California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, has thrown down the gauntlet in a letter addressed to the US Department of the Interior’s (DOI) secretary Deb Haaland, urging her to oppose two tribal casino projects slated for Solano and Sonoma counties. This move could be a game-changer in the high-stakes arena of tribal gaming.
Sidestepping the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act: A Gamble Too Far?
Governor Newsom claimed the proposed constructions by the Koi Nation of Northern California and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians at sites beyond their aboriginal homelands would “stretch the ‘restored lands’ exception beyond its legal limits.” In essence, Newsom argues they’re pushing their chips across a line that’s not meant to be crossed.
By rolling the dice on these proposals, the Department of the Interior would effectively be sidestepping the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, while also disregarding concerns raised by tribal governments and other local communities.
Addressing assistant secretary Bryan Newland, the Governor’s Office criticized the DOI for failing to explore feasible alternatives within the tribes’ Lake County homelands. It’s a bet Newsom believes has not been adequately deliberated.
“Devastating Impacts” on Tribal Rights and Cultural Resources
The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, a federally recognized tribe including Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians, backs Governor Newsom’s initiative. Their goodwill symbol, chairman Greg Sarris, voiced substantial support.
Sarris emphasized that they have repeatedly implored the Interior to consider how these projects would have “devastating impacts on the rights and cultural resources of our Tribe and others in whose ancestral territory these projects are located.” To him, it’s like watching a high-stakes hand where they’ve shown their cards, only to be ignored.
Moreover, the chairman stressed that Haaland will ultimately be on the hook for the decision, urging her to ensure that the Interior protects the interests of all tribes, a veritable call for all-in protection of tribal sovereignty.
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, operators of the Cache Creek Casino, along with the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and several local government officials, vocally opposed the Scotts Valley casino project during a press conference in West Sacramento. Their critique resonates with the community like a losing streak at the blackjack table, sharp and brutal.
Two years ago, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors also unanimously voted against the Koi Nation’s proposed casino resort. The air was thick with identifying voices, accusing these tribes of “reservation shopping”—an offensive term suggesting they’re scouting lands far from original reservations to maximize future casino profits.
Pending Approval from the DOI for the $1.3B Projects
The Scotts Valley’s planned $700 million casino resort has been a wild card on the DOI’s table near Vallejo since 2016. A green light would have the designated land taken into trust, enabling the federal government to partially remove land from state jurisdiction, turning it into sovereign land—a vital aspect for tribal gaming.
Similarly, the Koi Nation’s envisioned $600 million casino resort near Windsor sprung into public view toward the end of 2021 and has been pending approval as well. The stakes are sky-high.
While Governor Newsom’s stance will undoubtedly weigh in, the final call on whether these tribes can claim ancestral ties to the land lies with the DOI. It’s a showdown of historical claims against community opposition.
It’s a split-decision scenario where both tribes assert their historical connections to the land, while other area tribes fervently disagree. Voices across the spectrum are clamoring for a fair shuffle.
Earlier this month, the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act passed another significant milestone with a 14-0 vote, inching California tribes closer to having the right to sue cardrooms for offering blackjack and poker games—games that should legally be the sole domain of tribal establishments.
This unfolding drama of high stakes and higher emotions is what makes the gambling industry an exhilarating arena. Stay tuned as the cards are dealt and the chips inevitably fall.
