Alaska is the state with the highest number of federally recognized tribes. The Last Frontier hosts 229 sovereign nations, representing nearly half of the country’s 574 federally recognized tribes.
This week, Judge James Robart, a senior United States District Court judge in Washington’s Western District, who serves as a designated judge to help Alaska’s District Court in specific cases, supported the Native Village of Eklutna in its defense of the Chin’an Gaming Hall located in Chugiak. The temporary venue features 135 electronic bingo machines resembling slots. It launched on February 3, 2025, approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage.
Local residents had initiated a lawsuit arguing that the casino would negatively impact the quality of life in the area through heightened traffic and noise. Robart stated that those assertions could be accurate, but lack legal significance in stopping 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 transformed into a permanent casino next year. The permanent facility will accommodate 700 gaming machines and two dining establishments.
Gaming in Alaska Casinos
The Alaska state government has declined to establish Class III gaming compacts with any tribe, which is essential for tribal casinos to offer Las Vegas-style slot machines and live dealer table games. 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 placing the Native Village of Eklutna’s lands into federal trust and designating its acres as sovereign, ensures the tribe’s capacity to conduct 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 a photo of a gambler named Marie holding $3,650 in cash after winning a jackpot on Everlasting Fortunes this week.
The Chin’an Gaming Hall is located on eight acres of Eklutna land called its Ondola Allotment, along Birchwood Spur Road. The Chin’an Gaming Hall is the first casino in Southcentral Alaska and the third tribal casino to debut in Alaska.
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 disputing the legality of the three tribal casinos.
Dunleavy and Attorney General Treg Taylor claim that the state holds primary jurisdiction over Alaska Native allotments and can therefore determine what may or may not function on the lands. The matter is currently proceeding in the federal district court located in Washington, D.C.