Tlingit & Haida Tribe’s Two Coppers Casino Begins Soft Opening

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The grand opening is scheduled for July 1

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Key Takeaways:

  • Tribal leaders emphasize regulation and community benefits
  • Soft opening marks step toward revenue growth and employment
  • Grand opening scheduled for July 1, highlighting broader economic strategy

The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska has begun soft-opening operations at Two Coppers Casino in Juneau. It is a project the tribe says is meant to expand employment, local spending, and long-term revenue for community programs across Southeast Alaska. 

The event brought together invited guests, partners, community leaders, and members of the George Family, whose partnership helped bring the property to market. According to Indian Gaming, the casino follows federal authorization to offer Class II gaming at the site.

Regulation and Trust

Gaming General Manager Janice Hotch said the opening underscores how heavily regulated the business is. “Gaming is one of the most highly regulated industries in the country,” she said, pointing to licensing, background checks, financial controls, surveillance, security, testing, reporting, and compliance. 

“This is not simply about operating a gaming facility,” she added. “It is about earning and maintaining the trust of our tribal citizens, our partners, our regulators, and every guest who walks through our doors.” 

Economic Development Ahead

Tribal President Richard J. Peterson said the project fits the tribe’s broader economic strategy and praised the George Family’s role in making it possible. 

“This enterprise represents opportunity,” he said, describing the casino as a source of jobs, career growth, and revenue for services and investments. 

“The George Family believed in that future, and we are grateful for the trust they placed in Tlingit & Haida as we worked together to bring this opportunity to life.” 

The grand opening is scheduled for July 1. The Central Council, based in Juneau, operates more than 50 programs and has long framed self-determination as central to its development agenda.