Oregon
Gov. John
Kitzhaber (D) opposes an off-reservation casino for the
Coquille Tribe even as he acknowledges the state has no role in Class II gaming.
Kitzhaber claims the tribe is limited to one casino under its Class III gaming compact. But the tribe only plans to engage in Class II gaming at a 2.42-acre site in Medford.
The language in the agreement is pretty clear in that regard. "Nothing in this compact shall be deemed to affect the operation by the tribe of any Class II gaming as defined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act," it states, The Medford Mail Tribune reported.
Kitzhaber has asked the
Bureau of Indian Affairs to reject the tribe's land-into-trust application for the Medford site. But he also admitted there is no restriction against a Class II facility.
"It is important to note that the governor understands the distinction between Class III and Class II gaming, and that the state has no regulatory role in Class II gaming," Kitzhaber said in the letter, the paper reported. "The state also understands that the restrictions in the compacts only apply to Class III gaming."
The Medford site is about 186 miles from the
Mill Casino, the tribe's Class III facility.
Get the Story:
Coquille doubles down on Medford casino
(The Medford Mail Tribune 5/13)
An Opinion:
Editorial: Development for whom?
(The Medford Mail Tribune 5/13)
Related Stories
Blog: Coquille Tribe challenges policy
of 'one casino per tribe' (5/9)
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