Vallejo Preview Casino Closure Follows Federal Withdrawal of Pomo Tribe Gaming Rights

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians ended operations at its Preview Casino in Vallejo, California, effective late Sunday night on August 2–3, 2026, and the shutdown followed a decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior to withdraw gaming eligibility for the tribe’s Vallejo trust parcel.

Officials cited insufficient historical connection to the site as the basis for the reversal, and the temporary facility had opened only recently to demonstrate operational viability before the eligibility change took effect.

Background on the Temporary Facility and Its Workforce

The Preview Casino employed more than 100 workers during its short run, and those positions supported local economic activity while the tribe tested market response in the Vallejo area; the closure therefore affected that employment base directly once gaming eligibility ended.

Observers note the facility operated under prior approvals that allowed the brief demonstration phase, yet the August 2026 reversal overrode those arrangements without advance public notice beyond the formal determination.

Those who followed the case point out that the temporary casino served as a proof-of-concept venue, and its closure marks the practical end of that testing period while the tribe prepares further legal steps.

Tribe’s Planned Response in Federal Court

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians announced plans to challenge the reversal through federal court proceedings, and the tribe argues the decision contradicts both prior administrative findings and a 2025 court ruling that addressed similar eligibility questions. Legal representatives for the tribe intend to present evidence of historical connections and consistency with earlier federal determinations.

Court filings are expected to seek reinstatement of the gaming eligibility status, and the tribe maintains that the Vallejo parcel meets the necessary criteria when all historical records receive full consideration. This approach follows established patterns where tribes pursue judicial review after administrative reversals.

Data from regulatory tracking sources show such challenges often extend over multiple months or years, and the outcome will hinge on how federal judges weigh the historical evidence against the Interior Department’s latest assessment.

Timeline and Immediate Aftermath

Closure activities began immediately after the eligibility withdrawal notice, and the tribe coordinated with state and local authorities to wind down gaming operations in an orderly manner. Employees received notification of the end date, and the facility ceased all gaming activities by the early hours of August 3, 2026.

Community stakeholders in Vallejo observed the short operational window of the Preview Casino, and some local businesses had begun to adjust to the additional foot traffic before the shutdown occurred. The abrupt end leaves open questions about future redevelopment or alternative uses for the trust parcel.

Conclusion

The August 2026 closure of the Preview Casino represents a direct result of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s eligibility reversal for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ Vallejo trust parcel, and the tribe’s upcoming federal court challenge will determine whether gaming status can be restored based on arguments about prior findings and the 2025 ruling. Further developments will unfold through the judicial process as both sides present their positions on the historical connection requirements.