The Biden administration has approved two controversial tribal casino projects through federal land trust applications, marking a significant development in tribal gaming expansion.

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians received approval for a $700 million casino project in Vallejo, California, while the Coquille Indian Tribe secured approval for a gaming venue in Medford, Oregon. Both approvals will place the designated lands into federal trust for gaming purposes.

These projects face opposition from state governors and local tribes, who dispute the applicant tribes' ancestral claims to the lands. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation contests the Vallejo site as "Patwin ancestral territory," while several Oregon tribes, led by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, previously sued to block the Coquille project.

The Coquille project overcame a 2019 rejection by the Trump administration, which was later overturned by a federal judge. Tribal chair Brenda Meade celebrated the decision, noting the decade-long struggle for approval and emphasizing the importance of government meeting its tribal trust obligations.

Scotts Valley tribal Chairman Shawn Davis expressed gratitude for the approval, which came after a seven-year wait. Meanwhile, Cow Creek chair Carla Keene indicated their intention to contest the Coquille decision.

These approvals represent significant milestones for both tribes, though continued legal challenges may lie ahead as opposing tribes maintain their objections to the developments.

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