The denial was revealed on page seven of an unsigned, nine-page order that the Supreme Court issues on Mondays. On its website, the court said the “vast majority of cases filed in the Supreme Court are disposed of summarily by unsigned orders.”

A representative for the La Center cardrooms, a prominent opponent to the casino and party to the case, said they were “disappointed” with the dismissal.

“We still believe in the principles of our fight, and obviously we’re disappointed,” the representative John Bockmier said. “We are going to do our best to ensure the remaining two cardrooms in La Center continue to be the number one choice for folks looking for gaming entertainment.”

Legal battle over the years

Although the Cowlitz tribe is named a relevant party, the lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Department of Interior.

Casino opponents, led by the Citizens Against Reservation Shopping, contended the agency wrongly interpreted the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. They argued the federal mandate, which enabled the department to take lands into trust for tribes, only included those tribes that were federally recognized in 1934.