News Summary
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe has announced plans to relocate and expand the Naskila Gaming casino into a full-scale casino resort in Leggett, Texas. This major expansion aims to boost the local economy by creating approximately 1,000 new jobs and revitalizing the area. The project has received approval from regulatory authorities and is expected to offer a premier entertainment destination while sustaining its role in the local job market. As the community anticipates this transformation, it signifies a potential shift in gaming and entertainment in Texas.
Texas: Leggett’s Naskila Gaming Casino to Undergo Major Expansion
Leggett, Texas is set for a significant transformation as the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas announces plans to relocate and expand its Naskila Gaming casino into a full-scale casino resort. The announcement was made on September 25, 2025, sparking excitement among community members eager to witness the upcoming changes.
Current Operations and Economic Impact
The Naskila Gaming casino, operational since 2016, boasts approximately 900 electronic bingo machines and has become a vital entertainment hub in the local area. Recent research from the Texas Forest Country Partnership indicates that the casino is responsible for sustaining more than 1,000 permanent jobs and contributes over 15% of private sector wages in Polk County. These contributions highlight the casino’s role in enhancing the community’s economic landscape.
On September 20, 2025, tribe members approved the relocation of the casino during a critical meeting. This ensures that the casino resort will remain in Polk County, reinforcing the area’s economic stability and growth.
Plans for the Casino Resort
With endorsements from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Solicitor’s Office, the proposed casino resort is on track to become a leading gaming and entertainment venue in Texas. The land for this new property has been held in trust since 2001, adding historical significance to the project.
Although specific details regarding the casino resort’s features are still under discussion, the Tribal Council Chairwoman has emphasized the project’s potential to create vast economic opportunities and develop a premier entertainment destination in East Texas.
Anticipated Employment Boost
The construction of the casino resort is projected to bring about 1,000 additional jobs to the Leggett community, signaling a substantial opportunity for local employment. This anticipated influx highlights a pathway toward enhanced economic growth for the region.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Texas, as it aims to be the first full-scale casino resort in the state. Currently, the only other tribal casino is the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, which, like Naskila, is limited to Class II gaming operations.
Moving Forward
The transition from vision to reality is already in progress, with the architectural firm FFKR engaged in designing the new Naskila Casino Resort. Groundbreaking is anticipated later in 2025, representing a new chapter that promises an expansion of entertainment options and heightened economic activity in the local area.
As Leggett prepares for this significant development, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, alongside the local community, looks forward to a prosperous future shaped by this ambitious project. Updates on the project’s progress will be closely monitored, as the excitement builds around potential new opportunities for residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tribal Business News
- Wikipedia: Naskila Gaming
- Bluebonnet News
- Google Search: Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas
- Chron.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Casino
- Gaming America
- Google News: Texas tribal gaming
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