This article provides an in-depth look at the efforts of the Koi Nation, a small tribe in Northern California, to build a casino in Sonoma County.
Historically landless, the tribe has teamed up with the Chickasaw Nation, a major player in the gaming industry, in hopes of building a $600 million casino and resort on a 68-acre plot of land.
The project would be located near Windsor, close to two other Native American casinos.
The tribe’s efforts gained momentum following a 2019 federal court ruling that cleared the way for them to place the land into trust, a legal step required for casino development.
However, the Koi Nation faces opposition from neighboring tribes, including the Graton Rancheria, and from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Critics argue that the Koi do not have a historical connection to the proposed site, accusing the tribe of reservation shopping to find land in a profitable tourist area.
Proponents argue that the casino would greatly benefit the Koi Nation by providing economic stability and educational opportunities.
At the heart of the debate is the Indian Gaming Regulation Act of 1988, which restricts tribes from operating casinos on land acquired after 1988 unless they meet specific exceptions, such as proving a historical connection to the land.
The U.S. Department of Interior is currently weighing whether to approve the project, with opposition mounting from both political leaders and other gaming tribes.
The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for tribal gaming in California and beyond.