Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Closes Vallejo Preview Casino After Federal Reversal

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians closed its temporary Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, effective late Sunday night in August 2026, after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe's Vallejo trust parcel, and the decision cited insufficient historical connection to the land as the basis for the reversal.

Details of the Immediate Shutdown

The facility had operated briefly as a small-scale operation intended to demonstrate viability ahead of a larger resort project, and it employed over 100 workers who received notice of the closure immediately following the federal determination. Operations ceased without delay once the tribe received the notice, while the building stood quiet by Monday morning as staff completed final procedures. Observers note that the sudden halt left the site empty, yet the tribe maintained that the move followed directly from the Interior Department's action without any intermediate steps available under current rules.

Federal Decision and Its Basis

The U.S. Department of the Interior determined that the Vallejo trust parcel lacked sufficient historical ties required for gaming eligibility under federal guidelines, and this finding reversed earlier determinations that had allowed the temporary casino to open. Those who reviewed the paperwork found the reversal referenced specific criteria about tribal connections to the parcel, whereas prior approvals had proceeded under different interpretations of the same standards. The decision arrived without prior public warning, and it triggered the closure timeline that ended late Sunday night.

Tribe's Response and Planned Legal Action

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians announced plans to file a new federal lawsuit challenging the reversal under the Administrative Procedure Act, and the complaint will cite contradictions with prior findings along with a 2025 court ruling that addressed similar eligibility questions. Legal teams for the tribe are preparing documentation that highlights inconsistencies between the latest determination and earlier federal positions on the same parcel. Court filings are expected to argue that the Interior Department did not adequately explain the change in position, and the tribe intends to seek review of the entire process that led to the withdrawal of eligibility.

Operational Context of the Preview Facility

The Preview Casino opened on a limited basis to test market response and operational feasibility before any permanent development, and it featured a modest selection of games along with basic amenities for visitors during its short run. Revenue figures from the brief period remain unreleased, yet the project employed more than 100 people in roles ranging from gaming floor staff to security and maintenance. The temporary setup allowed the tribe to gather data on customer traffic in the Vallejo area, while the federal reversal arrived before any expansion plans could advance further.

Regulatory Framework Involved

Federal rules governing tribal gaming on trust land require demonstration of historical connections, and the Interior Department applied those standards when it withdrew eligibility for the Vallejo parcel in this instance. The Administrative Procedure Act provides the avenue for challenging such agency actions, and the tribe's upcoming suit will focus on whether the reversal followed proper procedures and considered all relevant prior evidence. Observers familiar with similar cases point out that litigation of this type often examines whether an agency maintained consistent application of its own criteria across multiple decisions.

Impact on Workers and Local Operations

More than 100 employees received immediate notification of the shutdown, and the tribe coordinated with state workforce agencies to assist those affected by the sudden loss of positions. The closure ended all gaming activity at the site, while the tribe continues to evaluate other properties and opportunities outside the affected parcel. Local suppliers who had supported the brief operation also adjusted schedules once the federal notice took effect late Sunday night.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Preparation of the lawsuit is underway, and the tribe expects to file documents in federal court that reference both the Administrative Procedure Act and the 2025 ruling on comparable eligibility matters. The complaint will seek to restore gaming eligibility for the Vallejo parcel by arguing that the Interior Department's latest decision conflicts with earlier approvals and lacks sufficient justification for the change. Hearings on any preliminary motions could occur within months, although the full timeline depends on court scheduling and responses from the federal agency.

Conclusion

The closure of the Preview Casino marks the direct result of the Interior Department's eligibility reversal for the Vallejo trust parcel, and the tribe's planned lawsuit under the Administrative Procedure Act will test whether that reversal aligns with prior findings and the 2025 court decision. Operations ended late Sunday night in August 2026, affecting over 100 workers, while legal preparations continue to address the federal determination through established judicial channels.