Alaska has recently become home to its first tribal gaming hall, a development that has stirred controversy among local authorities.
Approved during the closing days of the Biden administration, the Chin’an Gaming Hall, owned and operated by the Native Village of Eklutna, has drawn substantial attention and patronage since its January debut.
Currently housed in a double-sized trailer in Anchorage, the Chin’an Gaming Hall features 85 bingo machines and has successfully captivated a local audience. The temporary venue was rapidly assembled in under four days following official approval, allowing eager players to engage prior to the completion of a permanent facility.
The proposed new structure is expected to host approximately 700 gaming machines, alongside dining amenities.
Despite its early success, the gaming hall faces legal scrutiny. The approval process, backed by an opinion from Robert Anderson, the Department of the Interior’s interim solicitor, has been contested. Anderson suggests that Native American allotments could be governed by tribal jurisdictions unless the land is not owned by a tribal member, a stance that the National Indian Gaming Commission and Anchorage’s mayor supported.
However, opposition persists. In February, the State of Alaska initiated a legal challenge against the federal government, questioning the project’s legality. The Alaska Attorney General has sought a preliminary injunction, arguing for state primacy over the land and challenging the conversion of Native allotments into Indian reservations through a solicitor’s opinion.
The ongoing legal battles have been disheartening for the Eklutna tribe.
Aaron Leggett, President & Chair of the Native Village of Eklutna, expressed concerns over the impact on tribal sovereignty and potential deterrence for other tribes considering similar ventures.
Nonetheless, the tribe remains committed to the gaming hall, which is projected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and healthcare funding for tribe members.
