Federal Court Upholds Coquille Indian Tribe’s Medford Land and Gaming Decision
Published 7:16 PM Friday, September 4, 2026
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Coquille Indian Tribe, confirming a U.S. Department of the Interior decision to place approximately 2.4 acres into trust for the tribe and to permit gaming at the site after years of litigation surrounding a casino in South Medford.
In a ruling issued on Friday, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta denied an appeal submitted by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, granting summary judgment to both the federal government and the Coquille Tribe, who joined the defense of the decision.
The lawsuit challenged a January 2025 approval from the Department of Interior that allowed the Coquille Tribe to operate a small-scale casino offering about 30 Class 2 games, which opened amid ongoing appeals from neighboring tribes.
The casino, located on the former Roxy Ann Lanes bowling alley site along South Pacific Highway in Medford, has been operating since January 2025. The Coquille Tribe has also created job opportunities for various positions, including security and casino membership services.
In addition to the casino, the Coquille Tribe manages the nearby Bear Creek Golf Course and the Compass Hotel Medford by Margaritaville.
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 designated service area comprising Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Lane counties.
The act classified the Medford land as “restored lands” under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, granting the Tribe the authority to operate the gaming facility. The recent ruling is a final order, which means the plaintiff tribes can appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Tribal officials indicated that the gaming facility would continue operations and serve as a revenue source to support vital services and programs for tribal citizens.
Brenda Meade, chairperson of the Coquille Indian Tribal Council, stated, “Today’s ruling confirms that the Coquille Restoration Act allows us to provide for our citizens and rebuild our economy in the five counties identified by Congress.” She emphasized the importance of the ruling in strengthening their sovereignty and honoring past tribal leaders who believed in this project from its inception.
While the Medford City Council initially opposed the casino, views have softened over time. However, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the Interior Department’s decision, labeling it a dangerous escalation of gambling across Oregon.
For further details, contact reporter Buffy Pollock at 458-488-2029 or at buffy.pollock@rv-times.com. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.
