The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is set to significantly expand its Naskila Gaming operation, relocating the existing facility to a new property on its reservation and transforming it into a full-fledged casino resort. This move, approved by the tribe’s membership, marks a significant development for tribal gaming in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas plans to relocate and expand Naskila Gaming.
- The new facility will be a casino resort located on the tribe’s reservation in Leggett, Texas.
- The property was taken into trust in 2001 and has been confirmed by federal agencies as suitable for gaming.
- The existing Naskila Gaming, opened in 2016, features approximately 900 electronic bingo machines and supports over 1,000 local jobs.
- This expansion could lead to the first full-scale casino resort in Texas, though all tribal casinos in the state are currently limited to Class II gaming.
Relocation and Expansion Plans
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced its intention to move Naskila Gaming to a new location within its reservation. The existing Naskila Gaming facility, which opened its doors in 2016, currently houses around 900 electronic bingo machines. The tribe’s membership officially approved the relocation during a meeting on September 20.
The new site, located in Leggett, Texas, was officially taken into trust by the federal government in 2001. Both the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Solicitor’s Office for the Bureau of Indian Affairs have confirmed that this property is eligible for gaming use. While the tribe describes the upcoming development as a "casino resort," specific details regarding the scale of the expansion or new amenities have not yet been released.
Economic Impact and Future of Texas Gaming
Tribal Council Chairwoman Cecilia Flores expressed optimism about the project, stating, "This resort will create significant economic opportunities and provide a premier entertainment destination in East Texas." The current Naskila Gaming facility plays a crucial role in the local economy, supporting over 1,000 permanent jobs. A study indicated that these jobs represent more than 15 percent of the private sector wages in Polk County, where the casino is located and where the new facility will also be situated.
If successfully developed, the new Naskila Gaming resort could become the first comprehensive casino resort in Texas. Currently, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass. All three tribal casinos operating within Texas are restricted to Class II gaming, which includes electronic bingo and non-banked card games, in accordance with state regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Texas tribe to relocate, expand Naskila Gaming into casino resort, Tribal Business News.
