'There are some folks that don't want competition, and if you look at the state lottery as a competitor, what competitor would welcome competition in their own space,' said Tribal One CEO Judy Farm. The Coquille Tribe calls Kotek's stance hypocritical and discriminatory, and says Kotek's focus could likely be protecting the Oregon Lottery and wealthier tribes.
In her letter, she followed previous governors in supporting one casino per tribe and directly opposing the Coquille Tribe's Medford proposal. On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek issued a letter to all nine tribal chairs addressing inquiries on her position on gaming. The Tribe says the governor and state don't have the final say. With the Bureau of Indian Affairs months away from deciding the fate of the Coquille Tribe's proposal for a new gaming facility in Medford, Governor Tina Kotek voiced her opposition to the facility Thursday.
