Court rejects Oregon casino challenge

PORTLAND — The Oregon Court of Appeals has affirmed the governor’s right to enter into tribal gambling compacts.

Four Florence property owners filed a lawsuit a decade ago claiming the Oregon Constitution prohibits casinos and the governor lacked the authority to sign a compact allowing the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians to build its Three Rivers Casino &Hotel.

The Appeals Court opinion written by Judge Lynn Nakamoto supports a lower-court decision that the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows tribal casinos in states that allow other entities to operate games of chance.

She also wrote that the Legislature authorized the governor to enter into agreements that ensure Oregon does not infringe on tribal rights.

An attorney for the property owners says the case is not over.

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