Naskila Casino Resort: Major New Tribal Casino Project in Leggett, Texas
A major new casino resort is coming to East Texas.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is moving forward with the new Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett. The project marks one of the most significant tribal gaming developments in the state, with construction beginning and a temporary casino opening ahead of the full resort.
Conceptual rendering of the future Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett, Texas.
Naskila Casino Resort is a major new tribal gaming destination now underway in Leggett, Texas. Developed by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the resort represents one of the largest casino projects in the state's modern history. The long-planned expansion includes a full casino floor, hotel, dining venues, entertainment spaces, and supporting infrastructure designed to serve East Texas and the greater Houston region.
The project is advancing in phases, beginning with a temporary casino opening ahead of the full resort. With construction activity increasing and tribal leadership confirming the development timeline, Naskila Casino Resort is positioned to become a major economic driver for Polk County and a landmark addition to Texas tribal gaming.
Latest News
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe continues to release updates as the Naskila Casino Resort project moves forward. Recent announcements highlight construction progress, development milestones, and new details about the temporary casino and full resort buildout.
June 18, 2026 - Groundbreaking Held for New Naskila Casino Resort
Naskila Casino Resort has officially broken ground near Livingston, launching a 685,000-sq-ft resort with 3,400 machines, a 366-room hotel, and major new amenities. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s largest project yet is now underway, with Phase 1 opening in 2028.
Summer 2026 - Temporary Naskila Casino Opening This Summer
June 15, 2026 - The temporary casino will feature 300 Class II machines, a 24-hour deli, player's club, and 110 new jobs. It will operate during construction of the permanent resort.
2016-2024: Naskila Casino grows into a major East Texas employer, generating $251M in annual economic impact.
2023: U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirms the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's right to operate Class II gaming.
Early 2025: Planning and land preparation begin for a new resort on 95 acres in Leggett.
June 18, 2026: Official groundbreaking ceremony held for the 685,000-sq-ft Naskila Casino Resort.
2026-2027: Vertical construction, hotel tower framing, and interior infrastructure work.
Late 2028: Phase 1 opening of the new Naskila Casino Resort.
Construction Updates
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has begun full construction on the new Naskila Casino Resort following the June 18 groundbreaking ceremony. The project spans 685,000 square feet and is being built on 95 acres of tribally owned land in Leggett, Texas.
JCJ Architecture has been selected as the lead design firm, with Yates Construction overseeing the build. Early work includes site grading, utility installation, and preparation for vertical construction of the hotel tower and gaming complex.
The resort will open in phases, with the first phase scheduled for late 2028. Construction will continue throughout 2026 and 2027 as the hotel, gaming floor, restaurants, and event spaces take shape.
Resort Features
3,400 Class II gaming machines across smoking and non-smoking gaming areas
366-room hotel tower with modern guest amenities
Resort-style pool complex with outdoor leisure areas
Multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges offering diverse dining options
High-limit VIP gaming area with private access
35,000 sq. ft. of event and conference space
1,000-guest grand ballroom designed for conferences and entertainment
New parking and access improvements to support increased visitor traffic
Temporary Casino
The temporary casino will serve as the first operational phase of the project. This facility will offer a curated selection of gaming machines and essential guest services, allowing the tribe to begin operations while the full resort is being built.
Announced facts and features include:
Opening summer 2026
Operating hours 24/7
300 slot machines (Class II)
Players Club
Deli 24/7
Fountain drink station
Aproximately 300 parking spaces
110 new jobs
The temporary casino will also create early employment opportunities and provide valuable operational experience that will support the transition to the full resort.
Full Resort Buildout
The full resort will be constructed after the temporary casino is operational. This phase includes the main casino building, hotel tower, dining venues, entertainment areas, and supporting infrastructure. The resort is designed to grow over time, with space allocated for future expansions based on demand.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has emphasized that the resort will reflect the tribe's cultural heritage while providing a modern, high-quality entertainment experience.
Project Phases
Phase 1: Temporary casino opening with gaming machines and essential guest services.
Phase 2: Full resort construction, including casino, hotel, dining, and entertainment venues.
Future Phases: Potential expansions based on guest demand and long-term tribal planning.
Economic Impact
The Naskila Casino Resort project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Polk County and surrounding communities. The resort will create hundreds of construction jobs, followed by permanent positions in gaming, hospitality, food service, and administration.
The project will also support local businesses, increase tourism, and contribute to long-term economic development in East Texas. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has emphasized its commitment to responsible growth and community partnership.
Tribal Ownership
The Naskila Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, one of the state's federally recognized tribes. The tribe has a long history in Texas dating back to before 1700. Its reservation is the oldest in the state and consists of 10,200 acres located in the Big Thicket of Deep East Texas.
The resort represents a major step forward in the tribe's long-term vision for sustainable growth and expanded economic opportunity.
The tribe currently owns and operates Naskila Gaming in Livingston, Texas. The casino features 800 slot machines, and the Ischoopa Travel Center & Casino, which has 81 slot machines, a convenience store, and fuel station.
Other Texas Casinos
There are three existing tribal casinos in Texas: The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass, Maverick County, TX, the Speaking Rock Casino operated by the Tigua Indians of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso and Naskila Gaming operated by the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in Livingston, Polk County, TX.
The resort is located on 95 acres of Alabama-Coushatta Tribal land in Leggett, Texas, along the US-59 corridor. This location provides convenient access for guests traveling from Lufkin, Livingston, Nacogdoches, and the greater Houston area. The property offers ample space for current development and future expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the temporary Naskila Casino open?
This summer 2026 the temporary casino is scheduled to open in Summer 2026.
Where will the Naskila Casino Resort be located?
The Naskila Casino Resort will be located near Livingston, Texas, on Alabama-Coushatta tribal land in East Texas. The site is about an hour and a half north of Houston in east Polk County, Texas.
What type of gaming will be offered?
The temporary casino will offer Class II gaming, with expanded gaming options planned for the full resort.
Will the resort include a hotel?
Yes. The full Naskila Casino Resort is expected to include a hotel tower with guest rooms and suites.
Why is the Tribe opening a temporary casino first?
This phased approach allows the Tribe to welcome guests sooner, generate early revenue, and support construction of the full resort while building long-term awareness of Naskila Casino Resort.
Casino News Timeline
This timeline highlights major developments, expansions, announcements, and milestones for Naskila Casino Resort. Each item links to a full article in the 500 Nations News section.
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