Indian Gaming

The Coquille Tribe of Oregon is facing fresh opposition to its proposed off-reservation casino.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) are urging Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to deny the tribe's land-into-trust application. They say another gaming facility won't be in the state's best interests.

"In Oregon, we have a long history of striking a balance between the pursuit of gaming revenues, which benefits tribal members enormously, and the risks associated with a significant increase in the number of gaming facilities, which would have negative consequences on many of our communities," Wyden and Merkley said in a letter to Washburn, The Medford Mail Tribune reported.

Chairwoman Brenda Meade dismissed the criticism. She said the proposed Class II facility will provide jobs and benefits in the city of Medford.

"It is interesting that so many people have so much to say about our project but none of them has talked to us about it," Meade told the paper.

The 2.42-acre site in Medford is about 186 miles from the Mill Casino, the tribe's Class III facility

Get the Story:
Senators oppose casino proposal (The Medford Mail Tribune 10/30)

Related Stories:
Coquille Tribe battles opposition to off-reservation casino bid (09/03)