Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Launches Construction on Expanded Naskila Casino Resort Project

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas conducted its groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, 2026, for the Naskila Casino Resort, a full-scale development spanning 685,000 square feet across 95 acres in Leggett, Polk County, and the project incorporates 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines along with a 366-room hotel, multiple restaurants, event space, and additional amenities. Construction proceeds in phases with openings scheduled through 2028, while the tribe maintains operations at its existing Naskila Casino throughout the build period. This development follows the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed tribal gaming rights, which cleared the path for the tribe to advance the resort plans. The ceremony brought together tribal leaders, local officials, and project partners to mark the official start of work on the site near Livingston.

Project Scale and Core Components

The resort occupies a substantial footprint that allows for integrated facilities designed to operate as a single destination. The main gaming area houses 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines, and these units form the central entertainment offering. Adjacent structures include a 366-room hotel that provides overnight accommodations for visitors, while separate dining venues and event spaces support a range of activities from casual meals to large gatherings.

Additional elements such as parking infrastructure, support services, and landscaping complete the 95-acre layout. The overall design coordinates these features so that guests can move between gaming, lodging, and dining areas without leaving the property.

Construction Timeline and Ongoing Operations

Phased openings extend through 2028, which means portions of the resort become available incrementally rather than all at once. Early phases focus on core gaming and hotel functions, with later stages adding restaurants and event venues. This approach allows the tribe to bring facilities online as construction milestones are reached.

Throughout the entire process the existing Naskila Casino remains open and continues to serve guests. The tribe has confirmed that regular operations at the current location will not be interrupted, which preserves revenue streams and maintains employment levels during the transition to the new resort.

Legal Context and Tribal Authority

The 2023 Supreme Court decision established clearer parameters for tribal gaming activities in Texas, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe moved forward with planning once those parameters were set. The ruling addressed questions of jurisdiction and compact authority, which directly enabled teh current resort project to proceed under tribal oversight.

Under the terms established by the court, the tribe retains control over the development and operation of the new facility. This structure aligns with broader federal recognition of tribal sovereignty in gaming matters, and it positions the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to manage both the existing casino and the expanded resort as distinct but connected enterprises.

Economic and Employment Considerations

The project introduces new construction jobs during the building phase and creates permanent positions once sections of the resort open. Gaming floor staff, hotel personnel, food service workers, and event coordinators represent some of the roles that will be filled as each phase becomes operational.

Local suppliers and contractors in Polk County stand to benefit from material and service contracts tied to the development. The phased schedule spreads these opportunities across several years rather than concentrating them in a single period.

Integration with Existing Casino

The tribe's decision to keep the current Naskila Casino running means that players continue to access familiar gaming options without interruption. Management has indicated that marketing and loyalty programs at the existing site will remain active, which helps retain the current customer base while the new resort takes shape.

Once the resort opens in stages, the tribe plans to evaluate how the two locations complement each other. The existing casino can continue to focus on its established offerings, whereas the larger resort adds hotel stays and expanded amenities that were not previously available on site.

Conclusion

The June 18, 2026, groundbreaking represents a concrete step in the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's long-term development strategy. With the 685,000-square-foot resort, 3,400 gaming machines, 366-room hotel, and supporting facilities moving toward phased completion by 2028, the project expands the tribe's presence in Polk County while the existing Naskila Casino continues uninterrupted service. The framework established by the 2023 Supreme Court ruling provides the legal foundation that supports these activities. Further updates on construction progress and opening dates will be released as milestones are achieved. Source details from the original announcement confirm the timeline and specifications outlined above.