City sees long debate on Coquille Tribe off-reservation casino

Friday, April 26, 2013  

The city council in Medford, Oregon, heard hours of debate on the Coquille Tribe off-reservation casino.

People spoke on both sides of the issue. But the report from The Medford Mail-Tribune indicates significant controversy over the tribe's plan to open a Class II facility in the city.

Most of the opposition is coming from the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, whose Seven Feathers Casino Resort is about 71 miles from Medford. The Coquille Tribe's Mill Casino, on the other hand, is about 168 miles away.

The Coquilles have filed a land-into-trust application for the 2.42-acre site in Medford. Generally, land acquired after 1988 can't be used for gaming but the tribe is seeking an exception in Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that applies to restored lands.

The tribe regained recognition through the Coquille Restoration Act in 1989. The law requires the BIA to place up to 1,000 acres in trust for the tribe.

Get the Story:
A casino of controversy? (The Medford Mail-Tribune 4/26)

Coquille Tribe defends plans for off-reservation gaming facility (4/24)