Oregon's Siletz Tribe plans to start building North Salem casino in 2024

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announced it has proposed a North Salem casino project in Oregon that is estimated to generate 2,300 construction jobs and $141 million in wages during construction. However, this project, which was conceived years ago, is still awaiting federal approval, and faces opposition from the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is currently reviewing the Siletz Tribe’s application, which was submitted in the summer of 2020. If approved by the Secretary of Interior, Governor Kate Brown will have a year to pass or reject the project. If all approvals are met, construction of the Siletz Casino Project could begin in Salem between 2024 and 2025. 

The project includes a 180,800 square-foot casino with 2,000 gaming devices and 45 table games; as well as a four-star hotel with full service to its 500 rooms; pool; spa and more. The tribe would also offer at their property a 150-seat nightclub and a 100-seat sports bar, as well as a main restaurant, a steakhouse, food court and coffee shop. The parking garage and two parking lots would have 2,650 spaces. 

Delores Ann Pigsley, Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of 
Siletz Indians of Oregon.

"The 64,000+ square foot multi-purpose event center will be a destination for concerts, festivals, conferences and more. In addition, the tribe is exploring a cooperative agreement with the Salem Convention Center to support even bigger events. Utilizing both centers, the combined properties will be the third-largest convention center in Oregon. It can also support essential disaster preparedness and stationing", the Tribe wrote in a project's factsheet released thi month. 

The casino is expected to generate $185.4 million in gross revenue and bring 1,500 full-time jobs in its first year of operation. It would be built on tribe-owned property of Interstate exit 258 to Portland Road. 

"The visual design and aesthetic of the property will bring to bear the rich history and culture of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Oregon’s Tribal community through a series of educational and artistic installations throughout the property", the tribe stated.

Over the two years of construction, the casino would bring in $492 million in economic impact and $54 million in indirect purchases, according to the Tribe, which also assured that the project will create "an unprecedented revenue sharing agreement with the state and local government, as well as every participating tribe", as the tribes will share 25% of their net gaming earnings with state and local government, and split the rest among themselves — 25% going to the Siletz Tribe and 50% to the state’s eight other tribes. 

"This will be Oregon’s first gaming facility to share revenue with eight other federally recognized Tribes, the state of Oregon and local governments. The Tribe is currently seeking a “two-part determination” from the Secretary of the Interior that the project is in the best interest of the Tribe and not detrimental to the surrounding community".

“We know that when tribes come together with a shared mission, we achieve more for our community,” said Chairwoman Delores Pigsley back when the project was first conceived. “As tribal leaders we have a unique opportunity to make an unprecedented impact on Oregon’s economy and the lives of our tribal members.”