An Alaska tribe is currently in the process of clearing land in hopes of receiving approval to develop a new casino by December. The Native Village of Eklutna has designated an eight-acre site for a 50,000-square-foot facility, which is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Anchorage.
The tribe is actively clearing the land to make way for construction trailers and is optimistic about starting construction next year, pending approval. The project has already received the green light from the National Indian Gaming Commission back in July, but now requires a Bureau of Indian Affairs permit in order to commence construction.
Once operational, the gaming hall is expected to house between 350 and 500 electronic gaming machines along with a restaurant. The tribe has partnered with Las Vegas-based Marnell Companies to assist in the development of the facility, which will mark the second casino in the state of Alaska.
Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna, emphasized that the casino will be a “modest” Class II facility, meaning it will not offer traditional casino games such as poker, craps, or baccarat. Despite facing challenges and setbacks from federal authorities over the years, the tribe remains determined to see this long-awaited project come to fruition.
The journey towards establishing a casino on tribal land has been a lengthy one for the Native Village of Eklutna, with jurisdictional issues surrounding Native allotments posing obstacles along the way. However, with key approvals in place and construction preparations underway, the tribe is hopeful that their casino dream will soon become a reality.
Overall, the development of a new casino in Alaska represents a significant milestone for the Native Village of Eklutna and has the potential to bring economic growth and opportunities to the local community. As the tribe continues to navigate the regulatory process and move closer to breaking ground on the project, anticipation and excitement are building for what lies ahead in the world of tribal gaming in the state of Alaska.