Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Advances Major Expansion With Naskila Casino Resort Groundbreaking

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas officially broke ground on June 18, 2026, for its Naskila Casino Resort, a 685,000-square-foot facility that will occupy 95 acres in Leggett, Polk County, and the project marks a significant step in the tribe's long-term development plans while building directly on the operations of its existing Naskila Casino.

Construction crews began site work that day under clear skies, and tribal leaders joined local officials along with project partners to mark the occasion with a traditional ceremony followed by remarks on the economic path ahead; the resort will feature 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines, a 366-room hotel, multiple restaurants, event space, and supporting amenities, with a phased opening targeted for late 2028.

Project Scope and Design Details

Developers have outlined a full-scale resort that integrates gaming, lodging, dining, and entertainment under one expansive roof, and the 685,000-square-foot footprint allows for future growth while the initial phase prioritizes the gaming floor, hotel tower, and core dining options; Polk County officials have noted that the 95-acre site provides ample room for parking, landscaping, and additional structures that may come online after the first opening wave.

Design plans call for modern architecture that reflects tribal heritage alongside contemporary resort standards, and the 366-room hotel will offer standard rooms plus suites aimed at overnight visitors who travel from Houston, Dallas, and surrounding regions; restaurants will range from casual dining to upscale options, while event space will accommodate conferences, weddings, and live performances.

Legal Foundation and Timeline

The project follows the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed tribal gaming rights in Texas, and that decision cleared the way for the tribe to move forward with larger-scale facilities after years of operating the smaller Naskila Casino; construction is now underway with a phased approach that allows portions of the resort to open incrementally rather than waiting for the entire complex to reach completion.

Observers note that late 2028 remains the target for initial operations, yet the tribe has emphasized flexibility in case supply chain or permitting factors shift the schedule; the existing Naskila Casino will continue to function during construction, and management expects a smooth transition once the new resort begins welcoming guests in stages.

Economic Context for Polk County

Local leaders in Polk County have highlighted the potential for job creation and increased visitor traffic once the resort opens, and the 95-acre development sits near Livingston, which already draws some traffic from the current casino; the larger facility is expected to extend visitor stays through the addition of the 366-room hotel and expanded dining and entertainment options.

According to project documents, the resort will include infrastructure upgrades that benefit both the casino operations and the surrounding community, while tribal representatives have stated that revenue from the expanded gaming floor will support tribal programs and services; the 3,400 Class II electronic gaming machines represent a substantial increase over the current Naskila Casino inventory, and that scale aligns with the tribe's goal of competing more effectively in the regional entertainment market.

Construction Phases and Future Outlook

Work on the site is divided into phases that prioritize the gaming and hotel structures first, followed by restaurants and event spaces in subsequent stages; contractors have begun clearing and grading the 95 acres, and vertical construction is scheduled to ramp up through 2027 as foundation and structural work advance.

Those involved in the project point to the 2023 Supreme Court decision as the key turning point that allowed planning to accelerate, and the June 18, 2026, groundbreaking serves as the visible start of a multi-year effort that will reshape the local landscape; updates on progress will be shared periodically as milestones are reached.

Conclusion

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's Naskila Casino Resort represents the next chapter in a development story that stretches back through years of legal and operational milestones, and the June 18, 2026, groundbreaking sets a clear timeline toward a late-2028 opening that will bring 3,400 machines, 366 hotel rooms, and supporting amenities to the 95-acre Leggett site; as construction proceeds, the tribe continues to operate its existing casino while preparing for the larger resort that will follow.