The Biden administration has approved two controversial tribal casino projects through land trust applications. The developments include a $700 million casino by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians in Vallejo, California, and a Coquille Indian Tribe gaming venue in Medford, Oregon.

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

The approval process has been lengthy and complex. The Coquille tribe's application, initially rejected under the Trump administration in 2019, was revived by a federal judge who deemed the rejection "arbitrary and capricious." The Scotts Valley Band had been awaiting a decision since 2016.

Coquille tribal chair Brenda Meade welcomed the decision, emphasizing the challenges tribes face in rebuilding reservations while following legal requirements. She rejected accusations of "reservation shopping," calling the term offensive and misleading.

Scotts Valley tribal Chairman Shawn Davis expressed gratitude for the decision, highlighting the land's significance for both their heritage and future development. However, opposition remains strong, with Cow Creek chair Carla Keene indicating their intention to contest the Coquille decision further.

These approvals mark a significant shift in tribal gaming development, though they continue to highlight ongoing tensions between competing tribal interests and local governance in casino development.

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