LIVINGSTON, TX – The Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes hope to reopen their
casinos, which were closed in 2002 by court orders sought by then-Attorney
General John Cornyn. The Tiguas had been operating their Speaking Rock casino
for nine years, producing $60 million annually for housing, health care and
education for their 1,600 tribal members. The Alabama-Coushatta had been
operating its casino for only nine months, generating $1 million per month for
their 1,100 tribal members.
The only tribe in Texas that is currently operating a casino is the Kickapoo in
Eagle Pass. They own and operate the Lucky Eagle Casino under authorization by
the federal government and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes will be seeking Texas legislation in 2009
to reopen their casinos.
"In the end we'll be successful. It's just not easy," said tribal council
chairman Carlos Bullock. He is working with the Tigua tribe of El Paso to get an
Indian casino bill introduced and passed when lawmakers convene in January.
"We are lining up our ducks," said Carlos Hisa, lieutenant governor for the
Tigua tribe. "We are considering everything."
Both tribes have hired prominent consultants and lobbyists in Austin, and they
know there will be strong opposition from Baptist and social conservative
activists
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