PORTLAND, Ore. -- The governor's authority to approve the site for tribal casinos can be challenged under a ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court.

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In an unanimous opinion, the court said People Against A Casino Town, or PACT, could raise a constitutional challenge to Gov. Ted Kulongoski's approval of a gaming compact with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Suislaw Indians.

The group has opposed the Three Rivers Casino in Florence, claiming the Oregon Constitution expressly prohibits casinos.

The Supreme Court sent the case back to Lane County Circuit Court in Eugene for another hearing.