A groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the past of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and looked to the future of Naskila Casino in Leggett Thursday morning off Highway 59, highlighted by performances and several speakers.
Under a tent at the construction site of Naskila Casino Resort, the Tribe marked its next phase of growth while acknowledging a 10-year anniversary. Along with a Flag Song, flute performance and invocation from princesses, Tribal Council members shared the vision for upcoming economic and community investment.
“I am standing here before you with such emotion, Tribal Vice-Chair Nita Battise said to an audience of hundreds. “It has been a long time coming. “On a hot, muggy Saturday morning Aug. 1, 2015, we all assembled in what is now the Naskila Casino. The purpose of this meeting was to reach out to tribal citizens to discuss the opportunity for Tribal gaming as a source of economic development.”
From that meeting, Battise said many years of hard work brought the tribe to the festivities Thursday. The groundbreaking was just the final step of battles with the state over gaming rights.
“This was not an easy task. We are resilient people, and we are reminded of those who went before us who paved this path for us,” Battise said. “So, we too will be resilient, we too will make that effort to spend forward. That’s what we did. I learned a lot about Tribal gaming in a short period of time.”
Spanning 95 acres on Alabama-Coushatta Tribal land at 10450 US-59 in Leggett, the future Naskila Casino Resort will be developed in phases. Once complete, the approximately 685,000-square-foot structure will feature an expansive gaming floor, a hotel of 366 rooms, entertainment amenities, various dining options, a resort-style pool complex, and event and conference space.
Opening in late 2028, guests can choose from approximately 3,400 electronic bingo machines, dedicated non-smoking, smoking, high-limit VIP casino areas, and a variety of restaurants, bars, lounges, and food hall concepts.
There will be approximately 35,000 square feet of flexible event and conference space, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 guests and designed to attract conferences, special events and group gatherings from across the region.
As development progresses, additional phases and amenities will be announced, allowing the casino resort to evolve in response to guest demand and future growth opportunities.
“Today marks an important milestone in Naskila’s journey and the future of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe,” Naskila Casino General Manager Keith Sherer said. “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.”
Leading the project’s design is JCJ Architecture, an award-winning firm with decades of experience creating some of the most successful gaming, hospitality and entertainment destinations in North America. Yates Construction leads the building, as one of the nation’s premier companies, consistently recognized among the top commercial construction firms in the United States.
Naskila Casino opened in 2016 and has grown into a recognized regional destination known for its gaming excitement, hospitality and guest-centered entertainment experience. Naskila Casino also operates Ischoopa Travel Center, offering guests convenient access to fuel, travel essentials and an additional gaming experience.
According to a recent study commissioned by the Texas Forest Country Partnership, Naskila Casino generates an annual economic impact of $251.7 million, creating more than 1,000 permanent local jobs. The future Naskila Casino Resort is expected to build on that momentum, creating additional jobs and generating new economic opportunities for the Tribe and surrounding communities.
As part of the next phase, Naskila Casino will expand and open Naskila Casino Leggett, a new temporary gaming experience located on the future site of the planned development. Set to open later this summer, this new 24-hour gaming facility will feature 300 electronic bingo machines, and dedicated smoking and non-smoking areas. Diners can enjoy a 24-hour venue offering quick and convenient bites.
