For those looking to explore a new entertainment destination, the East Texas town of Leggett will soon be home to a significant new project. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, a federally recognized sovereign nation, has officially broken ground on a permanent, 685,000-square-foot casino and resort. Here is a look at what the upcoming development entails.
The Background of Naskila Casino
Since 2016, the tribe has operated the original Naskila Casino just outside of Livingston. The current 30,000-square-foot gaming hall houses between 800 and 1,000 electronic bingo machines. While it remains a notable local attraction, the existing space does not offer alcohol, a hotel, or resort amenities.
The casino also faced years of legal challenges regarding its operations. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling affirming the tribe’s sovereign right to operate Class II electronic bingo, paving the way for this upcoming expansion.
Plans for the Naskila Casino Resort
This past June, ground was broken on the permanent Naskila Casino Resort in Leggett. Set across 95 acres of tribal reservation land, the property is designed to be one of the largest hospitality projects in the region. Once completed, the resort will feature a 366-room hotel, various fine dining options, an event center, and a resort-style swimming pool, offering a more comprehensive experience than the current facility.
A Temporary Casino Facility
For visitors interested in gaming before the main resort is completed, the tribe is opening a temporary, 24/7 casino facility on the reservation this summer. Built to accommodate guests while the permanent structure undergoes vertical construction, this venue will feature 300 electronic bingo machines, a 24-hour deli, fountain drink stations, and a players club.
Project Timeline
The temporary facility is scheduled to open its doors to the public this summer. Looking toward the future, officials anticipate rolling out new concepts of the permanent Naskila Casino Resort in late 2028.
This initial opening phase will include dedicated VIP casino areas, around 3,400 bingo machines, 35,000 square feet of flexible event and conference space including a grand ballroom, as well as restaurants, bars, lounges, and food hall concepts.
