Court delays decision on Alaska Native village involvement

March 4, 2025

A federal judge has paused a lawsuit against Sharon M. Avery, acting chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission, regarding the approval of a casino in Anchorage, Alaska. The lawsuit, filed by local residents, alleges that Avery improperly approved a 58,000-square-foot casino project. The judge granted a 30-day stay while determining whether the Native Village of Eklutna must be included as a required party in the case. The tribe argues the lawsuit implicates its sovereign interests and may interfere with its gaming operations. The court will also consider the tribe’s motion to dismiss the case, citing its legal rights under federal rules.

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