Oregon Coquilles Closer to Casino Approval
It appears the Coquille Tribe is one step closer to getting federal approval for a casino in Medford. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Nov. 20 told the tribe it plans to issue a final environmental impact statement on the site, according to Willamette Week. There is now a 30-day public-comment period on the statement.
The Coquilles’ request is unusual – and the BIA’s decision could set a precedent for tribes elsewhere. The Coquilles are seeking approval to build an off-reservation casino.
The tribe already operates a casino on its land. But it says having a second casino in an urban area will “provide financial resources for tribal programs and career opportunities for tribal citizens,” Ray Doering, spokesman for Tribal One, the tribe’s economic development arm, told Willamette Week.
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, who have a casino about 70 miles from the proposed Medford location, oppose the Coquille plan.
Turning Stone Begins New Phase of Expansion
The latest phase of a $370 million expansion at the Turning Stone Resort Casino—the largest since it opened in 1993—is now underway.
Some 73 tons of steel arrived at the Oneida Indian Nation-owned casino in recent days. The nation and its business arm, Turning Stone Enterprises, also announced this week they have signed contracts with 26 different contractors, all based in upstate New York, to handle mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other work on the project.
The plan is to make Turning Stone the largest resort convention destination in the state. The project, dubbed by the Oneidas as “The Next 30” or “Evolution,” began in 2023, around the 30th anniversary of the casino’s opening.
The Evolution project is focused on convention and conference capabilities, which are currently operating at nearly full capacity. This expansion does not include any additions to the gaming operations at the full-service casino.
California’s Wilton Rancheria Buys Into USL Team
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango Jr. Nov. 18 announced that his tribe became the first in the nation to own a stake in a U.S. professional sports team. The tribe is now the majority owner of the USL Championship soccer team, Sacramento Republic FC.
“Wilton Rancheria is proud to be the first Tribal Nation to hold majority ownership of a men’s professional sports team, an industry where ownership has not traditionally reflected the diversity of its fans or surrounding communities,” Tarango Jr. said in a press release. “This milestone not only marks a significant step for Wilton Rancheria but also reinforces Sacramento’s dedication to inclusivity and opportunity.”
Wilton Rancheria owns and operates the Sky River Casino in Elk Grove, south of Sacramento.
