Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park Is Now the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay
Last month, the Coquille Tribe and the Coquille Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) officially announced a new chapter in the casino and hotel’s 30-year history: The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park is now the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay .
Tribal leaders say the rebranding reflects the values, heritage, and ancestral lands of the Coquille people, whose ancestors once thrived across more than a million acres in Southwestern Oregon. The new name, Ko-Kwel, honors the traditional pronunciation of the Tribe’s name. Its roots go back generations, to a time when tribal members fished for lamprey, an eel-like fish they called scoquel. When white fur traders and settlers arrived on the southern Oregon coast, they began referring to the people in the region as “Coquille,” spelling it like the French word for “shell.” Click here to learn more about the origins and proper pronunciation of the Coquille Indian Tribe’s name.
As Coos County’s second-largest employer, the Coquille Tribe is a key economic driver on the South Coast, supporting local businesses and investing in the region’s vitality. “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.”
Since opening in May of 1995, The Mill Casino, once an old sawmill, has grown into one of top tourist destinations on the Southern Oregon Coast. And while the name and logo may be getting a fresh update, visitors can rest assured: the exciting gaming , dining, entertainment, and beloved annual events that draw nearly a million visitors each year aren’t going anywhere.
In fact, the newly renamed Ko-Kwel Casino Resort is undergoing a major expansion. Plans include Oregon’s first tribally owned distillery, which will produce vodka, gin, whiskey, and bourbon. The resort will also feature golf swing suites, new dining options, and retail spaces. And in a first for Oregon, Ko-Kwel Casino Resort now offers in-person sports betting, thanks to a new partnership with Caesars Sportsbook. The new name is already visible, with updated signage installed on the hotel tower.
And yes, all your favorite events are still on the calendar, including the Annual July 3rd Fireworks over the Bay , Annual Food Truck Off , Annual Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration , and more.
“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.”
Learn More
Visitors to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston can learn more about the Coquille Indian Tribe at the Coos History Museum . Ko-Kwel Gifts inside Ko-Kwel Casino Resort is open to the public and features an exquisite selection of art, jewelry, and other handmade goods by members of the tribe.
Want to learn more about the indigenous people of Southwest Oregon, their mission, and history? Here are some resources:
Guide to Tribal Nations on Travel Oregon
Tribal Heritage - The Coquilles
Oregon Tribal Spotlight: Coquille Indian Tribe
Tribal Heritage - The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Oregon Tribal Spotlight: Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
Gaming on the Southern Oregon Coast
If gaming’s your thing, you’re in luck! Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, is home to not one, but two great casinos. Alongside the newly renamed Ko-Kwel Casino Resort (formerly The Mill Casino), visitors can also try their luck at Three Rivers Casino , featuring a 15,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 250 games. With daily promotions and nonstop action, there’s always a new way to win. Learn more.
There’s a lot happening on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston, and now’s the perfect time to discover what’s new! Bring the whole family, unpack once, and stay for a fun-filled week on the Oregon coast.
Need a place to stay? Visit our lodging page to explore great options, from cozy inns to RV Parks to full-service hotels. Explore our Adventures page and/or our Trip Ideas pages for even more Oregon coast travel inspiration and request a visitor’s packet to start planning your next getaway today!
