Anchorage Archives

A long-awaited gambling hall near Anchorage, Alaska, is being built by the Eklutna Tribe, also called the Native Village of Eklutna. A section of land in Birchwood, about 20 miles from Anchorage, has been cleared by the tribe after years of overcoming legal and regulatory obstacles. Members of the Eklutna Tribe cleared trees and spread gravel on an 8-acre property while they wait for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to give their final clearance, according to Anchorage Daily News. The tribe’s efforts to establish this gaming facility have spanned more than a decade. In 2018, a previous attempt to use Native allotment for the project faced rejection from the U.S. Interior Department, which initially ruled against the tribe’s request. However, a recent opinion issued by Interior Solicitor Robert Anderson redefined the jurisdiction over Native allotments in Alaska, granting more control to tribal governments over such lands. This significant shift influenced the National Indian Gaming Commission, which ultimately approved the Eklutna Tribe’s proposal. Awaiting Final Approvals and Plans for a 2025 Opening The Eklutna Tribe is still awaiting approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to start building, even though land preparations have already started. Under Class II gambling laws, the gaming hall will provide electronic gaming machines with games like bingo after it has been approved. The establishment won't have slot machines, table games, or card games like bigger casinos in the Las Vegas style. The Eklutna Tribe has teamed up with Marnell Companies, specifically its subsidiary Marnell Gaming, to develop, design, and manage the facility. Anthony Marnell III, CEO of Marnell Companies, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “We have every intention, if approved, to work with the city and communicate with the city.” Marnell added that construction could start as early as next year, with plans to include a restaurant and ample parking in addition to the gaming area. For the Eklutna Tribe, the gaming hall represents a promising economic development. Aaron Leggett, president of the Eklutna Tribe, described the project as a unique financial opportunity for the community. However, he has not disclosed the total investment or anticipated cost of the project. If the remaining approvals are granted, the Eklutna Tribe’s gaming hall could open new economic pathways, bringing jobs and revenue to the region while marking a significant achievement for the tribe in Alaska's growing gaming sector.

Anchorage

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