10 Aug 2026
Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians Ends Preview Casino Operations in Vallejo
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians closed its Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, late on August 3 and into August 4, 2026, after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe’s trust parcel, and the decision cited insufficient historical connection to the site. The temporary facility had operated briefly to demonstrate viability ahead of a full resort, yet operations ceased immediately once the eligibility determination changed.
Details of the Closure Decision
Federal officials notified the tribe of the reversal in gaming eligibility status during the first week of August 2026, and the action directly affected the trust parcel designated for the project. Observers note that the Preview Casino served as an initial step to establish operational proof before larger development could advance, but the withdrawal halted that process without delay. The shutdown affected daily activities across gaming floors, support services, and vendor arrangements that had formed around the temporary site.
Workforce and Local Partnership Effects
More than 100 employees received notice of the immediate closure, and the tribe coordinated final payroll and separation processes in the days following the announcement. Local business partnerships tied to the Preview Casino also paused, including supply contracts, security arrangements, and hospitality support that had developed during the short operating period. Those partnerships now await further clarity on the tribe’s next steps regarding the broader resort plan.
Tribe’s Planned Legal Response
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians intends to file new federal litigation challenging the eligibility withdrawal under the Administrative Procedure Act, and the action will reference a favorable 2025 court ruling that addressed similar issues for the tribe. Legal teams are preparing filings that contest the Department of the Interior’s assessment of historical connection, while the tribe continues to maintain that the overall project remains viable once the eligibility question is resolved through the courts.
Background on the Trust Parcel and Eligibility Review
The trust parcel in Vallejo had been placed into federal trust status to support gaming development under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, yet the Department of the Interior conducted a fresh review that led to the August 2026 reversal. The determination focused on the tribe’s historical ties to the specific location, and the outcome differed from earlier assessments that had allowed the Preview Casino to open. The tribe has operated the temporary facility for a limited time, during which it collected operational data and demonstrated market demand ahead of permanent construction.
Next Steps for the Broader Resort Project
Despite the Preview Casino closure, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has stated that planning for the full resort destination continues, and the tribe expects litigation to restore gaming eligibility for the trust parcel. Federal court proceedings under the Administrative Procedure Act typically examine whether agency decisions follow required procedures and rely on adequate evidence, and the tribe’s reference to the 2025 ruling suggests it will argue consistency with prior judicial findings. Project timelines now depend on the pace of litigation and any subsequent administrative actions that could reinstate eligibility.
Conclusion
The August 2026 closure of the Preview Casino marks a significant pause in the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ Vallejo development, driven by the Department of the Interior’s eligibility withdrawal. The tribe’s workforce and partner network face immediate adjustments, while planned federal litigation offers a pathway to challenge the decision and advance the larger resort project. Observers will watch the court filings and any related administrative reviews to determine how the situation resolves in the coming months.