Scotts Valley Band Ends Vallejo Casino Operations After Federal Gaming Eligibility Withdrawal in August 2026

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians closed its temporary Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, effective late Sunday night on August 3/4, 2026, 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 site, and this action directly affected operations that had run under a temporary framework established in prior years.

Observers note the closure came swiftly once the federal notice arrived, with the tribe halting all gaming activities at the location while notifying staff and patrons through official channels; the move marks a significant shift for a project that had operated on a limited basis pending full regulatory approvals.

Background on the Preview Casino Project

The Preview Casino served as an interim facility for the Scotts Valley Band, allowing the tribe to generate revenue while pursuing permanent gaming rights on the trust parcel in Vallejo; according to reports from the period, the site opened under temporary authorization following earlier negotiations with state and local authorities, yet it remained subject to ongoing federal review of the land’s eligibility under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Those who tracked the project recall that the band had acquired the Vallejo property through the trust process years earlier, with plans to develop a full-scale casino that would support tribal programs; the temporary operation provided a bridge, employing more than 100 workers who handled table games, slots, security, and hospitality roles until the August 2026 shutdown took effect.

The Department of the Interior Decision and Its Timing

The U.S. Department of the Interior issued the withdrawal notice in early August 2026, determining that the Vallejo trust parcel lacked sufficient historical ties to the Scotts Valley Band to qualify for gaming; this determination reversed an earlier position and prompted immediate compliance from the tribe, which ceased operations at the facility within days of receiving the formal communication.

Data referenced in the reversal notice on gaming eligibility shows the agency evaluated tribal connection through historical records, geographic evidence, and consultation materials before reaching its conclusion; the band received the notification and moved to close the Preview Casino late on August 3/4, 2026, aligning with the federal directive without delay.

Impact on Employees and Local Operations

More than 100 employees faced immediate job changes when the casino doors closed, with the tribe issuing severance details and transition support through its administrative offices; those affected included dealers, floor supervisors, maintenance crews, and administrative personnel who had staffed the temporary site since its launch, and many sought new positions in the regional gaming sector while awaiting further legal developments.

The closure also halted ancillary services such as food and beverage outlets tied to the casino, reducing foot traffic in the surrounding commercial area and prompting local vendors to adjust their supply schedules accordingly; records indicate the Preview Casino had contributed to Vallejo’s economy through wages and taxes during its operational period, though exact figures for the final months remain under review by tribal finance teams.

Legal History and Next Steps

A 2025 federal court ruling had favored the Scotts Valley Band in a related dispute over the trust land, establishing a foundation that teh tribe believed supported continued gaming eligibility; however, the August 2026 Interior Department action overrode that momentum by focusing on the historical connection criterion, which prompted the band to announce plans for new litigation under the Administrative Procedure Act.

The tribe’s legal team stated it would challenge the withdrawal through federal court filings that target the agency’s decision-making process, and observers note this approach allows the band to argue procedural issues while seeking restoration of the parcel’s gaming status; no timeline for the suit has been released, yet the band continues to maintain its trust relationship with the federal government on other matters.

Conclusion

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians now directs its resources toward the planned Administrative Procedure Act litigation following the August 2026 closure of the Preview Casino, while former employees explore new opportunities and the Vallejo site stands inactive pending further court outcomes; this sequence of events reflects the complex interplay between tribal sovereignty, federal land determinations, and regulatory oversight that shapes gaming projects across California.