Artist's rendering of Karuk Tribe casino in Yreka, California. Image from Karuk Casino
Oregon newspaper doesn't think the Coquille Tribe will see much success with a Class II facility when the Karuk Tribe will be opening a Class III casino less than an hour away in northern California:
The Karuk Tribe in Northern California may still be at least a year away from opening a casino in Yreka, but the they are years ahead of the Coquilles, who want to open a smaller casino in Medford. If the Karuks' casino does open, it would likely lure gamblers from Southern Oregon looking for a full-fledged casino experience. The Karuk tribe, headquarted in Happy Camp, is California's second largest. The tribe has been working with federal officials for more than 10 years to gain approval for its plans. California Gov. Jerry Brown approved a compact between the state and the tribe last December. Last week, the Californian State Senate approved the compact as well. That's a sharp contrast with the Coquilles' plans for a Class III Medford casino [Ed. Note: The facility will be Class II only] with 600 machines and no hotel. In addition to Gov. John Kitzhaber's stated opposition to the Medford casino proposal, it also has generated strong opposition from city leaders, who planned a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with the Department of the Interior Office of Indian Gaming and express their concerns.Get the Story:
Our View: Karuks have a head start on casino plans (The Medford Mail Tribune 8/19) Related Stories:
Karuk Tribe clears first hurdle with vote on Class III gaming deal (8/15)
Oregon tribe starts construction on $5M Class II gaming facility (08/07)
Cow Creek Band offered to pay Coquille Tribe for gaming land (04/25)
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