Oregon governor opposes Class II facility for Coquille Tribe

Tuesday, May 7, 2013  

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) doesn't think the Coquille Tribe should be able to open an off-reservation casino.

In a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Kitzhaber said tribes agreed to one casino each under the Class III gaming compact. The Coquilles, however, are only planning to engage in Class II gaming at a 2.42-acre site in Medford.

In another letter to the BIA, Kitzhaber said he opposes the tribe's land-into-trust application. Generally, land acquired after 1988 can't be used for gaming but the Coquilles are seeking an exception in Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that applies to tribes that were restored to federal recognition.

If the exception is granted, the Coquilles won't need the approval of the governor to engage in gaming at the site.

Get the Story:
Odds are against a casino in Medford (The Medford Mail Tribune 5/7)

City to write to BIA on Coquille Tribe's off-reservation casino (5/3)