Naskila Casino Resort Breaks Ground in East Texas

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has officially started construction on the future Naskila Casino Resort, launching a development that tribal leaders expect will expand tourism, create new jobs, and strengthen long-term economic opportunities in Deep East Texas.

Representatives of the tribe, local officials, casino employees, and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of work on the new property. The project will be developed on approximately 95 acres of tribal land in Leggett, a community located about nine miles north of Livingston along U.S. Highway 59 in Polk County.

The planned resort represents a significant expansion of the tribe’s gaming operations and will relocate activity beyond the current Alabama-Coushatta Reservation site between Livingston and Woodville. Tribal leaders expect the resort to attract visitors from across Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area, located roughly 85 miles to the south.

If construction proceeds as scheduled, the resort is expected to open in late 2028.

Large-scale resort planned for East Texas

As reported by KJAS, project plans call for a gaming and hospitality destination featuring approximately 3,400 gaming machines along with dedicated smoking and non-smoking gaming areas.

The development will include a hotel with 366 rooms, a resort-style swimming pool, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and conference facilities designed to support both leisure and business travel.

Additional features include an event center and design elements intended to reflect Alabama-Coushatta heritage and culture.

The project will become one of the largest hospitality developments planned for the region in recent years. Tribal officials believe the resort will increase visitor numbers to Polk County and surrounding communities while creating additional employment opportunities.

The groundbreaking arrives during a milestone year for Naskila Casino, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Since opening in 2016, the casino has operated Class II electronic bingo gaming and developed into a major employer in the area.

Tribal leaders highlight long-term vision

During the ceremony, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Chairman Ricky Sylestine described the project as the result of years of effort and planning.

“It’s a long time coming really, it’s something that’s needed,” Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Chairman Ricky Sylestine said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “We started out from nothing, now to where we are today, just because of the gaming aspect of it, we’ve really been blessed at this point.”

Sylestine also reflected on the broader significance of the project for future generations of tribal members.

“I get emotional but, this is for our kids, this is for their kids, their kids kids,” said Sylestine. “It took a lot of planning it took years really, it’s just something that people before us, other council members before have looked forward to.”

He added: “I’m looking out for them. That’s what I want to do, I always said this is my goal to be on council I want a better life for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe.”

Vice-Chairperson Nita Battise said the ceremony also served as a reminder of the contributions made by previous tribal leaders.

“I actually thought about past tribal members, our past Minkos, our chiefs, who were instrumental in getting this done who are no longer with us,” Battise said. “So their dream is becoming reality, and this reality will move forward.”

Discussing the project’s future impact, Battise added: “What it means to us, for our future, for those who are following us, an opportunity to advance themselves in education, job opportunities, beyond something I could not even imagine myself.”

Economic impact and expansion plans

According to tribal officials, Naskila Casino currently generates approximately $251 million in annual economic impact and has created more than 1,000 permanent jobs since opening. The casino has become the second-largest employer in Polk County.

Revenue generated by gaming operations has also supported housing projects, scholarship programs, and other community initiatives. Tribal representatives say casino operations have already enabled the construction of 13 homes for tribal members, with additional residential development planned.

The tribe also continues to expand its gaming footprint before the resort opens. Earlier this year, officials announced plans for a temporary casino facility on reservation land. Scheduled to open during summer 2026, the venue will operate around the clock and feature 300 electronic bingo machines, a 24-hour deli, fountain drink stations, a players club, and approximately 300 parking spaces.

Chairman Sylestine previously stated that the temporary venue is expected to create 110 new jobs.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe also operates the Ischoopa Travel Center on reservation land along U.S. Highway 190, which includes fuel services, convenience retail, food offerings, and gaming amenities.

Tribal leaders and casino executives described the groundbreaking as the culmination of a lengthy process that included legal disputes over gaming rights.

Keith Sherrer, interim general manager and chief operating officer of Naskila, noted the challenges faced after the original casino opened.

“When we opened the original casino, the state of Texas filed a lawsuit and tried to shut us down. It was roughly a five year legal fight,” Sherrer said.

He said the new property will offer visitors a significantly larger entertainment experience.

“This is going to be a much more grand experience, a much more refined experience, where we continue to offer the same fun games that people have come accustom to playing,” he said.

Second Chief Herbert Johnson said the project also carries symbolic importance for the tribe.

“Ladies and Gentlemen we’re here today to tell you that, as Alabama Coushatta people, that we are here, we’ve been here in East Texas, and we’ll forever be your friend,” Johnson said.