The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has officially commenced construction on its ambitious 95-acre Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett, signaling a significant growth of its gaming operations in East Texas.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by tribal leaders, community members, and casino staff, who gathered to mark this long-awaited milestone.
Vice-Chairwoman Nita Battise expressed her sentiments, stating, “It’s been a long way. We faced numerous challenges, but our resilience has prevailed, and we are moving forward.”
Once completed in 2028, the resort is projected to encompass a vast 685,000-square-foot casino complex featuring approximately 3,400 electronic gaming machines.
The plans also include a multi-story hotel with 366 rooms, a resort-style pool, and a comprehensive event and conference center. A grand ballroom designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests is anticipated to draw conventions and special events.
Historically, Texas officials have resisted the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s efforts to establish a casino on their 11,000-acre reservation in Livingston, situated about 73 miles northeast of Houston. However, this stance shifted following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that clarified Texas could not enforce its regulations on gaming within reservations, which are federally regulated.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is one of three federally recognized tribes in Texas that operate gaming facilities with electronic bingo machines authorized by federal law. The other tribes include the Traditional Kickapoo Tribe of Texas and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.
The tribe currently runs the Naskila Casino on its Livingston reservation, located roughly 10 miles from the new Leggett site. This existing casino is expected to remain operational throughout the construction phase.
Starting in August, the tribe plans to launch a temporary gaming facility next to the new resort, which will function until the permanent establishment opens in late 2028.
Mayor Judy Cochran of Livingston highlighted the positive impact of the casino on the local economy, noting that many visitors come from outside the area, contributing to local spending. “People stay in Livingston, eat here, and spend money,” she remarked, emphasizing the casino’s importance for the city and its residents.
Moreover, the tribe has emerged as a key employer in the region, with around 1,000 permanent jobs at Naskila Casino, generating approximately $34.5 million in annual wages—over 15% of private-sector wages in Polk County, according to a recent economic impact analysis.