A federal judge on Monday greenlit the California Gaming Association to file an amicus brief in a high-stakes dispute over a $700 million casino project in Vallejo, California, keeping the fight between two tribes and the federal government firmly in the spotlight.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden approved the trade group’s motion Friday in a concise minute order, allowing the association to weigh in on a potential dismissal motion by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The tribe had sought to intervene in another tribe’s lawsuit to block the project.

Background: Lytton Rancheria vs. Federal Government

In April 2025, the Lytton Rancheria of California sued the federal government, alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) over the rushed approval of the Scotts Valley Indians’ casino. The $700 million project has ignited legal battles over tribal sovereignty and federal oversight.

The Scotts Valley Band attempted to intervene in Lytton Rancheria’s suit in December 2025, aiming to file a dismissal motion under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 19.

Gaming Association Challenges Intervention

The California Gaming Association argued in its amicus brief that Scotts Valley has no legally enforceable stake in the litigation. "Like most collateral beneficiaries of federal agency action, Scotts Valley lacks a legally cognizable interest in APA litigation challenging that action," the brief said.

The trade group contended that Scotts Valley’s claim of “deep concern” over the agency action isn’t enough to confer required-party status. The brief further warned that if the tribe’s interpretation of Rule 19 were accepted, even blatantly unlawful federal actions could escape judicial review simply because a tribe benefits.

Key Legal Arguments

The association argued the federal government’s defense of its own actions sufficiently protects Scotts Valley’s interests. It claimed that allowing the tribe to intervene would effectively nullify Lytton Rancheria’s right to judicial review, using tribal sovereignty as a shield to block litigation.

"The tribe asks the court to nullify Lytton's right to APA judicial review by wielding its sovereign immunity as a shield," the brief said.

Representation

• California Gaming Association: Jeffrey M. Harris and Zachary P. Grouev, Consovoy McCarthy PLLC

• Lytton Rancheria of California: Avi Kupfer and Andrew J. Pincus, Mayer Brown LLP

• Federal government: Amber Dutton-Bynum and Devon L. McCune, DOJ Environment & Natural Resources Division

• Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians: Arlinda F. Locklear, Law Office of Arlinda Locklear; Patrick R. Bergin, Conly J. Schulte, Tim Hennessy, Peebles Bergin Schulte & Robinson LLP

Representatives for the parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.