Judge halts tribal case over Northern California casino amid appeals

A federal judge in Washington has decided to temporarily halt a lawsuit brought by three California tribes over a controversial casino proposal involving the Coi Nation in Northern California. The stay, ordered March 27 by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, stayed the case while similar legal battles are fought in another court.

The tribes behind the lawsuit are described as three « southern Pomo Indian tribes with strong historical ties to Sonoma County, California. » They challenged the way the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs handled the approval process, claiming the government rushed to take trust land for the casino project.

The southern Pomo Indian tribe is a key part of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which already operates a major casino nearby, and is among those opposing Koi Nation’s plans as construction nears.

Why judge halts tribe’s Northern California casino case

Nichols said it makes more sense to wait, pointing to ongoing appeals in related cases in Northern California that could directly shape what happens next. One of those cases already dealt a significant blow to the federal government when a judge overturned Interior Department approval of the project.

In light of that ruling, the tribes have indicated they may withdraw their lawsuit entirely if the appeals process leaves that ruling intact.

The federal government opposed the delay, saying the request came too soon and that a California court should decide whether to stay the case. Nichols disagreed, concluding that waiting would avoid duplication of legal work and potentially conflicting results.

He pointed out that the Ninth Circuit’s upcoming rulings could affect almost every major issue in the case, from whether it belongs in California to how the lawsuits should ultimately be decided. He also noted that the government itself recently sought and received a similar break in a related case in California.

Nichols echoed the court’s reasoning, writing that « a stay would greatly advance the due course of justice. »

The dispute unfolds alongside political scrutiny of California’s casino expansion. In July 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism related to tribal gaming decisions and campaign donations.

For now, the case remains frozen. Both sides must file joint updates every 90 days and outline next steps after the Ninth Circuit finishes weighing the related appeals. Until then, the legal battle over the casino project is effectively at a standstill.

Featured Image: Coi Nation / Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria