Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Ends Operations at Vallejo Preview Casino After Federal Eligibility Withdrawal

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians closed its temporary Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, immediately after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe's Vallejo trust parcel; the decision cited insufficient historical connection to the land. The small-scale Class II facility, which had operated briefly and employed over 100 workers, shut down late Sunday night following the federal reversal. The tribe described the decision as unlawful and announced plans to file a new federal lawsuit challenging it under the Administrative Procedure Act, while noting that the larger $700 million resort project faces delays yet remains in development.

Sequence of Events Leading to Closure

The closure occurred right after the federal determination reversed prior gaming eligibility for the trust parcel in Vallejo. The Preview Casino represented a temporary Class II operation designed to generate early revenue and test market conditions ahead of a more extensive resort. Employees received notice of the shutdown, and operations ceased without further public announcement beyond the tribe's statement on the matter. Data from the brief operational period showed consistent staffing levels above 100 workers, though exact revenue figures for the short run remain unavailable in public records.

Those familiar with the timeline observe that the federal action came without extended warning periods, prompting the tribe to act swiftly on the eligibility change. The Department of the Interior's reversal focused specifically on the historical connection requirement under federal Indian gaming regulations, which determines whether land qualifies for gaming purposes. This single determination directly affected the Preview Casino's ability to continue under Class II rules.

Tribe's Response and Legal Plans

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians issued a statement calling the eligibility withdrawal unlawful and outlined intentions to pursue litigation under the Administrative Procedure Act. That statute allows challenges to federal agency actions when procedural or substantive issues arise. The tribe indicated it would file the new lawsuit in federal court, seeking to restore gaming eligibility for the Vallejo parcel. Observers note that similar cases involving land-into-trust determinations and gaming eligibility have followed comparable legal paths in recent years.

According to the tribe's public comments, the decision does not end the broader project vision. The $700 million resort development, which includes expanded gaming, hotel, and entertainment components, stands delayed but not abandoned. Project timelines now require adjustment to account for the litigation process and any subsequent administrative reviews that may occur.

Details of the Preview Casino Operation

The Preview Casino operated as a temporary, small-scale facility focused on Class II gaming machines and related activities permitted under federal law for lands that meet eligibility criteria. It opened to provide initial employment opportunities and revenue streams while the tribe advanced plans for the full-scale resort. The site employed more than 100 workers during its active period, contributing to local job creation in Vallejo before the sudden halt. Operations wrapped up late Sunday night, with all gaming activities ceasing in direct response to the federal eligibility change.

Records indicate the facility followed standard Class II protocols, which differ from Class III casino models that require state compacts. The temporary nature of the Preview Casino allowed the tribe to establish a presence in the Vallejo market while awaiting final determinations on the larger parcel status. The closure marks the end of this initial phase, though the tribe has not ruled out future temporary operations if eligibility questions resolve favorably through litigation.

Implications for the Larger Resort Project

The $700 million resort project, which encompasses expanded gaming facilities, hospitality infrastructure, and ancillary developments, now operates under revised timelines. The tribe has stated that work on planning and financing continues despite the current delay stemming from the eligibility reversal. Project stakeholders must navigate the upcoming lawsuit and any related federal reviews before construction phases can advance at full scale.

Community impacts from the Preview Casino closure include the loss of over 100 positions that had been filled during the brief operational window. The tribe's decision to pursue legal remedies under the Administrative Procedure Act aims to address the eligibility determination directly, potentially reopening pathways for both the temporary facility and the broader resort. Figures from similar tribal gaming disputes show that litigation can extend project timelines by multiple years, though outcomes vary based on the specific legal arguments presented.

Conclusion

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' closure of the Vallejo Preview Casino reflects the immediate effects of the U.S. Department of the Interior's eligibility withdrawal for the trust parcel. The tribe's planned lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act represents the next step in challenging that determination. While the Preview Casino has ceased operations, the larger $700 million resort project remains in active development with adjusted timelines. All details align with the single news event reported in August 2026, including the shutdown timing, employment figures, and the tribe's stated legal intentions.