Two California tribes are currently embroiled in a land dispute in Solano County. The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians had asked the federal government to put a piece of land into trust for the construction of a casino, a decision that was denied by the Trump administration in 2019 but later overturned by a federal judge in 2022. The Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Anthony Roberts expressed concerns over the tribe coming from over 90 miles away to develop in their homeland, highlighting the tensions that exist between the two tribes.
The issue of land disputes among tribes raises questions about the federal government’s approach to managing land issues for dispossessed tribes and the impact it has on tribal relationships. Many tribes across the nation have utilized gambling projects to lift themselves out of poverty, from Las Vegas-style casinos to bingo halls.
In a separate development, a former New York City executive is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to reject Mohegan Gaming’s bid for a downstate casino license following his son’s death at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Kamal Bherwani’s son died due to alleged neglect by casino staff, prompting him to call for the rejection of Mohegan’s joint bid for a $4 billion casino complex near the United Nations complex in Manhattan.
On a positive note, the Winnebago Tribe’s WarHorse Casino in Omaha, Nebraska, received approval from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to open on August 6 and operate 24 hours a day. This will be the first casino in Omaha and the second permanent racino in the state, marking a significant milestone for the tribe.
Meanwhile, Bear River Casino Resort in California has unveiled new additions, including a poker room, event space, restaurant, and ballroom. The resort’s Director of Table Games, Justin Ciarabellini, highlighted the new offerings, including poker tournaments and operating hours for the poker room.
The Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises announced plans to break ground on a $100 million casino development in Coweta, Oklahoma, in September. The project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2026 and will feature 750 slots, a hotel, restaurant, and pool. Additionally, construction is underway for the Eufaula Casino Hotel & Resort, a $69.8 million project set to be completed by November 2025.
In a recent appointment, FanDuel’s E. Sequoyah Simermeyer was named to the National Native American Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. Simermeyer, a former chairman for the National Indian Gaming Commission, will work to raise awareness of the significant contributions of contemporary Native people alongside the board.
These developments in tribal gaming across the United States highlight both the opportunities and challenges faced by tribes in pursuing economic development through gambling projects. From land disputes to new casino openings and renovations, the tribal gaming landscape continues to evolve, impacting tribal communities and relationships.
