The Native Village of Eklutna has paused work on its planned tribal casino, the Chin’an Gaming Hall, following a recent reversal in federal policy concerning tribal land gaming authority, per Anchorage Daily News.
The proposed project, located north of Anchorage, involved constructing a 58,000-square-foot permanent casino. It was set to replace a temporary prefabricated gaming hall currently operational.
Key takeaways:
- Native Village of Eklutna halts casino construction due to federal policy change
- Legal disputes emerge over tribal land authority and gaming regulation
- Local and state opposition complicates future expansion plans
The permanent facility was expected to feature numerous slot machines and dining options. Tribal leadership has stated they are engaging with federal officials to understand the implications of the policy change before resuming the casino construction in Anchorage.
Federal Policy Shift Stalls Casino Construction in Anchorage
The U.S. Department of the Interior, led by Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, withdrew a 2024 legal opinion that had expanded tribal authority over certain Alaska Native land allotments. This move requires federal gaming regulators to review prior approvals granted under the earlier interpretation.
Aaron Leggett, leader of the Eklutna Tribe, said the tribe remains committed to completing the casino construction in Anchorage but needs clarity on its rights under the updated federal regulations before moving forward. The change has reignited longstanding legal and jurisdictional disputes over tribal land authority in Alaska.
These issues are complicated by the land status framework established under the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which eliminated traditional reservations in favor of Native corporations.
State and Community Opposition Mount
Alaska state officials have supported the Department of the Interior’s directive, framing it as a restoration of state jurisdiction in the matter. The state has filed lawsuits to overturn federal approvals related to the Chin’an Gaming Hall, arguing such approvals encroach on state land oversight.
Local opposition groups continue legal efforts to block the casino permanently. Despite disputes, the temporary gaming facility remains open, employing about 30 staff members and attracting visitors from Anchorage and the nearby Mat-Su Valley area.
Ryan Walker, the facility manager, confirmed operations are ongoing and provide revenue that supports housing, education and social programs in the Eklutna community.
