East Texas Home to Newest Casino Venture

By Aaron Drawhorn, 6KFDM, Beaumont

  The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Naskila Casino broke ground Thursday, June 18^th, on the future Naskila Casino Resort, marking what tribal leaders described as the next phase of growth for the gaming and entertainment destination as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

  The future Naskila Casino Resort will be built on 95 acres of Alabama-Coushatta Tribal land at 10450 U.S. Highway 59 in Leggett and will be developed in phases.

  According to the Tribe, the approximately 685,000-square-foot resort casino will include an expanded gaming floor, a 366-room hotel, entertainment amenities, dining options, a resort-style pool complex and event and conference space when completed.

  The first phase of the project is expected to open in late 2028 and will feature approximately 3,400 electronic bingo machines, dedicated smoking and non-smoking gaming areas, a high-limit VIP area, multiple restaurants, bars and lounges, and approximately 35,000 square feet of event and conference space.

  Plans call for a grand ballroom capable of accommodating 1,000 guests and attracting conferences, special events and group gatherings from across the region.

  The groundbreaking ceremony included tribal leaders, Naskila Casino leadership, community members and project partners. The event featured traditional cultural elements, including a Flag Song performed by Tribal Singers, a musical prelude, an invocation by the Tribal Princess and Jr. Tribal Princess, remarks from tribal officials and project representatives, and a ceremonial turning of the dirt.

  “Today marks an important milestone in Naskila’s journey and the future of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe,” said Keith Sherer, general manager of Naskila Casino.

  “What began as a vision has grown into a significant economic driver for East Texas, and this next phase allows us to build on that momentum. Naskila Casino Resort will create new opportunities, attract visitors from across the region and deliver lasting benefits for the Tribe, our employees, and surrounding communities for generations to come.”

  The Tribe announced that JCJ Architecture will lead the design of the resort. Construction will be led by Yates Construction.

  Naskila Casino opened in 2016. According to a study commissioned by the Texas Forest Country Partnership, the casino generates an annual economic impact of $251.7 million.

  The Tribe said Naskila Casino has created more than 1,000 permanent local jobs and purchases tens of millions of dollars in goods and services each year, including more than $8 million from vendors in Polk County.

  As part of the expansion, Naskila Casino plans to open Naskila Casino Leggett, a temporary gaming facility on the future resort site.

  The facility is expected to open later this summer and will operate 24 hours a day.

  According to the Tribe, it will feature 300 electronic bingo machines, smoking and non-smoking gaming areas, a 24-hour dining venue and the Seven Feathers Players Club.

  The Tribe said additional phases and amenities for the resort will be announced as development continues.

  According to the Tribe, it will feature 300 electronic bingo machines, smoking and non-smoking gaming areas, a 24-hour dining venue and the Seven Feathers Players Club.

  The Tribe said additional phases and amenities for the resort will be announced as development continues.