News Summary
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has announced plans to relocate and expand the Naskila Gaming casino into a full-scale casino resort in Leggett, Texas. This major expansion aims to boost the local economy by creating approximately 1,000 new jobs and revitalizing the area. The project has received approval from regulatory authorities and is expected to offer a premier entertainment destination while sustaining its role in the local job market. As the community anticipates this transformation, it signifies a potential shift in gaming and entertainment in Texas.
Texas
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced plans to relocate its current Naskila Gaming casino to a new site on its reservation, transforming it into a full-scale casino resort. This decision was disclosed on September 25, 2025, following approval from the tribe’s membership during a meeting on September 20, 2025.
The new property, located in Leggett, Texas, has been in trust since 2001 and has received confirmation from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Solicitor’s Office for the Bureau of Indian Affairs that it qualifies for gaming use. This move will allow the tribe to maintain its operations within Polk County.
The existing Naskila Gaming casino, which opened in 2016, currently features around 900 electronic bingo machines and plays a vital role in the local economy, supporting over 1,000 permanent jobs that represent more than 15% of private sector wages in the county, according to a recent report by the Texas Forest Country Partnership.
Impact on the Local Community
The relocation and expansion into a casino resort are expected to generate significant economic opportunities. The tribe anticipates that the completion of the project will add approximately 1,000 additional jobs to the community. The new venue is being designed by the architectural firm FFKR, and plans are in place to break ground later in 2025.
As a potential result of this development, the upcoming casino resort would mark the first full-scale casino resort in Texas. Currently, Texas has only one other tribal casino, the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass, which is classified as a tribal casino.
Gaming Regulations
It is important to note that all three tribal casinos in Texas, including Naskila, are limited under state law to Class II gaming, which includes electronic bingo and non-banked card games. This regulatory framework restricts the types of gambling that can be offered, distinguishing Texas tribal casinos from their counterparts in other states.
Future Prospects
The transition of Naskila Gaming to a casino resort is anticipated to foster excitement and generate enthusiasm within the local community for its potential to enhance job opportunities and drive economic growth. Although detailed plans regarding the resort’s expansion and offerings have yet to be disclosed, tribal leadership has expressed confidence that the new facility will serve as a premier entertainment destination in East Texas.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s commitment to this project reflects its aim to uplift the community and provide further avenues for economic development through the proposed Naskila Casino Resort.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tribal Business News
- Wikipedia: Naskila Gaming
- Bluebonnet News
- Google Search: Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas
- Chron.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Casino
- Gaming America
- Google News: Texas tribal gaming
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