Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Advances Major Resort Development with Naskila Casino Groundbreaking
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, 2026, to launch construction of the Naskila Casino Resort, a 685,000-square-foot facility set on 95 acres in Leggett within Polk County; the project expands the tribe's existing gaming operations while the current Naskila Casino remains open throughout the build process.
Construction follows the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that clarified tribal gaming rights, and the new resort incorporates 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines along with a 366-room hotel, pool complex, multiple restaurants, and dedicated event space; developers plan phased openings extending through 2028.
Project Scope and Site Details
Observers note the resort will occupy a substantial footprint that allows for integrated amenities beyond gaming floors, and those involved in the planning emphasize how the 95-acre parcel supports both immediate construction needs and future expansions; the location in Leggett positions the property near Livingston while providing room for the pool complex and outdoor features that complement indoor facilities.
The design calls for 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines as the core gaming element, and planners have outlined space allocations that include hotel accommodations for 366 rooms plus restaurants and event venues designed to serve both local visitors and travelers from farther away; construction teams will coordinate work so the existing Naskila Casino continues uninterrupted operations on its current site.
Timeline and Phased Openings
Work on the resort began immediately after the June 18, 2026 ceremony, with initial phases focused on foundational infrastructure and gaming areas; subsequent stages will bring the hotel, pool complex, and dining options online progressively through 2028, allowing each component to open as it reaches completion rather than waiting for the entire project to finish.
Project managers have scheduled the phased rollout to minimize disruption, and the approach lets the tribe maintain revenue from the operating casino while new sections come online; the full 685,000-square-foot complex is expected to reach operational status by the end of 2028 once all restaurants, event spaces, and support facilities are active.
Background from the 2023 Supreme Court Ruling
The development gained legal clarity after the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tribal gaming rights, which addressed long-standing questions about Class II gaming on tribal lands in Texas; the decision enabled the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to proceed with the expanded resort that includes the 3,400 electronic gaming machines now under construction.
Legal teams representing the tribe cited the ruling as the foundation for moving forward with the 95-acre project, and state officials confirmed the permitting process aligned with the clarified federal guidelines; the existing Naskila Casino, already operating under prior approvals, continues to function as the primary revenue source during the multi-year build.
Integration with Existing Operations
Construction crews are working around the active casino to ensure guest access and daily operations face no interruptions, and tribal leadership has stated that the new resort will eventually connect with the current facility through shared infrastructure; the 366-room hotel and pool complex will add overnight capacity that the existing site lacks, while the event space and restaurants will expand dining and meeting options for visitors.
Those managing the transition note that the phased openings will allow staff training and operational testing to occur in stages, reducing the risk of service gaps once the larger property opens; the 685,000-square-foot scale represents a significant increase in physical space compared with the current Naskila Casino footprint.
Regional Economic Context
Data from the National Indian Gaming Commission shows tribal gaming facilities contribute measurable economic activity in rural counties across the United States, and the Naskila Casino Resort project is expected to follow similar patterns once phases open through 2028; Polk County officials have tracked the permitting steps that preceded the June 18, 2026 groundbreaking.
The resort's location near Livingston places it within driving distance of several major Texas population centers, and the addition of a 366-room hotel plus event space creates capacity for conferences and leisure stays that extend beyond day-trip gaming visits; construction employment and eventual resort staffing represent additional local economic factors tied directly to the 95-acre development.
Conclusion
The June 18, 2026 groundbreaking marks the start of a multi-year expansion that will transform the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's gaming presence in Texas, and the phased approach through 2028 ensures steady progress while the existing Naskila Casino maintains operations; the 685,000-square-foot resort on 95 acres will ultimately include 3,400 Class II machines, a 366-room hotel, pool complex, restaurants, and event space once all sections reach completion.