The Native Village of Eklutna celebrated the opening of its Chin’an Gaming Hall, a project envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth and community development. However, the celebration was met with resistance from some residents who filed a lawsuit expressing concerns about the potential negative impacts of the gaming hall on their neighborhood.
The Native Village of Eklutna opened the Chin’an Gaming Hall to the public on Monday afternoon, marking a significant milestone for the community. Village President Aaron Leggett described the occasion as a “dream come true” for the tribe, reflecting on his grandmother, a fervent gaming advocate, and all the elders who supported this endeavor.
The current facility is a temporary structure while the tribe constructs a larger, 50,000-square-foot gaming hall, projected to open within the next 18 months. Once fully operational, Leggett anticipates the gaming hall will create 400 jobs and generate over $67 million in economic activity. He emphasized that the project's revenue will benefit not only the tribe but also the surrounding community, enabling the tribe to enhance housing, employment, job training, scholarships, cultural initiatives, and healthcare in their region.The Chin’an Gaming Hall currently features 85 electronic gaming machines, with plans to expand to 700 machines when the new facility is completed. General Manager Ryan Walker explained that while the machines resemble those found in traditional casinos, they are classified as Class II machines with a bingo draw. This means prizes are awarded based on the wager pool of all players rather than the machine determining the outcome. Walker assured that the gaming experience is comparable to Las Vegas casinos, with the only discernible difference being the display of a bingo card within each game.Despite the official opening, some residents remain opposed to the gaming hall's operation. In December 2024, a lawsuit was filed against the Native Village of Eklutna and National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Sharon Avery, expressing concerns about the potential negative impacts on the neighborhood. The lawsuit claims the gaming hall would disrupt the tranquil atmosphere and rural lifestyle of the Birchwood Spur Road area, diminish property values, potentially harm nearby waterways, and increase crime rates. Brian Holl, a resident whose property borders the planned location of the larger gaming hall, stated that the community was caught off guard by the approved process. Walker, however, reiterated the tribe's commitment to being responsible community partners, operating a fun and exciting business that benefits everyone.Leggett acknowledged the opposition but expressed hope for coexistence. He emphasized that the land where the gaming hall will be built was originally homesteaded by his great-grandfather, asserting that the tribe is the original neighbor in the area. Leggett viewed the gaming hall as another development in the region's growth and progress.
GAMING HALL EKLUTNA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY OPPOSITION LAWSUIT
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