A federal judge has indefinitely delayed plans for a new tribal casino in Sonoma County, California, following a temporary restraining order granted to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

Judge Rita Lin of California's Northern District Court issued the order after the Graton tribe, which operates the Graton Hotel & Casino in Rohnert Park, challenged the Bureau of Indian Affairs' (BIA) review of the Koi Nation's ancestral claims to Windsor and their 68-acre land acquisition.

The proposed Koi casino project includes:

• 114,000-square-foot casino with 2,750 slot machines and 105 table games
• 400-room hotel
• Spa facilities
• Five restaurants
• Retail shopping
• Convention space

The restraining order prevents the BIA and Department of Interior from taking the Koi property into federal trust until a January 9 hearing. The order is expected to extend through January 20, coinciding with the presidential transition.

Key points of contention:

• Graton tribe alleges "reservation shopping" by the Koi Nation
• Federal attorneys argue proper due diligence was conducted
• Local residents express concerns about infrastructure and regional impact
• Only minimal archaeological evidence was found during site surveys

The case highlights broader issues of tribal gaming expansion and land rights, with potential implications for future casino developments in California. Local opposition centers on infrastructure concerns and the region's increasing casino density along Highway 101.

The project's fate may be influenced by the upcoming administration change, as previous cases have shown that Department of Interior decisions can be reversed between administrations, particularly regarding tribal land trust status.

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