Alaska has more federally recognized tribes than any other state. The Last Frontier hosts 229 sovereign nations, representing nearly half of the nation’s 574 federally recognized tribes.
This week, Judge James Robart, a senior judge of the United States District Court in Washington’s Western District, who serves as a designated judge to assist Alaska’s District Court in specific issues, supported the Native Village of Eklutna in defending its Chin’an Gaming Hall located in Chugiak. The temporary site features 135 electronic bingo machines resembling slots. It was inaugurated on February 3, 2025, about 20 miles northeast of the center of Anchorage.
Local residents had initiated a legal case arguing that the casino would negatively impact the area's quality of life due to heightened traffic and noise. Robart stated those allegations could be accurate, but lack legal significance in halting its operation.
"The tribe is federally recognized, meaning it is entitled to tribal sovereign immunity,” Robart wrote.
The Chin’an Gaming Hall is a temporary gaming venue that will be succeeded by a permanent casino next year. The permanent establishment will accommodate 700 gaming devices and a pair of restaurants.
Gaming in Alaska Casinos
The state government of Alaska has declined to establish Class III gaming compacts with any tribe, which is essential for tribal casinos to operate slot machines and live dealer table games similar to those in Las Vegas. Consequently, the federally recognized tribes are permitted to provide only Class I and II gaming as outlined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
Robart's ruling, aligning with the federal government's trust designation of the Native Village of Eklutna's lands and its sovereignty, ensures the tribe can manage tribal casino gaming.
“Great news and a big win,” the Chin’an Gaming Hall Facebook page posted. “We’re excited to share that the U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of the Native Village of Eklutna. We’re thankful for the support and proud to keep bringing fun, games, and wins to our community!”
The Chin’an Gaming Hall shared an image of a player named Marie holding $3,650 in cash after winning a jackpot while playing Everlasting Fortunes this week.
The Chin’an Gaming Hall is constructed along Birchwood Spur Road on eight acres of Eklutna territory referred to as its Ondola Allotment. The Chin’an Gaming Hall is the third tribal casino to debut in Alaska and the first in the Southcentral region of the state.
Federal Authorizations
In July 2024, the National Indian Gaming Commission approved the Gaming Ordinance of the Native Village of Eklutna.
"I have determined that the Gaming Ordinance complies with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the NIGC regulations and I hereby approve the Gaming Ordinance,” wrote Sharon Avery, the NIGC’s acting chair.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) persists in attempting to limit tribal gaming via the federal judiciary. In April, the administration of the governor initiated a lawsuit contesting the legality of the three tribal casinos.
Dunleavy and Attorney General Treg Taylor claim that the state holds primary authority over Alaska Native allotments and thus can control what activities are permitted on those lands. The matter is currently in progress in the federal district court located in Washington, D.C.
