Two Coppers Casino has officially opened its doors close to the Eaglecrest Ski Area, marking the launch of a long-anticipated tribal gaming venue, even as legal questions linger regarding the status of tribal casinos in Alaska.
Managed by the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, the casino commenced operations with a soft opening featuring 100 electronic slot-style machines, according to reports from the Juneau Independent.
Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, the tribe's president, noted that construction is ongoing and certain facilities, such as running water, are still being finalized. The grand opening is scheduled for July 1.
“We’re truly excited about this,” Peterson stated. “This is not only a demonstration of our sovereignty but also represents a significant economic opportunity for both the tribe and potential employees.”
The casino's operational hours have yet to be determined, and Peterson indicated that it may not operate every day. A shuttle service connecting the casino to downtown Juneau is set to begin, with cruise ship passengers anticipated to be among its clientele.
This opening follows a recent decision by the Trump administration to reverse a previous opinion from the Biden administration's Department of the Interior that had backed the National Indian Gaming Commission's approval of an updated gaming ordinance, which was adopted by the Tlingit and Haida in October 2024.
The approval from the commission was contingent on the tribe demonstrating its governmental authority over its lands through various means, including education and law enforcement.
Deputy Interior Secretary Katharine MacGregor stated that the Biden-era opinion did not accurately reflect the law and that federal actions based on it should be reassessed.
Peterson expressed confidence in the legality of the previously approved ordinance, asserting that the tribe would prevail in any legal challenges from Alaska regarding the casino's operation.
“I feel quite secure,” he remarked. “If they choose to challenge it, that’s their decision. I don’t believe they have a solid legal basis to succeed.”
The Alaska Department of Law has acknowledged the casino's opening and is monitoring the situation. Spokesperson Sam Curtis mentioned that the state is awaiting the outcome of the federal review process following the Interior Department's decision.
This reversal comes on the heels of a separate conflict involving a gaming facility established by the Native Village of Eklutna in January 2025, which the state attempted to shut down in February 2025, though it remains operational.
Two Coppers Casino is classified as a Class II gaming establishment, allowing it to offer slot-like machines with pooled payouts, akin to bingo, along with non-house-banked card games, bingo, and pull-tabs. Traditional slot machines and games like poker and blackjack are prohibited.
Situated on a 220-acre property on Fish Creek Road, approximately one mile from Eaglecrest, the land is owned by heirs of an Angoon resident who acquired it through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service in 2002. The Tlingit and Haida have held a lease for 20 acres since 2015.
The site has been the subject of speculation for years. Although the Tlingit and Haida adopted a federal gaming ordinance in 2016, they initially denied plans for a casino in Juneau. Tree clearing began in 2018, followed by fireworks sales on the property, and construction of the gaming facility commenced last summer.