6 Aug 2026
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Closes Preview Casino in Vallejo After Federal Reversal
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians shut down 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, citing insufficient historical connection to the land. The small-scale Class II facility, which had operated for only a brief period and employed over 100 workers, closed its doors late Sunday night in August 2026 following the federal action. The tribe described the decision as unlawful and announced plans to file a new lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act while confirming that the larger $700 million resort project remains delayed but not abandoned.
Background of the Temporary Facility
The Preview Casino served as an initial step for the Scotts Valley Band in Vallejo, operating under Class II gaming rules that allow certain bingo-style and electronic games without full state compact requirements. This temporary site opened to generate early revenue and test operations on the trust parcel, creating more than 100 jobs in the local economy during its short run. The facility's closure came directly after the Department of the Interior issued its reversal on eligibility, which ended any immediate prospect for continued gaming activity at that location.
The Federal Decision and Its Timing
The U.S. Department of the Interior reversed its earlier determination on gaming eligibility for the Vallejo trust parcel because records showed insufficient historical ties between the Scotts Valley Band and the specific land in question. This August 2026 final determination halted all gaming operations on the site, prompting the immediate shutdown. The tribe had relied on prior approvals to launch the Preview Casino, yet the new ruling superseded those earlier findings and forced the abrupt end to business.
Tribe's Response and Legal Plans
The Scotts Valley Band called the withdrawal unlawful and stated it would challenge the decision through a fresh federal lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act. Legal action focuses on the process by which the Department reversed its position, with the tribe arguing that the change lacked proper basis and disrupted established expectations. Observers note that such challenges often center on procedural fairness rather than the underlying eligibility criteria themselves.
At the same time the tribe emphasized that the much larger $700 million resort project on nearby land has only been delayed, not canceled. Plans for the full-scale development continue to move forward in other respects while the legal dispute over the Vallejo parcel plays out in court.
Employment and Local Impact
More than 100 workers lost their positions when the Preview Casino closed late Sunday night, creating immediate effects on the Vallejo workforce. The temporary nature of the facility meant these roles were always tied to gaming eligibility, yet the sudden reversal left little time for transition planning. Local suppliers and support businesses that served the casino also faced reduced activity once operations stopped.
Path Forward for the Larger Project
The $700 million resort development, which encompasses expanded gaming, hospitality, and entertainment facilities, stays on the tribe's agenda despite the current delay. The Scotts Valley Band continues to pursue alternative approvals and land options that could support the full vision without relying on the disputed Vallejo parcel for initial gaming rights. Progress on this scale of project typically involves multiple regulatory steps, and the tribe has indicated it will address each requirement while the lawsuit proceeds.
Conclusion
The closure of the Preview Casino marks a clear turning point for the Scotts Valley Band's Vallejo operations following the Department of the Interior's August 2026 reversal. The tribe's decision to pursue litigation under the Administrative Procedure Act sets the stage for further legal review, while the larger resort project remains an active priority. Employment impacts and regulatory outcomes will continue to shape the next phases of development in the region.