Alaska Tribe Starts with Plans for Anchorage’s Second Casino

The Eklutna Tribe has begun land clearing in Anchorage, marking a critical step toward Alaska’s second casino. After decades of legal battles, recent federal changes have opened the door for the tribe’s gaming ambitions. A “modest” gaming facility could soon provide economic growth for the tribe and enhance Anchorage’s entertainment landscape. Discover how federal decisions and tribal sovereignty are transforming the future of gaming in Alaska.

Eklutna Tribe Prepares Land for Alaska’s Second Casino Following Landmark Legal Changes

The Eklutna Tribe has begun clearing land for what they hope will become Alaska’s second casino, a significant move following years of legal and regulatory challenges. This latest development signals a major milestone in the tribe’s long journey to establish a gaming facility near Anchorage. Recent changes in federal policy could finally make their vision a reality, as reported by The Anchorage Daily News.

Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna, expressed optimism but also acknowledged the hurdles ahead. “We have started clearing a small amount of land on our proposed project site. However, there are still obstacles in our decades-long journey to open a potential gaming hall,” Leggett told the Morning Post. The proposed facility aims to be a “modest” gaming venue, with plans to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the project’s positive impact on the community.

Federal Support and Reversal of Past Regulations

The Eklutna Tribe’s ambitions had long been stifled by Alaska’s gaming laws that limited the sovereignty—and consequently, the gaming rights—of Indigenous tribes in the state. The tide turned in February 2024, when the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion that granted Alaska Natives more authority over their lands. In May, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) approved the tribe’s casino plan, reversing a previous stance held during the Trump administration. The Eklutna now await the final green light from the U.S. Interior Department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Plan: A “Modest” Gaming Facility with Expansion Potential

Partnering with Marnell Companies, a Las Vegas-based casino development firm led by CEO Anthony Marnell, the tribe envisions opening the casino with 350 to 500 Class II gaming machines. There is potential for future expansion, possibly hosting up to 700 machines, depending on market demand and regulatory approval. This measured approach ensures the casino can grow responsibly while providing an immediate economic boost to the tribe and the region.

A Long Struggle for Sovereignty

The Eklutna’s quest for a gaming facility is deeply rooted in Alaska’s unique legal landscape. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 redefined Alaska Natives’ status, transforming tribes into private corporations and limiting their sovereignty. This made it challenging for tribes like the Eklutna to meet the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) requirement that a tribe must exercise governmental authority over its land to establish gaming rights.

However, a pivotal change occurred when the U.S. Interior Department re-evaluated its stance. In a landmark decision, the Department’s Solicitor, Robert Anderson, ruled that tribal authority should apply to lands allocated to Alaska Natives, provided they are not “geographically removed from the tribal community.” This reinterpretation of sovereignty rights breathed new life into the Eklutna’s casino project, setting the stage for potential approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which could come as soon as December.

A Game-Changer for the Eklutna and Anchorage

The proposed casino represents more than just a gaming venue; it is a beacon of economic opportunity for the Eklutna Tribe. “As a small tribe, we have struggled for decades to develop a strong tribal economy to support our people and be an even more supportive community partner,” said Leggett. “Our proposed gaming facility presents an important opportunity to reach these goals.” The casino would not only generate revenue for the tribe but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the Anchorage region.

The Eklutna Tribe’s land-clearing efforts signal a pivotal moment in Alaska’s gaming landscape. With federal backing and a renewed assertion of sovereignty, the tribe is closer than ever to realizing its long-held dream of opening a casino near Anchorage. While challenges remain, the project stands as a testament to the tribe’s perseverance and the shifting dynamics of tribal gaming rights in Alaska. If successful, this venture could reshape economic opportunities for the Eklutna and set a new precedent for Indigenous gaming operations in the state.