A poll released on Wednesday shows support for an off-reservation casino in the Portland, Oregon, area rather than Cascade Locks, where Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) has come to an agreement with the Warm Springs Tribes.
The Riley Research Associates poll shows that 61 percent support an off-reservation casino in Portland if the revenues are used for education. Otherwise, support for the casino was at 47 percent compared to 40 percent opposed.
The poll was conducted before Kulongoski agreed to a compact for an off-reservation casino in the Columbia River Gorge community of Cascade Locks. The deal would require the closing of the Warm Springs casino on the reservation, and the tribes would share up to 17 percent of gross revenues with the state and up to 7 percent with local governments and charity projects. The tribe would also swap land with the state.
The land needed for the casino would need to be approved by the Interior Department. The tribe would have to go through a two-part determination process that requires consultation of tribes and the local community and requires the governor's signature.
The gaming compact also needs federal approval.
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Riley Research poll shows support for Kulongoski, casino
(KGW 4/6)
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Kulongoski, Warm Springs Tribe ink gorge casino pact (The Portland Business Journal 4/6)
Deal puts tribes closer to opening river casino (AP 4/7)
Casino closer, but no sure bet (The Oregonian 4/7)
