Reactions to new gaming hall in Birchwood, Alaska

On Monday, the Native Village of Eklutna opened its temporary facility of the Chin’an Gaming Hall for invite-only guests.

​On Monday, the Native Village of Eklutna opened its temporary facility of the Chin’an Gaming Hall for invite-only guests.  Read More Gaming

BIRCHWOOD, Alaska (KTUU) – The sound of construction work filled Birchwood Spur Road Tuesday as ongoing work continued on a new gaming hall which opened for the first time Monday by invite-only.

The Native Village of Eklutna opened its temporary facility of the Chin’an Gaming Hall for a select few guests on Monday evening.

The project’s finalized facility is expected to be completed by 2026 with as many as 700 gaming units. The temporary facility is expected to have up to 85.

Alaska’s News Source knocked on dozens of doors on Tuesday, seeking public input on the opening of the gaming hall.

Everyone declined to speak on camera but shared the ongoing concerns they had.

The major concern, residents said, had to do with road conditions, including the increased amount of traffic the gaming hall would cause on a small road they described as icy with a lack of visibility.

Alaska’s News Source also spoke to nearby businesses, who expressed similar worries, including concerns of vandalism and a potential increase in crime.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has previously expressed support for the project. Alaska’s News Source reached out for her response to these concerns and has not yet heard back.

Christopher Constant, with the Anchorage Assembly, has also expressed his support for the gaming hall.

In addition, Alaska’s News Source contacted the Native Village of Eklutna for an interview but did not hear back. A tour of the facility was declined earlier in the day by the gaming hall’s spokesperson.

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