Frequently Asked Questions
This page has answers to frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, please contact us by using the Contact Us Form here.
Do local residents support the project?
The Cedars at Bear Creek has strong support from local residents for both the added recreational opportunities and the positive impact the project will have on job growth and the local economy:
An extensive phone survey of local residents conducted at the time the project was announced showed widespread support in Medford and throughout Jackson County.
- Initial investment of $11 million during construction
- Local purchases totaling $6.1 million in the first year of operations, generating another $10.4 million of output in other industries
- Long-term economic benefits (direct and indirect) estimated at nearly $40 million annually for Jackson County
An extensive phone survey of local residents conducted at the time the project was announced showed widespread support in Medford and throughout Jackson County.
What is a Class II gaming facility?
A Class II gaming facility differs from a Class III casino and offers only games commonly known as electronic bingo games. Players bet against each other and not against the house. This Class II facility cannot legally offer table games or slot games. In addition to the gaming floor, the facility will have an upscale restaurant.
Will The Cedars At Bear Creek Lead to Security Problems?
The Coquille Gaming Commission and the Mill Casino security staff have a zero-tolerance policy with regard to vandalism, theft, and other crimes. Likewise, The Cedars at Bear Creek will have a fully staffed and professionally trained security team. The team will utilize state-of-the-art video surveillance equipment and will be under the regulation of the Coquille Gaming Commission.
The development of a gaming facility in south Medford has raised community concerns about potential security issues. The Coquille Tribe’s experience at The Mill Casino in North Bend and the experience of other cities with casinos provide strong evidence that this project will not increase crime or security problems. The state-of-the-art security presence and surveillance inside and outside The Cedars at Bear Creek is likely to decrease crime in the immediate area.
Under federal law the Medford Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff will have the same authority to respond to any disturbance or criminal activity on this property that we would have anywhere else in the city.
A study by the University of Chicago for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that “in communities proximate to newly opened casinos, per capita rates of bankruptcy, health indicators, and violent crimes are not significantly changed.”
Chair of the Coquille Gaming Comission Terry Springer explained, “We work with the local Fire Marshal, City Water System and Building Inspector to ensure that meet all building codes and requirements. We contract with City Police and Fire Departments to provide us services. We have an excellent relationship with local law enforcement. They provide us support and we assist them when needed. I have been in law enforcement my entire life and I can guarantee you that the casinos in this state are the safest places you can visit.”
The development of a gaming facility in south Medford has raised community concerns about potential security issues. The Coquille Tribe’s experience at The Mill Casino in North Bend and the experience of other cities with casinos provide strong evidence that this project will not increase crime or security problems. The state-of-the-art security presence and surveillance inside and outside The Cedars at Bear Creek is likely to decrease crime in the immediate area.
Under federal law the Medford Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff will have the same authority to respond to any disturbance or criminal activity on this property that we would have anywhere else in the city.
A study by the University of Chicago for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that “in communities proximate to newly opened casinos, per capita rates of bankruptcy, health indicators, and violent crimes are not significantly changed.”
Chair of the Coquille Gaming Comission Terry Springer explained, “We work with the local Fire Marshal, City Water System and Building Inspector to ensure that meet all building codes and requirements. We contract with City Police and Fire Departments to provide us services. We have an excellent relationship with local law enforcement. They provide us support and we assist them when needed. I have been in law enforcement my entire life and I can guarantee you that the casinos in this state are the safest places you can visit.”
Will the city or county lose revenue from taxes and other fees if the property is placed into trust for the Tribe?
There is no reason for the city or county to lose revenue once the land is placed into trust for the Tribe.
We understand that local jurisdictions are concerned about losing revenue once the land is placed into trust, as the Tribe will not be required to pay taxes or other common fees that are used to support city and county services.
The Coquille Tribe has fully compensated the City of North Bend for any loss of revenue associated with The Mill Casino through payments in lieu of taxes to the police department, fire department, and other local government and non-government organizations. In the Tribe’s fee-for-service agreement with the City of North Bend, the Tribe has provided financial support for the North Bend Police Department and other city services.
In 2012, the Tribe’s payment of more than $400,000 to North Bend helped fund law enforcement, fire protection and impacts on water, storm water, and sewer services. This level of support helps purchase vehicles and equipment and provides for additional personnel.
As it has done in North Bend, the Tribe is willing to enter into legally binding agreements that would require it make payments in lieu of taxes and to pay for local government services.
We understand that local jurisdictions are concerned about losing revenue once the land is placed into trust, as the Tribe will not be required to pay taxes or other common fees that are used to support city and county services.
The Coquille Tribe has fully compensated the City of North Bend for any loss of revenue associated with The Mill Casino through payments in lieu of taxes to the police department, fire department, and other local government and non-government organizations. In the Tribe’s fee-for-service agreement with the City of North Bend, the Tribe has provided financial support for the North Bend Police Department and other city services.
In 2012, the Tribe’s payment of more than $400,000 to North Bend helped fund law enforcement, fire protection and impacts on water, storm water, and sewer services. This level of support helps purchase vehicles and equipment and provides for additional personnel.
As it has done in North Bend, the Tribe is willing to enter into legally binding agreements that would require it make payments in lieu of taxes and to pay for local government services.
Will this facility cause societal problems by increasing access to gaming in Medford?
By any measure gaming is already common in Jackson County, with more than 114 gaming establishments featuring 574 video lottery terminals (VLTs) throughout the geographic area. In Jackson County VLTs are found in many local bars, pizza parlors, mini-marts, and other retail establishments, and generate approximately $30 million in annual sales. Oregonians spend more than $1 billion on the Oregon State Lottery each year, and there are nine tribes that operate legalized gaming facilities throughout the state.
By bringing a gaming facility to Medford, the Coquille Tribe is increasing the recreational quality of the gaming experience, not necessarily the ease of access to gaming, which already exists at more than 100 locations throughout the city.
Gambling has become an accepted form of recreation and an important revenue source for the state and the Tribes that operate legal facilities. Approximately 80 percent of Oregonians have gambled at least once, and more than 60 percent have gambled in the past year. Although the vast majority of people who gamble do so responsibly, there is a very small percentage of the population that develops problems with gambling. The Tribe has no desire to profit off anyone who is not gambling solely for recreation.
Oregon does more than any other state to prevent gambling problems. The State puts 1 percent of all revenue generated by the Oregon State Lottery into treatment centers and preventive education across the state. The Tribe likewise invests a portion of its proceeds to help fund organizations that provide free and easily accessible help for gambling problems.
By bringing a gaming facility to Medford, the Coquille Tribe is increasing the recreational quality of the gaming experience, not necessarily the ease of access to gaming, which already exists at more than 100 locations throughout the city.
Gambling has become an accepted form of recreation and an important revenue source for the state and the Tribes that operate legal facilities. Approximately 80 percent of Oregonians have gambled at least once, and more than 60 percent have gambled in the past year. Although the vast majority of people who gamble do so responsibly, there is a very small percentage of the population that develops problems with gambling. The Tribe has no desire to profit off anyone who is not gambling solely for recreation.
Oregon does more than any other state to prevent gambling problems. The State puts 1 percent of all revenue generated by the Oregon State Lottery into treatment centers and preventive education across the state. The Tribe likewise invests a portion of its proceeds to help fund organizations that provide free and easily accessible help for gambling problems.
