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Coquille Tribe Launches Oregon Casino Amidst Legal Challenge from Rival Tribes

The Coquille Indian Tribe wasted no time opening their Class II casino in Medford, Oregon, following federal approval last week. Gaming commenced on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in the tribe’s 12-year-long efforts to establish this venture. However, the move has sparked controversy and legal action from rival tribes, intensifying a dispute over gaming rights in the region.

A Decade-Long Wait Ends with a Rapid Start

Ray Doering, the Coquille Tribe’s public affairs director, expressed the tribe’s resolve to move forward swiftly. “It’s been 12 years, and we’re not waiting any longer,” Doering stated. The tribe introduced video game gambling shortly after the U.S. Department of the Interior’s approval, signaling their intent to stake a claim in Oregon’s gaming market.

The Medford facility operates as a Class II gaming venue, focusing on video gaming machines, rather than Class III options like slot machines or table games. The distinction allows the Coquille Tribe to bypass certain state-level gaming compacts, which has been a central point of contention with rival tribes.

Coquille Tribe Oregon casino gaming machine

Rival Tribes Cry Foul Over Casino Approval

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, who run the Seven Feathers Casino and Resort, were quick to condemn the Coquille Tribe’s actions. In a statement issued Tuesday, they described the operation as one that began “illegally in the dark of night,” underscoring their staunch opposition to the new casino.

For years, the Cow Creek Tribe and other opponents have argued that allowing the Coquille Tribe to establish a casino in Medford would set a dangerous precedent, enabling tribes to open casinos in non-reservation areas. This, they contend, could undermine the balance of gaming operations statewide, diluting revenues for existing venues.

Legal Challenges and Political Ramifications

The approval of the Coquille casino is not without controversy. Opponents, including the Cow Creek Tribe and other regional tribes, have already initiated legal proceedings to challenge the federal decision. They are backed by Senator Ron Wyden, who voiced concerns about the decision’s broader implications for tribal gaming in Oregon.

Legal experts suggest that this dispute could redefine the parameters of tribal gaming in the state. If the courts side with the Coquille Tribe, it may open the door for similar ventures by other tribes. Conversely, a ruling against the tribe could solidify existing limitations on off-reservation gaming.

The Broader Impact on Oregon’s Gaming Landscape

The introduction of a new casino in Medford carries significant implications for Oregon’s gaming ecosystem. While the Coquille Tribe is celebrating its milestone, rival tribes fear the economic impact on their operations.

Key concerns include:

  • Market Saturation: Existing casinos may face reduced patronage as customers explore new options.
  • Revenue Sharing: Potential changes in revenue distribution could affect tribal and state finances.
  • Precedent Setting: Approval of off-reservation casinos could lead to a surge in applications, reshaping Oregon’s gaming map.

Supporters of the Coquille casino argue that the facility will bring economic benefits to Medford, including job creation and increased tourism. However, critics remain steadfast, warning of the risks posed by unchecked expansion of gaming venues.

Key Tribes Involved Main Concerns
Coquille Tribe Establishing their Class II gaming operation
Cow Creek Tribe Economic impact on existing casinos
Other Opposing Tribes Precedent for off-reservation casino development

What Lies Ahead?

With gaming underway at the Coquille Tribe’s Medford facility, the next chapter of this unfolding saga will likely play out in courtrooms. Legal experts predict a prolonged battle that could take years to resolve. Meanwhile, the Coquille Tribe appears determined to proceed, bolstered by federal backing.

For residents of Medford, the new casino offers a fresh entertainment option, but it also places the town at the centre of a contentious debate. As the story unfolds, the stakes remain high—not just for the tribes involved, but for the future of tribal gaming in Oregon.

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