Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Initiates Major Expansion with New Resort Casino in Texas
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas officially broke ground on June 18, 2026, for a major new resort casino called Naskila Casino Resort on 95 acres in Leggett, Polk County, Texas, and this project marks a significant step forward in the tribe's gaming operations following earlier legal developments.
Observers note that the 685,000-square-foot facility will feature 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines along with a 366-room hotel, multiple restaurants, and dedicated event space, while the phased opening remains targeted for late 2028 as construction progresses through several stages.
Project Scope and Development Timeline
Developers have outlined a comprehensive plan that integrates the new resort with the tribe's existing Naskila Casino operations, and this approach allows for a smooth transition as the larger property comes online over the next two years. The site spans 95 acres which provides ample room for parking, landscaping, and future expansions beyond the initial structures, whereas the core building will house the gaming floor, hotel tower, and dining venues under one connected design.
Construction crews began site preparation immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony, and engineers expect the first phase to focus on foundational work and utility infrastructure before vertical construction starts in early 2027. Data from similar projects in other states shows that phased openings help manage operational ramp-up while allowing the tribe to test systems gradually, and this strategy aligns with the late-2028 target for initial guest access.
Legal Foundation and Regional Context
The project follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed tribal gaming rights in Texas, and this decision cleared the path for expanded facilities on tribal land. According to reports from tribal officials, the new resort builds directly on the success of the current Naskila Casino which already operates electronic gaming machines under the same regulatory framework established after the court decision.
Polk County officials have worked closely with the tribe throughout the planning process, and local economic studies indicate that the development will generate construction jobs during the build phase followed by hundreds of permanent positions once the resort opens. The 95-acre parcel lies near Livingston which positions the property within easy reach of major highways connecting Houston and other population centers in southeast Texas.
Facility Features and Operational Plans
Inside the main building, guests will find 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines spread across a spacious floor designed for comfort and accessibility, while the 366-room hotel offers standard rooms plus premium suites for extended stays. Multiple restaurants will serve a range of cuisines from casual fare to upscale dining, and event space will accommodate conferences, weddings, and live entertainment that draws from regional markets.
Tribal leaders have stated that the resort will maintain the same standards of responsible gaming already in place at the existing casino, and training programs for new staff will emphasize customer service alongside regulatory compliance. The phased opening strategy means certain amenities such as the hotel and select restaurants may launch slightly ahead of the full gaming floor if construction milestones are met ahead of schedule.
Conclusion
The June 18, 2026, groundbreaking represents a milestone for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas as it moves forward with the Naskila Casino Resort on its 95-acre site in Leggett, and the 685,000-square-foot complex with its 3,400 gaming machines, 366-room hotel, restaurants, and event facilities is scheduled for phased opening in late 2028. For more details on the announcement, see the original coverage from 500 Nations. This development continues the tribe's established gaming operations while adhering to the legal framework set by the 2023 Supreme Court decision.