NORTH BEND, Ore. — As of Monday, May 19, 2025, the Mill Casino in North Bend takes on a new name — the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay.
It’s alongside a celebration of its 30th year in business.
Tribal members were surprised with the news Sunday night after being told the celebration was only for the 30th anniversary.
They learned the name that carried them through the last 30 years, an ode to the lumber industry in which the business flourished, would be replaced with the tribe’s own name honoring their rich history as the land’s indigenous people.
On Monday, it would be the employees’ turn to hear the secret.
Employees arrived at the casino to cheer on nine team members being honored for working at The Mill for all 30 of its years before the new name was announced.
Another announcement made would allow the tribe to compete with the state lottery’s Draft Kings; as of Monday, the casino joined with Caesars Sportsbook for online sports betting.
The casino, which stands as one of the area’s top employers, says the name change makes the casino feel more their own.
The celebration comes on the heels of the tribe expanding into Medford with the KoKwel Casino Resort Medford, which is home to 123 game machines.
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