Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Marks First Major Expansion with Temporary Naskila Casino Opening in Polk County

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened its Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett, Polk County, Texas, on August 25, 2026, at 8 a.m., and the 24/7 facility immediately began operations with approximately 300 Class II electronic gaming machines plus a deli and players club amenities. This launch represents the tribe's initial major expansion beyond its existing Livingston location after years of legal efforts to establish gaming operations in the region.

Construction on the adjacent permanent Naskila Casino Resort continues following a ground breaking in June 2026, with a full opening targeted for 2027–2028. The temporary site serves as an interim step that allows the tribe to generate revenue and employment while the larger project advances through its development phases.

Facility Features and Operations

Observers note that the temporary casino operates continuously, which provides consistent access to the gaming floor equipped with roughly 300 Class II electronic machines designed for tribal gaming environments. A deli offers food options for visitors, while the players club provides loyalty programs that track activity and deliver rewards based on participation levels.

These elements combine to create a functional gaming and hospitality space that meets immediate community and visitor needs. The setup supports steady operations without requiring the full infrastructure of the permanent resort still under construction nearby.

Economic Impact Through Job Creation

The opening has generated between 100 and 110 new positions in Leggett and the surrounding Polk County area, and these roles span gaming operations, food service, guest services, and facility maintenance. Local hiring efforts have drawn from the regional workforce, which helps distribute economic activity tied directly to the casino's daily functions.

Data from the project indicates that the temporary facility functions as both an employment hub and a revenue source during the construction period. Employment figures remain stable as the site maintains 24-hour service, which requires shift coverage across multiple departments.

Timeline of Development and Legal Context

The tribe broke ground on the permanent resort in June 2026 after securing necessary approvals through extended legal processes. Full operations at the larger facility remain scheduled for the 2027–2028 window, which allows time for completion of structural work, regulatory reviews, and integration of additional amenities.

Reports from local coverage confirm that the temporary opening follows multiple years of negotiations and court proceedings that cleared the path for Class II gaming on tribal land in Polk County. This sequence aligns with broader patterns observed in tribal gaming expansions across Texas and neighboring states.

Connection to Existing Operations in Livingston

The new site in Leggett extends the tribe's gaming presence beyond the original Livingston facility, and this step creates a second operational location within the region. Management has coordinated staffing and supply chains between the two sites to maintain consistency in service standards and player experiences.

Both locations operate under the same tribal gaming authority, which ensures unified oversight while allowing each venue to serve distinct geographic markets. The temporary casino's players club integrates with existing loyalty systems from the Livingston property, which enables members to earn and redeem points across locations.

Construction Progress on Permanent Resort

Work on the permanent Naskila Casino Resort proceeds on schedule since the June 2026 groundbreaking, and crews continue site preparation along with foundational and structural phases. The larger project will eventually replace the temporary facility with expanded gaming options, additional dining venues, and resort-style accommodations.

Project timelines project completion within the 2027–2028 range, which depends on factors such as material availability, weather conditions, and final regulatory inspections. Once operational, the permanent resort is expected to increase overall capacity and employment beyond current temporary levels.

Conclusion

The August 25, 2026, opening of the Temporary Naskila Casino establishes a new operational milestone for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, and it delivers immediate employment opportunities alongside continued progress toward the permanent resort. Ongoing construction and the existing temporary operations together position the tribe for expanded presence in Polk County through the coming years.