Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Breaks Ground on Expanded Naskila Casino Resort in Texas
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas conducted its groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, 2026, for the Naskila Casino Resort, a 685,000-square-foot development that occupies 95 acres in Leggett within Polk County, and this event signals the next phase of tribal gaming expansion in the state following earlier legal developments.
Project Scope and Features
Construction covers a full-scale resort casino that will house 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines, a 366-room hotel, multiple restaurants, event space, and additional amenities, with the overall plan calling for phased openings scheduled through 2028; the tribe will keep its existing Naskila Casino running throughout the building period to maintain current revenue streams and visitor access.
Observers note that the scale of the new facility represents a significant step up from the tribe's prior operations, which began with a smaller gaming venue before this expansion received formal approval, and the design integrates lodging directly with gaming and dining options to create a self-contained destination for guests traveling to the East Texas region.
Legal Background and Timing
The project follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed tribal gaming rights in Texas, clearing the path for the tribe to proceed with larger facilities after years of regulatory discussions; that decision provided the legal foundation needed for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to advance plans that had been in development for some time.
Groundbreaking occurred in June 2026, placing the start of major construction work in a period when the tribe continued to operate its current casino without interruption, and this approach allows ongoing employment and revenue while the new resort takes shape on the adjacent acreage.
Construction Timeline and Operations
Phased openings mean certain sections of the resort, including parts of the gaming floor and hotel, will become available to the public before the full complex reaches completion by 2028, and this staged rollout helps manage both construction logistics and the transition of operations from the existing facility to the larger property.
Those involved in the project have coordinated efforts to ensure the original Naskila Casino remains fully functional during building activities, which supports continuous service to patrons and preserves jobs tied to daily gaming and hospitality functions throughout the multi-year timeline.
Regional Context
The location in Leggett, Polk County, positions the resort near Livingston and draws on established visitor patterns in the area, where the tribe has already built a presence through its current casino operations; the addition of hotel rooms and expanded event space extends the potential for longer stays and larger gatherings once the new facilities open.
Data from the tribe's earlier gaming activities shows steady interest from regional travelers, and the new resort incorporates additional amenities designed to broaden appeal while remaining within the framework established by the 2023 court ruling and subsequent tribal planning.
Conclusion
The June 18, 2026, groundbreaking marks a concrete milestone for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas as it moves forward with the Naskila Casino Resort, and the combination of new gaming capacity, hotel accommodations, and phased development through 2028 reflects the practical steps being taken after the affirming Supreme Court decision; continued operation of the existing casino during construction further supports the tribe's ongoing economic activities in Polk County. For additional details on the announcement, refer to the tribal gaming news report and related coverage from regional authorities.