Driving along the Oregon Coast, cruising through Florence, and feeling that itch to hit the slots or grab a hand of blackjack? You’re in luck. Florence is one of the few coastal towns in Oregon that actually hosts a major casino. You don’t need to trek all the to Portland or down to Coos Bay to find action—the Three Rivers Casino Resort is right in your backyard.
But maybe you’re looking for something different, or perhaps you’re planning a wider tour of the Oregon gaming scene. While Florence has the heavy hitter, there are a few other spots within driving distance that offer different vibes. Let’s break down exactly where to go, what to expect from the tables, and how the rewards programs stack up.
Three Rivers Casino Resort: The Main Event
Let’s cut to the chase. If you are in Florence, you are going to Three Rivers. It’s owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and it’s not just a bingo hall with a few slot machines slapped in the corner. This is a full-scale resort.
The gaming floor spans over 90,000 square feet. For context, that’s enough room for over 700 slot machines. You aren’t stuck playing ancient three-reelers from the 90s either; the floor is regularly updated with the latest themes and video poker variants. If you prefer video poker, you’ll find a solid selection of machines, though serious poker players hunting for live No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games might find the offerings limited compared to the massive card rooms in Portland.
Table games are where the atmosphere really ramps up. You’ll find the standards: Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. The Craps table is usually the loudest spot in the house. If you’ve never played, don’t sweat it—dealers here are generally patient with tourists. They rely on tips, so they want you to win. Minimums vary by time of day, but you can usually find $10 or $15 tables during off-peak hours, which is a nice break from the $25 minimums you see in Vegas.
Accommodations and Amenities
This isn’t one of those casinos where you have to drive back to a motel in town after a late night. The resort offers two distinct hotel experiences. The smaller, original hotel is connected directly to the casino, which is perfect if you want to roll out of bed and hit the slots in your slippers. The newer hotel, The Landing, is a bit more upscale and sits across the street, offering views of the Coos Bay estuary.
They also have an RV resort if you’re traveling by motorhome—a common sight on Highway 101. The RV park is well-maintained and offers full hookups, making it a solid option for snowbirds or road-trippers who want to park for a few nights.
Dining Options Beyond the Buffet
Casino food has a bad reputation, but Three Rivers holds its own. The 'Welcome' section of the resort features a range of food. For a coastal town, the seafood options are what you should focus on. The Prime Rib & Seafood buffet is popular, but for a sit-down experience, the River House Restaurant offers a menu that goes well beyond typical bar food. Think fresh Pacific salmon and steaks rather than frozen nuggets. If you just want a quick bite between hands of blackjack, the food court area has fast options that won’t keep you away from the floor for too long.
Other Gaming Options Within Reach
While Three Rivers is the primary destination for a casino near Florence, OR, what if you want to shop around? The Oregon Coast has limited gaming options compared to the tribal-heavy scenes of Washington or California.
Driving south about 25 minutes will take you to Mill Casino in North Bend. Owned by the Coquille Indian Tribe, Mill Casino is smaller than Three Rivers but offers a cozy vibe. It sits right on the bay, and the views from the hotel rooms are spectacular. The slot floor is tight—about 700 machines—and they have a good selection of video poker. The poker room here has a loyal local following, often hosting small tournaments that are accessible for beginners.
If you are willing to drive north, the options get sparse until you hit Lincoln City. The Chinook Winds Casino is a trek—about an hour and a half north on Highway 101—but it’s worth it if you want a change of scenery. It sits directly on the beach, and you can walk out of the lobby onto the sand. They have a larger golf course and often host bigger name entertainment acts than the smaller coastal venues.
Understanding Oregon’s Gambling Laws
It helps to understand the landscape before you sit down to play. In Oregon, legal casino gaming is restricted to tribal lands. You won’t find commercial casinos run by big corporations like Caesars or MGM here. This keeps the scene unique. The tribes are the sole operators of Class III gaming (slots, table games).
However, there is a distinction for poker. Oregon allows social poker games and charitable gaming in certain contexts, but for the full casino experience with slots and pit games, you have to go to a tribal venue. This is why finding a casino near Florence, OR is relatively straightforward—there is one main licensed operator in the immediate vicinity, so you don’t have to sift through sketchy card rooms or unregulated spots.
One thing to note: the legal gambling age in Oregon casinos is 21. This applies to all gaming, including poker and slots. If you are 18, you can play the Oregon Lottery or bet on dog racing (where available), but you cannot set foot on the casino floor. Bring a valid government-issued ID; security is strict, especially on weekends when the resort fills up with tourists from Eugene and the Willamette Valley.
Comparing Your Coastal Casino Options
Trying to decide between the local spot or taking a drive? Here is a quick look at how the regional options stack up against each other.
| Casino | Distance from Florence | Notable Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Rivers Casino | 0 miles (In Town) | 90,000 sq ft floor, Golf Course, RV Park | Convenience and variety |
| The Mill Casino | ~25 miles South | Bay views, Poker Room, Table Games | Poker players and views |
| Chinook Winds | ~90 miles North | Beachfront, Large Entertainment Venue | Weekend getaway vibe |
The Players Club and Promotions
If you plan on playing for more than an hour, sign up for the Players Club card. It costs nothing, and refusing it is essentially leaving money on the table. At Three Rivers, the Club is your ticket to comps—free play, discounts at the hotel, and cheaper meals.
The system works on tier points. The more you play, the higher your status. Even low-rollers can rack up enough points for a free buffet or a few dollars in free play after a weekend session. Watch out for specific promotions. They often run “Hot Seat” drawings where they pull a name from the electronic kiosk entries every hour. If you are playing, swipe your card at the kiosk to enter. It takes five seconds, and you might win cash or bonus play just for being there.
Don’t expect Vegas-level comps, though. You won’t get a free penthouse suite for a few hours of $25 blackjack. The comp system is generous for the region, but it is calibrated for regular locals. If you are visiting from out of state, aim for the sign-up bonus and any new-member promotions, which usually offer the best bang for your buck.
FAQ
Is there a dress code at Three Rivers Casino?
There is no strict dress code. It’s the Oregon Coast—casual attire is the norm. You will see people in jeans, shorts, and hiking gear. However, avoid swimwear or clothing with offensive language. If you are dining at the upscale restaurant, business casual is a polite choice, but not enforced.
Can I play online casino games legally in Oregon?
Real-money online casino games like slots and table games are not legal in Oregon. The state allows online sports betting through a lottery-approved app, but for casino games, you must visit a tribal casino like Three Rivers.
Does the casino in Florence have live poker tournaments?
Three Rivers has a poker room, but the schedule fluctuates based on demand. They typically offer limit hold’em and occasional tournaments. It is best to call ahead or check their website calendar for the week’s tournament schedule, as it changes seasonally.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings in Oregon?
Yes. All gambling winnings are subject to federal income tax. If you win $1,200 or more on a slot machine or $5,000 or more in a poker tournament, the casino will issue a W-2G form. Oregon state law also taxes gambling winnings as income.



