DOJ: Scotts Valley was warned before 6-day Vallejo casino run

Scotts Valley Band opened its Vallejo casino despite DOJ warnings, only for Interior to rule the land ineligible for gaming.

The hit

A DOJ attorney told a federal judge the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians knew Interior could reverse its Vallejo land’s gaming eligibility before opening its casino anyway. The tribe’s Preview Casino opened 24 July, offering Class II gaming from modular buildings. Six days later, Interior ruled the land did not qualify under federal gaming law, forcing the tribe to close.

Why it matters

The ruling threatens more than a temporary casino. Scotts Valley has a proposed $700m resort & hotel for the same Vallejo site, & Interior’s decision undercuts the legal basis for gaming there entirely. McFadden appeared sceptical Friday that the tribe had cleared the threshold needed to show irreparable harm.

The record

Original gaming eligibility ruling	January 2025, granted under Biden administration
Rescinded	Temporarily rescinded roughly two months later, after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum raised concerns
Due process ruling	October 2025, McFadden ruled the rescission violated the tribe’s due process rights

What happens next

Judge Trevor McFadden has yet to rule on Scotts Valley’s request for a preliminary injunction against Interior’s decision.

Sources: Feds: California Tribe Was Warned Before Opening Casino That Lasted Just Six Days

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