Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Launches Major Expansion with Groundbreaking for Naskila Casino Resort
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas conducted its groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, 2026, for the new Naskila Casino Resort, a project that will occupy 95 acres in Leggett within Polk County and deliver a 685,000-square-foot full-scale resort casino, while the tribe sustains operations at its existing facility throughout the build period.
Project Scale and Key Components
Construction crews will install 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines alongside a 366-room hotel, multiple restaurants, dedicated event space, and additional amenities that together form the resort complex, with all elements scheduled for phased openings extending through 2028, and observers note the development directly follows the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed tribal gaming rights in the state.
Those familiar with the site explain how the new resort expands beyond the current Naskila Casino footprint yet keeps the original location active so revenue streams remain uninterrupted during construction, a strategy that allows the tribe to manage both facilities in parallel until the larger property reaches completion.
Development Timeline and Ongoing Operations
Work on the 95-acre parcel began immediately after the June 18, 2026 ceremony, with initial phases focusing on foundational infrastructure and gaming floor preparation while later stages will bring the hotel tower, dining venues, and event facilities online in sequence through 2028, ensuring each segment meets regulatory standards before opening to the public.
The tribe will continue running its established Naskila Casino without interruption, which means guests can access current gaming options even as crews develop the expanded resort nearby, and this dual-operation approach supports steady employment and community services funded by existing revenues.
Regulatory Context and Tribal Gaming Framework
According to records from the National Indian Gaming Commission, the project aligns with federal guidelines established after the 2023 Supreme Court decision, which clarified tribal authority over Class II gaming on lands in Texas, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has coordinated with state and federal agencies to secure the necessary approvals before breaking ground.
Polk County officials participated in the ceremony alongside tribal leaders, highlighting local coordination on infrastructure improvements such as road access and utilities that will serve both the new resort and surrounding communities once phased openings commence.
Facility Features and Future Phases
Inside the 685,000-square-foot building, visitors will find the 3,400 electronic gaming machines arranged across dedicated floors, while the 366-room hotel will offer overnight accommodations connected directly to the gaming and dining areas, and separate event spaces will accommodate conferences, performances, and private functions as later phases reach completion by 2028.
Restaurant concepts will occupy multiple locations within the resort, providing varied dining options that complement the gaming experience, and planners have incorporated flexible layouts so each phase can open independently once inspections conclude, minimizing delays for subsequent segments.
Conclusion
The June 18, 2026 groundbreaking marks the formal start of a multi-year effort by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to expand its gaming presence in Leggett while preserving the operational continuity of the original Naskila Casino, with all components designed to open progressively through 2028 under the framework established by the 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Further details appear in coverage from 500 Nations, and additional regulatory context is available through the National Indian Gaming Commission.