Headline: Oregon Tribes Alarmed by Potential Changes in Gambling Landscape Following Federal Approval of Off-Reservation Casino in Minnesota
On November 8, just days after the Democrats’ election loss, President Joe Biden’s administration greenlit an off-reservation casino for Minnesota, sparking concern among Oregon tribal leaders. The chairs of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe warn that this decision could significantly disrupt Oregon’s carefully regulated gambling environment, potentially leading to new casinos in Salem and Medford, which could adversely affect their revenues and threaten the Oregon Lottery’s status as the state’s second-largest revenue source.
The tribal leaders have urgently requested a meeting with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, who navigates disputes among the state’s nine federally recognized tribes. They emphasize a need for immediate dialogue, fearing that further federal approvals for casinos in Oregon could destabilize the existing balance.
For over 30 years, Oregon has maintained a policy allowing each of its tribes to operate a single reservation-based casino. However, the Grand Ronde and Cow Creek tribes express that neighboring tribes, like the Coquille and Siletz, are eager to open off-reservation casinos, which could attract significant patronage and deplete their customer base.
Oregon’s gambling policy has seen opposition from some tribes, as it creates disparities in economic opportunities across reservations. Despite a history of gambling expansion advocacy, Oregon voters have previously rejected measures allowing non-tribal casinos. Governor Kotek has reiterated her opposition to such expansions, yet her stance could shift depending on federal decisions.
The situation remains fluid as tribes await the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ assessments of pending applications, with significant implications for Oregon’s gambling framework hanging in the balance.
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