Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Begins Construction on Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas held an official groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, 2026, for a full-scale casino resort on 95 acres of tribally owned land near Leggett in Polk County. The project spans 685,000 square feet and incorporates 3,400 Class II gaming machines along with a 366-room hotel, pool area, multiple restaurants, and dedicated event space. Phased openings remain targeted for late 2028, and the development aligns with the 10th anniversary of the tribe's existing Naskila Gaming facility. Construction follows a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that affirmed tribal gaming rights on the tribe's lands, and crews have already begun site work to support the expanded operation. The new resort builds directly on the success of the current casino, which opened in 2016 and has operated continuously since that time.

Project Specifications and Timeline

Developers outlined a multi-phase construction schedule that prioritizes the gaming floor and hotel tower first, with additional amenities such as restaurants and event venues scheduled for subsequent stages. The 685,000-square-foot complex will occupy the 95-acre parcel, and planners have incorporated infrastructure improvements including access roads and utility connections to accommodate increased visitor traffic once operations begin. Observers note that the 3,400 Class II machines represent a substantial increase over current capacity at the existing property, while the 366-room hotel addresses lodging demand that has grown steadily in the region since 2016.

Groundbreaking activities on June 18, 2026, included traditional ceremonies conducted by tribal leaders followed by equipment mobilization for initial earthwork. Project managers indicated that vertical construction on the hotel and gaming areas could commence within months, provided weather and supply chain conditions remain favorable. Late 2028 openings will occur in stages, beginning with core gaming and hotel functions before full resort amenities come online.

Legal and Historical Context

The 2023 Supreme Court ruling clarified the tribe's authority to conduct gaming operations on its lands in Texas, removing prior legal obstacles that had limited expansion. That decision directly enabled the current project, which tribal officials have described as a long-planned response to sustained visitor interest. The existing Naskila Gaming facility marked its tenth anniversary in 2026, and the new resort extends the tribe's presence in Polk County while creating additional employment and revenue streams.

Federal recognition of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe dates back decades, and gaming operations have formed an integral part of economic development strategies since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Data compiled by the National Indian Gaming Commission shows that tribal gaming facilities nationwide generated substantial revenues in recent years, supporting community programs in housing, education, and health services. The Leggett project fits within this established framework.

Economic and Community Considerations

Local officials in Polk County have tracked the project's permitting process, and construction activity is expected to generate temporary jobs during the build phase before permanent positions open at the resort. The 95-acre site provides ample room for parking and future expansions beyond the initial 685,000 square feet. Restaurant and event space allocations reflect patterns observed at other tribal resorts, where diversified amenities help attract regional visitors and extend average stay durations.

Studies from the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development have documented how gaming revenues contribute to tribal self-sufficiency across multiple states. In Texas, the Alabama-Coushatta operation remains one of the few active tribal gaming sites, and the new resort expands that footprint without altering the Class II machine classification that defines current offerings. Coordination with state and federal agencies continues throughout construction to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Looking Ahead to 2028 Operations

Phased openings in late 2028 will allow the tribe to test systems and adjust staffing levels incrementally. The 366-room hotel stands as a central feature, while pool and event facilities will support both gaming and non-gaming events once fully operational. Project timelines account for potential supply delays, and contingency plans remain in place to maintain the overall schedule.

Community benefit agreements tied to the development include provisions for local infrastructure support and workforce training programs. These elements reflect standard practices in tribal gaming projects nationwide, where long-term partnerships with surrounding communities often accompany major construction initiatives.

Conclusion

The June 18, 2026, groundbreaking marks a concrete step forward for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's gaming enterprise in East Texas. With 3,400 Class II machines, a 366-room hotel, and supporting amenities planned across 685,000 square feet, the Naskila Casino Resort will significantly enlarge the tribe's existing operations once phased openings conclude in late 2028. The project rests on the legal foundation established by the 2023 Supreme Court ruling and coincides with the tenth anniversary of the original casino, positioning the tribe for expanded activity in Polk County.