026.
Next Steps for the Tribe
Tribal leaders have begun preparing the Administrative Procedure Act lawsuit and are gathering documentation to support their position on the Vallejo parcel's eligibility, while they also explore interim economic measures to support the community during the litigation period. The band has not ruled out further discussions with federal officials, although the immediate focus stays on the court filing and preservation of the larger resort vision.
Conclusion
The closure of the Preview Casino marks a significant pause in the Scotts Valley Band's Vallejo gaming initiative following the Department of the Interior's eligibility reversal, yet the tribe's planned lawsuit and continued pursuit of the $700 million resort signal ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute. Workers affected by the shutdown await further details on support, and the outcome of the Administrative Procedure Act challenge will determine whether gaming eligibility can be restored for the trust parcel in the months ahead.