Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has announced plans to begin building of its North Salem Casino project in 2024 or 2025. The tribe proposes an unusual revenue-sharing plan that would benefit the state’s other eight tribes.
However, the project still awaits approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Governor Kate Brown, and faces opposition from the neighboring Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. The governor gets a say because the project is off the reservation, on land the tribe owns, and thus subject to the “two-part determination” stipulated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
The North Salem casino would include 180,8000 square feet with 2,000 slots, 45 gaming tables, a 500-room hotel, a pool and spa. It would also include a 150-seat nightclub and 100-seat sports bar, dining, a food court and coffee shop.
The project would also have a 64,000-square-foot event center to host concerts, festivals and conferences. The Siletz tribe is talking with the Salem Convention Center about cooperative events.
The tribe estimates the casino would generate $185.4 million in gross revenue yearly and support 1,500 full-time jobs.
According to the tribe, “The visual design and aesthetic of the property will bring to bear the rich history and culture of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Oregon’s Tribal community through a series of educational and artistic installations throughout the property.”
The tribe plans to share 25 percent of revenues with the state, retain 25 percent and share 50 percent with Oregon’s eight other tribes.
“This will be Oregon’s first gaming facility to share revenue with eight other federally recognized tribes, the state of Oregon and local governments,” they said in a statement. “The tribe is currently seeking a ‘two-part determination’ from the Secretary of the Interior that the project is in the best interest of the tribe and not detrimental to the surrounding community.”
