Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Advances Major Resort Project with June Ceremony in East Texas
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas conducted its official groundbreaking on June 18, 2026 for the Naskila Casino Resort, a full-scale destination that spans 685,000 square feet across 95 acres in Leggett within Polk County, and this step follows years of planning that gained momentum after the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming tribal authority over gaming operations on sovereign land.
Project Scope and Timeline
Construction crews will deliver 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines alongside a 366-room hotel, multiple dining venues, and dedicated event facilities, with phased openings scheduled to roll out through 2028 while the tribe maintains continuous operations at its existing Naskila Casino nearby. Observers note that this measured approach allows revenue from the current property to support ongoing development without interruption, and contractors have already begun site preparation on the selected acreage.
Legal Foundation and Tribal Context
The 2023 Supreme Court ruling provided the clear legal pathway that enabled this expansion, and tribal officials have moved forward methodically since that decision to secure permits, financing, and design approvals. People familiar with the process point out that the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has operated Class II gaming under federal guidelines for years, yet the new resort marks the first time the group will offer a comprehensive hospitality package that includes overnight accommodations and large-scale entertainment spaces.
Construction Phases and Local Impact
Engineers have mapped out a sequence that prioritizes core gaming and hotel structures first, followed by restaurants and meeting areas in later stages, which means some amenities will become available to visitors before the entire complex reaches completion. Data from similar tribal projects in other states shows that phased openings often generate early cash flow that funds remaining work, and the tribe will apply that same strategy here while keeping the original casino running at full capacity. Local supply chains stand to benefit as materials and labor requirements increase over the multi-year build, although officials have not released specific employment projections at this stage.
Operational Continuity During Build-Out
Throughout the construction window the existing Naskila Casino will continue serving patrons without any planned closures, which preserves current employment levels and visitor traffic while the larger facility takes shape on the adjacent acreage. This dual-operation model has been used successfully by other tribes, and it allows staff to transition gradually into new roles as sections of the resort open. Equipment for the 3,400 gaming machines will arrive in stages aligned with each phase, reducing storage needs and enabling testing before public access begins.
Regional Significance
Polk County leaders have welcomed the project because it expands the local tax base and brings new infrastructure that could attract additional businesses over time, yet all approvals remain tied to the tribe’s sovereign status rather than county jurisdiction. According to reports covering the June 18 ceremony, tribal representatives emphasized that the resort will operate under the same regulatory framework already governing the current casino, which includes oversight from the National Indian Gaming Commission. No changes to that structure have been announced.
Conclusion
The June 18, 2026 groundbreaking sets a clear schedule for a resort that will eventually combine gaming, lodging, and events on a scale not previously seen from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, and the decision to keep the original casino open during construction provides a stable foundation for the multi-year effort. As phases reach completion through 2028, the property is expected to transition from groundbreaking milestone to fully operational destination while remaining firmly within the legal boundaries established by the 2023 Supreme Court affirmation of tribal gaming rights.