Coos Bay, OR – The Coquille Tribe and the Coquille Economic Development Corporation are celebrating 30 years of casino operations along the shores of Coos Bay by renaming the Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park. The new name will be Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay.
The Mill Casino originally opened on May 19, 1995, transforming an old sawmill into the top tourist destination in Southern Oregon. Each year, approximately one million visitors come to Coos Bay to enjoy gaming, a variety of dining options, and numerous entertainment events.
“It was time for the Coquille Indian Tribe’s long-standing gaming and hospitality brand to clearly represent tribal ownership and the core values that define our leadership and service standards, to be proudly recognized as “Coquille,” states Margaret Simpson, CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, which manages the tribe’s gaming and hospitality operations with its diverse economic portfolio. “The tribe has faced significant challenges in its journey towards self-reliance over the past 35 years. As we expand our hospitality brand and outreach, we wanted to unify our projects under a single brand that honors our culture and recognizes the achievements of our tribal citizens.”
“The Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in Coos Bay will continue the legacy of the Mill as the economic engine for the region, allowing the tribe’s commitment to expanding our hospitality offerings throughout the Pacific Northwest,” explains Coquille Tribal Chair Brenda Meade. “Coquille has held deep historical significance in this region from time immemorial; it’s time we introduce that significance to the rest of the world through our branding.”
The new Ko-Kwel Casino Resort is undergoing a massive expansion project, including Oregon’s first tribally owned distillery, golf swing suites, enhanced dining options, and retail areas. “The new name, added amenities, and our renewed commitment to world-class hospitality are essential for our continued success in the competitive and ever-evolving destination travel market,” says Simpson. “Our team here is exceptional. Our new identity reflects years of hard work and dedication to this vision and will serve as a source of pride for all our team members for generations to come.”
Businesswire.com – May 19, 2025
indiangaming.com – May 21, 2025
The Oregonian/OregonLive.com – May 23, 2025