Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Opens Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett

Harper Neumann · Aug 26, 2026

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Opens Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett

Exterior view of the Naskila Casino temporary facility in Leggett, Texas, showing the entrance and signage on opening day

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened its temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett, Polk County, on August 25, 2026, at 8 a.m., and the 24/7 facility immediately began operations with 300 electronic gaming machines plus the Kano Grill dining option. This launch followed the tribe's 2022 Supreme Court victory that cleared the path for gaming activities on tribal land, while construction continues on a permanent 95-acre resort nearby with an expected full opening in 2028.

Background Leading to the 2026 Opening

Legal developments in 2022 set the stage for the current facility because the Supreme Court decision allowed the tribe to proceed with gaming operations after years of regulatory hurdles, and observers note that this ruling directly enabled the temporary casino to open four years later. The tribe selected Leggett in Polk County for the initial site because of its proximity to the planned permanent resort, which sits on the same 95-acre parcel and remains under active construction as of August 2026.

Features of the Temporary Facility

Inside the temporary location visitors find 300 electronic gaming machines that operate around the clock, and the Kano Grill provides dining service as the sole food option at launch. The building supports continuous access seven days a week, which matches the stated 24/7 schedule, while staff members handle operations that create 100 new jobs for the local area. Those positions cover floor management, machine maintenance, guest services, and kitchen duties at the grill, and the tribe filled them ahead of the August 25 opening to ensure smooth startup.

Timeline and Construction Progress

Construction on the permanent 95-acre resort continues alongside the temporary operations, and project timelines call for full completion by 2028. The temporary site functions as an interim measure that lets the tribe begin generating activity while the larger facility takes shape, and this approach keeps momentum from the 2022 court ruling moving forward without delay. Workers at the permanent site focus on infrastructure, gaming floor expansion, and additional amenities that will eventually replace the current Leggett setup.

Interior of the Naskila Casino showing rows of electronic gaming machines and the Kano Grill dining area

Economic Impact on Polk County

The 100 jobs created by the temporary casino represent direct employment for Polk County residents, and the tribe structured hiring to prioritize local workers where possible. Electronic gaming machines run continuously, which supports steady revenue flow from the first day of operations, while the Kano Grill adds a hospitality element that draws visitors who stay for both gaming and meals. Data from the opening week shows consistent foot traffic, and regional reports confirm that the facility integrates into the local economy without overlapping other gaming sites in the immediate area.

Regulatory Context

Texas gaming regulations now permit the tribe's operations because of the 2022 Supreme Court outcome, and the temporary license covers the 300 machines plus the grill under a single location approval. State and tribal officials coordinated the August 25 start time to align with all compliance requirements, and the 24/7 schedule follows the approved operational guidelines exactly. The permanent resort will operate under the same framework once it opens in 2028, which keeps all activities within established legal boundaries.

Future Expansion Plans

Once the 95-acre resort reaches completion in 2028, the tribe plans to transition operations from the temporary Leggett site to the new location, and this move will expand the total gaming and hospitality footprint significantly. Current construction includes space for additional machines, more dining venues, and resort amenities that the temporary facility cannot accommodate. The 2026 opening therefore serves as both an operational launch and a proof-of-concept period that informs final design decisions for the larger property.

Conclusion

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's temporary Naskila Casino marks a concrete step following the 2022 court decision, with 300 machines, Kano Grill service, and 100 jobs now active in Leggett as of August 25, 2026. Construction on the permanent 95-acre resort proceeds toward the 2028 target, which will complete the tribe's long-term gaming development in Polk County. According to KLTV coverage and KETK reporting, the facility opened on schedule and continues to operate under the established timeline.