The State of Alaska has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The lawsuit is about a new gaming hall recently opened by the Native Village of Eklutna, a tribe near Anchorage, Alaska. The state wants the court to stop the approval of the gaming hall. This legal fight is about who has control over certain land in Alaska and whether the tribe has the right to run a casino there.
What’s at the Center of the Dispute?
The problem started with a decision from the federal government that gave the Native Village of Eklutna authority over some land called the Ondola Allotment. This decision allowed the tribe to start gambling operations on the land, which sparked a lot of debate and confusion about who should have control over Native lands in Alaska.
The timing of this lawsuit is important because it happened right after the opening of a new gambling facility called Chin’an Gaming Hall. The casino opened quickly on January 20, 2025, with 85 electronic bingo machines.
Chin’an Gaming Hall: A New Milestone
In November 2024, the Native Village of Eklutna began building the Chin’an Gaming Hall. The tribe quickly set up two trailers on a piece of land near Peters Creek, in Birchwood, Alaska. Despite facing some local opposition, the tribe finished the project quickly to avoid delays that could happen under the previous government administration.
Eklutna’s president, Aaron Leggett, described the opening as an important moment for the tribe’s independence and sovereignty. He explained that “Chin’an” means “thank you” in the local language. He added that the tribe wants to keep things respectful and safe for both their neighbors and customers.
Community Reactions and Economic Impact
The casino has already received some opposition from local residents who do not want it in their area. But despite the criticism, Leggett believes that the gaming hall is vital for the tribe’s future. He explained that the casino could bring $67 million into the local economy and help fund essential programs, such as healthcare, housing, job training, and cultural initiatives.
While some local residents may not support the idea of the casino, Leggett sees it as a dream coming true, something he’s heard about for years. The new gaming hall will stay open in the temporary building until the legal situation is resolved.
The State’s Lawsuit
Alaska’s Attorney General, Treg Taylor, made it clear that the state’s lawsuit is not against gambling itself. Instead, the state wants the court to confirm that Alaska has the primary authority over Native allotments, like the Ondola Allotment. The state argues that the federal government’s decision goes against past legal rulings and changes the rules set by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971.
Before 2024, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) ruled that Alaska tribes did not have control over Native allotments. But in February 2024, a new opinion from the DOI said that the Eklutna tribe has authority over the Ondola Allotment. This decision opened the door for the tribe to run a casino there.
The Future of the Gaming Hall
Despite the legal battles, the tribe has plans to expand. In the future, they plan to build a larger, permanent casino building at the site. The tribe’s vision for the future includes up to 1,000 gaming machines, as well as two restaurants.
Conclusion
This lawsuit has brought a lot of attention to the issue of tribal sovereignty and land control in Alaska. It highlights the ongoing debates about the rights of Native tribes to operate on their lands. As the case continues, the gaming hall will stay open, and the tribe hopes to grow their economic opportunities for their community.
(Source : gamblingnews.com)
