The U.S. Department of the Interior has withdrawn approval for a proposed casino in Vallejo, California, citing that the site does not meet the required historical connection for gaming.
The decision follows a 16‑month review in which officials found that the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians had failed to demonstrate a significant historical link to the property, a requirement under federal law.
Earlier, the department had reached similar conclusions on three separate occasions before granting approval in January. The band had attempted to launch a temporary casino using modular structures and Class II gaming machines near Interstate 80 and Highway 37.
Four California tribes urged the band to halt operations until the federal review concluded. In June, the Yocha Dehe Nation filed a lawsuit against the city of Vallejo over permits and agreements related to the temporary casino, arguing that local environmental and governmental requirements had not been met.
On July 31, the Department ruled the Vallejo site ineligible for gaming. Tribal representatives said they would examine next steps and keep the community informed.
Yocha Dehe Chairman Anthony Roberts emphasized that the opposition aimed to protect Patwin ancestral territory rather than to block other tribes from developing casinos. He stressed the importance of fair, lawful decisions based on true historical ties.
The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, a non‑gaming Patwin tribe, also welcomed the ruling. Its chairman noted that the decision upholds the integrity of the restored‑lands gaming‑eligibility process and ensures that development follows documented historical connections.
The reversal underscores the Department’s commitment to rigorous evaluation of historical claims in gaming eligibility cases and signals a shift in how tribal land rights are assessed in the region.
