A federal judge has upheld the U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to place a 2.4-acre property in Medford, Oregon, into trust for the Coquille Indian Tribe and allow gaming activities on the site.

U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta rejected a legal challenge filed by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, the Karuk Tribe, and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation in a memorandum opinion issued on September 4, 2026. The ruling granted summary judgment to the federal government and the Coquille Tribe, which intervened in the case to defend the approval.

The lawsuit challenged the Interior Department’s January 2025 decision that allowed the Medford property to qualify for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The opposing tribes argued that the land did not meet the requirements of the restored lands exception and that the federal agency had exceeded its authority.

The court disagreed, finding that the property qualifies under the Coquille Restoration Act of 1989. The law restored the Tribe’s federal recognition and allows the Interior secretary to place land into trust within the Tribe’s five-county service area, including Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Lane counties.

Since the Medford property is located in Jackson County, Judge Mehta determined that it falls within the area covered by the legislation and can be used for gaming.

Medford Facility Allowed To Continue Operations

The ruling confirms the Coquille Tribe’s authority to operate its Medford gaming facility, which opened after receiving federal approval in January 2025.

The Cedars at Bear Creek facility, located at the former Roxy Ann Lanes site on South Pacific Highway, currently operates with around 30 Class II gaming machines. The Tribe also owns and manages the nearby Bear Creek Golf Course and Compass Hotel Medford.

The legal dispute followed years of disagreement over the project. The Coquille Tribe first applied in 2012 to place the Medford parcel into trust for gaming purposes. The Interior Department initially rejected the request in 2020 before later approving the trust acquisition and gaming use in January 2025.

The three challenging tribes argued that the project could affect revenues available for tribal programs and questioned whether the site’s location away from the Tribe’s primary reservation should allow gaming.

Judge Mehta upheld the federal agency’s interpretation of the applicable laws, stating that courts cannot overturn an agency decision when it is reasonable and adequately explained.

The judge wrote: “Plaintiffs may disagree, but the court is not empowered to revisit the decision so long as it is ‘reasonable and reasonably explained.’”

Tribe Highlights Economic Impact

Coquille Tribal Chair Brenda Meade said the decision (pdf) confirmed the Tribe’s position that the Restoration Act supports its ability to develop economic opportunities within its designated service area.

“Today a federal judge confirmed what we have always known, that the Coquille Restoration Act allows us to provide for our citizens and rebuild our economy in the five counties identified by Congress. This ruling ensures our sovereignty is stronger than ever and strengthens our Restoration Act. We celebrate this significant ruling and also remember our past Chiefs and Elders who walked this road before us. They believed in this project when it was only an idea, and they trusted us all to see it through. Thank you to all who worked to get this decision today as well as our past Councils and membership for your unwavering support.”

The Tribe said revenue from the facility will continue supporting services, programs, and future initiatives for tribal citizens.

“We will continue to monitor the issues brought forward about our project,” Meade said. “We are focused on delivering a great service and experience for all our guests.”

The ruling remains subject to appeal. The three plaintiff tribes can request review from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit because the decision represents a final, appealable order.

Future Expansion Plans Remain

The Medford project has faced opposition from some local and tribal officials since its approval. Medford city officials initially objected to the casino before later reaching a municipal services agreement with the Coquille Tribe covering public services at the property.

The project also drew criticism from U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who described the approval as a “casino arms race” and a “reckless choice by D.C. bureaucrats,” according to reports cited in connection with the case.

The Coquille Tribe’s longer-term plans include expanding the property to a 16,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring 650 Class II machines. The Interior Department has estimated that the completed facility could generate approximately $18.5 million in annual revenue.

For now, the federal court ruling allows the Medford gaming operation to continue while any potential appeal process develops.