Federal Ruling Impedes Koi Nation’s Casino Aspirations
A federal judge has ordered the revocation of trust status for a 68-acre piece of land designated for the Koi Nation of Northern California, effectively halting the tribe’s four-year initiative to develop a significant casino in Sonoma County, adjacent to Windsor.
The ruling, issued on September 22, 2025, confirms an earlier determination by the same judge, marking a major legal gain for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. They have increasingly opposed the Koi Nation’s project, which is located about 11 miles north of their own Graton Resort & Casino, the largest gaming venue in the Bay Area, situated near Rohnert Park.
This decision represents a considerable setback for the Koi Nation, which viewed the casino project as a vital opportunity for economic sustainability for their small Pomo Indian community. In a statement, the tribe expressed their disappointment, affirming their commitment to continue fighting for justice through an appeal in the Ninth Circuit.
The Koi filed their appeal on September 11, initiating the process after Judge Rita F. Lin’s preliminary decision favored Graton Rancheria. The judge criticized the U.S. Department of Interior for inadequately consulting local tribes during the approval of the Koi’s request to designate the land into trust.
The Koi Nation has asserted that the original decision to transfer the 68 acres into trust was comprehensive, meticulous, and complied with legal protocols. They maintain that substantial technical, scientific, and historical data bolstered this initial decision.
The land-into-trust process is a crucial step necessary for any tribal casino’s establishment. Despite securing the land in September 2021 for $12.3 million, the recent ruling eliminates the immediate possibility of constructing a casino there.
Opposition to the Koi Nation’s project extends beyond Graton Rancheria. Many residents in the Shiloh area have expressed concerns regarding issues such as increased traffic, noise, and safety, particularly regarding evacuation during wildfires. Local officials, including members of the Windsor Town Council and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, have also voiced their disapproval of the project.
