State of CA Sues Feds Over Koi Nation Casino Approval
The state of California and Gov. Gavin Newsom May 2 filed suit against the Department of Interior over its approval of the Koi Nation casino development outside Windsor. In its suit, the state accuses the DOI of circumventing the two-part determination required for placing land into trust.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta argued that under the two-part framework, both the Secretary of the Interior and the relevant state’s governor must concur that the prospective development would not prove detrimental to the surrounding area.
“(The DOI) did not undertake a two-part determination, or participate in the required intergovernmental consultation, instead the Interior unilaterally took the Shiloh Site into trust under a different provision of federal law — the ‘restored lands’ exception,” Bonta wrote, per the Press Democrat.
Current Secretary Doug Burgum is listed as a defendant in the suit, but the approval came from former secretary Deb Haaland in the final days of the Biden administration, along with several other controversial tribal casino approvals. A total of four local tribes have already filed suits challenging the Koi ruling, in addition to the state suit. Opponents argue that the tribe has no ancestral ties to the land, as their current reservation is about 30 miles away from the casino site.
“We strongly support California Governor Gavin Newsom’s suit challenging the Interior Department’s rushed, illegal decision to rubber stamp the Koi Nation’s proposed casino on our sacred tribal lands,” Greg Sarris, chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, said in a statement. “Then-Secretary Haaland’s decision, handed down in the Biden administration’s final days, clearly violated the federal gaming and environmental laws, trampled our sovereign rights, and deprived the governor of his legal right to be consulted and to decide whether to concur with the proposal.”
Mashpee Wampanoag Now Current with Taunton Payments
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is now up to date with back payments owed to the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, after the tribe transferred $2.4 million to the city through financing from Genting, per the Taunton Daily Gazette.
Earlier this year, the tribe opened a welcome center in Taunton that features 50 slots, which is the maximum allotted under a March agreement signed by the tribe and the city. The agreement stipulates that the tribe will pay the city a monthly fee of 2 percent of net slot revenue, but only if that revenue reaches a certain threshold.
A larger casino project is in the works, and it appears Genting is the financier given the funds transfer to the city. Genting originally loaned the tribe more than $400 million in 2018 and said in 2019 it would cease lending, but that now appears to be reversed as the permanent casino project becomes more tangible in light of the welcome center expansion.
“We’ve had a great response from the community since we opened our Welcome Center in January, and we have a lot of exciting developments in the works. Our greeters are spending time with residents in and around this great city, and the public continues to be supportive of First Light Casino,” tribal Chairman Brian Weeden said in a statement. “We also have a lot of exciting promotions and events being worked on for this summer, and we look forward to sharing them on our website and over social media very soon.”
Tulalip Expansion on Track for July Opening
A sprawling 70,250-square-foot expansion of Tulalip Resort Casino in Washington is set to open sometime in July, per Indian Gaming. The addition will include more than 400 new slots, a new bar with an outdoor plaza, new entrances and more.
When complete, the property will span more than 270,00 square feet with over 2,600 slots. After the expansion is open, the casino will embark on major renovations that will run through late 2026.
“The scale of this project is representative of our deep commitment to providing a premium experience for our guests far into the future,” said Marci Fryberg, president/COO of Tulalip Gaming Organization, per Indian Gaming. “We are ever mindful of minimizing disruptions and are pleased by the excitement our guests have shown for this project. We know the entire effort will certainly be worth the wait and can’t wait to show off the new space.”
NM Tribal Casinos Sign Systems Deal with Light & Wonder
Light & Wonder announced May 5 that it has finalized a multi-year agreement to provide its iVIEW PRO S casino hardware system at the Pueblo of Pojoaque’s Buffalo Thunder and Cities of Gold casinos in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The new system will be deployed across some 1,400 slots.
“We’re always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience while making our operations more efficient behind the scenes,” Buffalo Thunder Casino Director of Gaming Operations Mitch Bailey said in a release. “This investment with Light & Wonder helps us update our technology and systems and continue to deliver the experiences players expect.”
FireKeepers Opens Poker Room, Themed Slot Zone
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan opened a 21-table poker room earlier this month, per PlayMichigan.
“Our new poker room is more than just a new location — it’s a true hub for everything poker,” Director of Table Games John Fell said in a statement. “Whether you’re here for daily games, major tournaments, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, this space delivers the energy and amenities that players expect from a top-tier poker destination.”
Additionally, the casino also opened a new themed slot area with 50 games arranged in themed groups from Light & Wonder, AGS and Konami. The new zone is located next to the event center doors.
“FireKeepers is constantly investing to bring the newest and most popular games to our casino floor and ensure our guests get the best product and best experience,” FireKeepers President of Gaming Operations Steve Senk said in a statement. “The new creative environment for these games adds to the experience.”
