MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has spoken out against a proposed casino in Medford, citing concerns about expanding gaming across the state.
The Mail Tribune reports that Brown stated her opposition to the Coquille Indian Tribe’s plans in a letter sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wednesday. She wrote that the state should resist the building of additional casinos to prevent expanded gambling, which she says could harm the public welfare.
The tribe wants to convert a bowling alley and former restaurant on Highway 99 into a casino with video gaming. Coquille Tribe Chairwoman Brenda Meade says she is surprised Brown opposes the casino, which won’t include card games, and feels like her tribe is being singled out.
The tribe is waiting for the BIA’s draft of an environmental impact statement on the proposed casino.
