Juneau’s First Tribal Casino Soft Opens on Douglas Island Amid Lingering Legal Questions

Juneau’s first tribal casino soft opens on Douglas Island amid lingering legal questions

Amber Forrester plays at one of the electric slot machines at the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Two Coppers Casino on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Photo by Clarise Larson/KTOO) https://media.ktoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/04THcasino.wav After years of planning, the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska soft-opened a casino on Douglas Island this week. It’s Juneau’s first casino. Amb…

Tlingit and Haida opens Two Coppers Casino after years-long effort, but its legal status isn’t a sure bet

Herman Davis of Sitka, left, and Deborah Picken of Hoonah try the gaming machines at the Two Coppers Casino on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent) A tribal casino near Eaglecrest Ski Area that’s been discussed for many years is open, but its operator is taking something of a gamble by hoping it can prevail if the state challenges the legality of the establishment. A “soft opening” of the Two Coppers Casino began this w…