Two controversial tribal casino projects received federal approval from the Biden administration for land trust applications. The approvals affect the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' $700 million casino project in Vallejo, California, and the Coquille Indian Tribe's gaming venue in Medford, Oregon.

Both projects face significant opposition from state governors and local tribes, who dispute the tribes' ancestral claims to the lands. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation contests the Vallejo site as "Patwin ancestral territory," while the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians legally challenged the Coquille project, accusing them of "reservation shopping."

The approval process has been lengthy and complex. The Coquille project was initially rejected by the Trump administration in 2019 but revived by a federal judge who deemed the rejection "arbitrary and capricious." The Scotts Valley Band has awaited their decision since 2016.

Coquille tribal chair Brenda Meade welcomed the decision, noting that "no tribe should go through the anguish and expense" their tribe endured. Similarly, Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis expressed gratitude, stating the land represents both their past and future.

However, opposition continues, with Cow Creek chair Carla Keene indicating they will contest the Coquille decision. The federal trust status now allows both tribes to proceed with their gaming developments, marking a significant milestone in their respective journeys to establish new casino operations.

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