Naskila Casino Resort Breaks Ground June 18 Near Livingston, Marking Major Expansion for Alabama-Coushatta Tribe
LEGGETT, Texas - June 16, 2026.
Updates June 19, 2026
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas officially broke ground Thursday on the future Naskila Casino Resort, launching construction on what will become a 685,000-square-foot, full-scale resort casino on 95 acres of tribally owned land in Leggett. The ceremony marks the beginning of the largest economic development project in the tribe's modern history.
The groundbreaking coincides with Naskila Casino's 10th anniversary, underscoring a decade of growth that tribal leaders say laid the foundation for this next phase.
#1 Choice of U.S. Players!A resort-scale project opening in phases through 2028
Newly released details confirm the permanent resort will include:
- 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines
- A multi-story, 366-room hotel
- A resort-style pool complex
- Multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges
- A high-limit VIP gaming area
- Dedicated smoking and non-smoking gaming areas
- Approximately 35,000 square feet of event and conference space
- A 1,000-guest grand ballroom designed to attract conferences and regional events
The resort will open in phases, with the first phase scheduled for late 2028.
JCJ Architecture has been selected as the lead design firm, and Yates Construction will oversee construction.
A historic milestone for tribal sovereignty and economic growth
Tribal leaders emphasized the significance of the moment, noting the decades-long struggle to secure the right to operate gaming facilities. Vice-Chairwoman Nita Battise described the day as the result of "resilience" in the face of obstacles.
The project follows the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming that Texas cannot impose state gaming regulations on the tribe, clearing the way for expanded Class II gaming under federal oversight.
Today, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is one of three federally recognized tribes in Texas operating electronic bingo casinos, alongside the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe in Eagle Pass and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso.
Groundbreaking ceremony blended tradition and celebration
The June 18 ceremony featured:
- A Flag Song performed by Tribal Singers
- A musical prelude
- An invocation by the Tribal Princess and Jr. Tribal Princess
- Remarks from tribal leaders including Principal Chief Mikko Kanicu Donnis Battise, Second Chief Mikko Istimatokla Maanaatiika Herbert Johnson Jr., and Tribal Council Chairman Ricky Sylestine
- Participation from Naskila Casino leadership and project partners
- A ceremonial turning of the dirt
These cultural elements were highlighted as central to the event's significance.
Economic impact and the future of Naskila gaming
Naskila Casino currently generates $251 million in annual economic impact and supports more than 1,000 permanent jobs in East Texas, according to casino officials. The new resort is expected to expand that impact significantly.
The tribe will continue operating the existing Naskila Casino on its reservation near Livingston during construction. It remains unclear whether the original facility will remain open once the new resort launches.
