SALEM — This November, Central Oregon voters will have a chance to weigh in on whether to create the state’s first nontribal casino, slated to be built outside Portland.

It might seem like a casino west of the Cascades would not affect those in the High Desert, but if approved, Measures 82 and 83 would lay the groundwork for other off-reservation casinos throughout the state.

Currently, the state’s constitution only allows casinos to be built on American Indian reservations. Measure 82 would open the door for private casinos to be built elsewhere. New casinos would still require approval from a statewide vote, along with a vote by residents of the city. Measure 83 would authorize a specific casino, currently called The Grange, to be built in Wood Village, east of Portland.

A Canadian firm, Clairvest Group Inc., is behind the 130,000-square-foot casino that would have more than 2,000 slot machines. It would be built at the Multnomah Kennel Club site, a former dog track. The plan includes a hotel, water slide, bowling alley and space for a farmers market.

Proponents of The Grange said the development would create 2,000 permanent jobs with health care and thousands more construction jobs. Those in favor of the casino also point out that unlike the tribal casinos, The Grange would be on the hook to pay taxes, money that would be put into state coffers.

“Most people won’t know The Grange is there, except we’ll be putting more money into their schools and employ more Oregonians, which will help the economy overall,” said Stacey Dycus, The Grange’s campaign manager.

Two years ago, Oregon voters rejected a similar proposal. The Grange proponents are pitching the idea as an upscale, family-friendly entertainment center.

Opponents are calling it a “Vegas-style mega-casino” that would break a promise made to the state’s American Indians and “rob tribes of their main economic driver.”

“This is corporate gambling for a corporate profit,” said Cynara Lilly, spokeswoman for a coalition called It’s Still a Bad Idea.

Lilly said casino backers are masking the real issues when they talk about water parks and farmers markets.

“This is a massive public policy decision…. They aren’t having a serious conversation about public policy, and I think that’s because they are trying to hide what this is really for — profit gambling in the state of Oregon,” she said.

Both measures need to pass for the Wood Village casino to move forward.

The state’s nine federally recognized tribes — including The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which operates the Kah-Nee-Tah and Indian Head casinos — are opposed.

Lilly also said she is not convinced profits would stay in the state because the casino is owned by a Canadian company.

“There was a clear message from voters that they didn’t want to change the way gambling is done in Oregon,” Lilly said, referring to the previous measure. “(Proponents) didn’t hear no, apparently…. They are back and from all appearances willing to spend whatever it takes to convince Oregonians.”

For our complete coverage, visit www.bendbulletin.com/elections.