One of the biggest draws in town is the Chinook Winds Casino (1777 NW 44th St., 541/996-5825 or 888/244-6665, www.chinookwindscasino.com [1], open 24 hours daily), operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, near the north end of town. In addition to slots, blackjack, poker, keno, bingo, craps, and roulette, the casino has two on-site restaurants and a busy schedule of big-name (or formerly big-name) entertainment. Recent shows have included Billy Rae Cyrus, Eddie Money, and the Beach Boys.
About 25 miles east of Lincoln City [2] is the state’s number-one visitor attraction, Spirit Mountain Casino (21700 SW Salmon River Hwy., Grande Ronde, 800/760-7977, http://spiritmountain.com [3], open 24 hours daily), operated by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Games of chance include slots, craps, blackjack, poker, keno, and bingo.
No matter what you think of the casino, it should be noted that the Grande Ronde people have done a great job at getting their tribal status officially reinstated after the U.S. government officially terminated the tribe in 1954, leaving it with not much more than the tribal cemetery and a shed.
They have amassed land and established a community fund that is a substantial supporter of nonprofit organizations in Oregon [4]—6 percent of the casino’s proceeds go into this charitable fund.
Links:
[1] http://www.chinookwindscasino.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/central-coast/lincoln-city
[3] http://spiritmountain.com
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon