Anti-Gambling Group Can Challenge Casino In Florence, Oregon

The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Umpqua, and Siuslaw opened their casino in Florence, Oregon, five years ago. They have been operating the casino even though many citizens in the town believe the casino is being run illegally.

The anti-gambling group, People Against a Casino Town, have been fighting their battle in court, and on Thursday they received a key ruling. The state Supreme Court ruled that the group can challenge the legality of the casino.

The Three Rivers Casino was brought upon by a compact that was signed between the tribe and the governor at the time. The anti-gambling group is contending that the constitution states that casinos are illegal in Oregon, and that the compact was signed illegally.

"I don't know the endgame. If we win, it means the casino is operating illegally," said Kelly Clark, lawyer for the anit-gambling group, "What happens next is up to the United States attorney, as to how they would enforce the law."

The group is hoping that the casino will be forced to close down. The tribe says they have no plans to close the casino, and hope that they will prevail in court.The casino cost the tribe $60 million to build.

Although the Oregon constitution bans casinos, governors have entered into compacts in the past to allow casinos to be built. Not all citizens in Florence want the casino shut down. Many claim to enjoy having the gambling outlet nearby.

June 19, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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