MEDFORD, Ore. Two tribes are in disagreement if a casino is legal or not, or if a building is even considered a casino.
Newswatch 12 reported this weekend the Department of Interior is approving the Coquille Indian tribe’s request to transfer land into trust in Medford.
The opening of a new casino in Medford has sparked a legal dispute between two local tribes. The Coquille Tribe claims that their operation at the Cedars at Bear Creek is fully compliant with federal law, while the Cow Creek Tribe argues that the casino is operating illegally.
The dispute centers around the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which governs gaming activities on Native American lands. A key provision of the law requires tribes to give a 120-day notice before opening any gaming facility on Indian lands to ensure the operation meets necessary standards.
The IGRA also states that if a gaming operation’s ordinance or resolution does not meet the required standards, it must be brought into compliance within 120 days. The Coquille Tribe maintains that they are following all legal procedures, providing the following statement: “The Coquille Tribe is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and has been fully transparent with the National Indian Gaming Commission regarding its plans to conduct gaming on the property once the Record of Decision was issued.”
I visited the Cedars at Bear Creek, the casino in question, where I saw gaming machines in operation. However, when I approached the location, I was asked to leave by security, who stated that no media access was permitted at this time.
The Cow Creek Tribe, on the other hand, insists that the casino is operating illegally. Michael Rondeau, CEO of the Cow Creek Tribe, said, “If this casino was legitimate, it wouldn’t have been approved by the Biden Administration in the dark of night – and they wouldn’t have started operating illegally in the dark of night. The people of Medford deserve better, and we will continue to advocate for what is right and just and upholds the letter of the law.”
The Cow Creek Tribe has also filed a request for a temporary restraining order, claiming that the casino is in violation of the law. In addition to the Cow Creek Tribe, the Karuk and Tolowa Dee-Ni’ tribes have joined in the legal action.
We reached out to the National Indian Gaming Commission for clarification on the situation but have yet to receive a response. As the legal battle continues, Newswatch 12 will continue to monitor the developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Samantha Kadera is an anchor/reporter at NewsWatch 12. You can reach her at skadera@kdrv.com.
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