The Coquille Indian Tribe has secured a significant victory in its long-standing effort to establish a casino in Medford, Oregon. On September 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta upheld a U.S. Department of the Interior decision to place approximately 2.4 acres of land into a trust for the tribe and authorize gaming at the location. This ruling brings to a close a decade of legal battles and sets the stage for the continued operation of the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort.
The casino, situated on the former site of the Roxy Ann Lanes bowling alley along South Pacific Highway, has been operational since January 2025. It initially opened with about 30 Class 2 games which include video gaming devices such as slot machines and video poker. The tribe’s vision for the casino includes expanding the gaming floor to 16,000 square feet with 650 Class II gaming machines, along with a bar and other amenities. Notably, the plan does not include traditional table games like blackjack or poker.
The Legal Journey and Key Ruling
The lawsuit challenging the Department of the Interior’s January 2025 approval was filed by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Karuk Tribe, and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. However, Judge Mehta denied their appeal and granted summary judgment to the federal government and the Coquille Tribe. Central to the ruling was the Coquille Tribe’s Restoration Act of 1989 which restored the tribe’s federal recognition and authorized the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust within the tribe’s five-county service area.
The act designated the land in Medford as part of “restored lands” under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act thereby permitting gaming on the site. This decision affirms the tribe’s authority to operate the Medford facility and is a final, appealable order. The plaintiff tribes may seek review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Impact on the Community and Future Plans
The Coquille Tribe has been operating the casino in conjunction with the adjacent Bear Creek Golf Course and the Compass Hotel Medford by Margaritaville. Since its opening, the casino has created job opportunities for security, casino membership services, and other positions. The tribe plans to use the revenues generated from the gaming facility to fund critical services, programs, and support for current and future generations of tribal citizens.
Brenda Meade, chairperson of the Coquille Indian Tribal Council, expressed gratitude for the ruling, stating, “Today a federal judge confirmed what we have always known: that the Coquille Restoration Act allows us to provide for our citizens and rebuild our economy in the five counties identified by Congress.” She also acknowledged the past leaders who believed in the project and trusted the tribe to see it through.
Political Reactions and Local Impact
The Medford City Council initially opposed the casino but eventually softened its stance. However, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., criticized the Interior Department’s decision, calling it a “casino arms race” and a “reckless choice by D.C. bureaucrats” that could lead to uncontrolled escalation of gambling in Oregon.
Despite the political debates, the ruling marks a significant milestone for the Coquille Indian Tribe. It not only strengthens the tribe’s sovereignty but also ensures the continued operation of the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, contributing to the local economy and providing essential services to tribal citizens.
