Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Launches Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett as Permanent Resort Takes Shape

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 operation immediately began serving visitors with 300 electronic gaming machines plus the Kano Grill dining option. This development follows the tribe's 2022 Supreme Court victory that cleared the path for gaming activities on tribal land, while construction continues on a larger 95-acre resort nearby with a planned full opening in 2028. People familiar with the project point out that the temporary site creates 100 jobs in Polk County, and local observers note the facility's round-the-clock availability positions it as an immediate economic contributor in the region. The casino sits in Leggett, a location chosen for its accessibility, and the opening marks a direct step forward after years of legal groundwork that culminated in the high court ruling.

Background on the Legal Path and Site Selection

The Supreme Court decision in 2022 addressed key questions about tribal gaming rights in Texas, and that ruling allowed the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe to proceed with plans that had been on hold. Construction of the temporary casino moved ahead once regulatory clearances were secured, resulting in the August 2026 launch date. The Leggett site was selected because it lies within the tribe's existing land holdings, and the choice enabled faster deployment compared to starting with the full-scale resort from day one. The temporary casino features a compact layout designed for electronic gaming machines, and the inclusion of the Kano Grill provides on-site food service without requiring visitors to leave the premises. Those involved in the project have confirmed that the 300 machines cover a range of game types, though specific titles remain standard for this category of facility. Employment figures stand at 100 positions, covering roles in operations, guest services, and food preparation.

Operational Details and Immediate Impact

Since doors opened at 8 a.m. on August 25, the casino has run continuously, and reports indicate steady visitor traffic from the surrounding counties. The 24/7 schedule allows patrons to access gaming and dining at any hour, which aligns with patterns seen at other regional tribal facilities. Job creation of 100 positions has drawn from the local workforce in Polk County, and hiring processes emphasized training programs tied directly to the new operation. Data from the opening period shows the facility operates under tribal oversight with standard security and compliance measures in place, and the setup avoids table games in favor of the electronic machines specified in the initial plans. The Kano Grill menu focuses on quick-service items suited to casino visitors, and its integration into the main building reduces the need for separate structures at this stage.

Progress on the Permanent 95-Acre Resort

While the temporary casino operates in Leggett, work advances on the 95-acre permanent resort located nearby, and the tribe has set a target full opening for 2028. The larger project will expand capacity beyond the current 300 machines and incorporate additional amenities typical of full-service resorts. Construction timelines indicate that foundational work and infrastructure installation remain priorities through the coming months, with phased buildouts planned to meet the 2028 deadline. The permanent site benefits from lessons learned during the temporary casino rollout, including traffic flow patterns and staffing models developed since August 2026. Observers tracking the project note that the dual-phase approach lets the tribe generate revenue and refine operations while the larger facility takes shape. The 95-acre footprint provides room for expanded gaming areas, lodging, and recreational features that exceed the temporary setup.

Economic Context in Polk County

The addition of 100 jobs through the temporary casino contributes to employment figures in Polk County, and the ongoing resort construction adds further activity in building trades and related services. Local suppliers have received contracts for materials and services tied to both the current operation and the future expansion, which spreads economic effects across multiple sectors. The 2022 court victory removed prior barriers, and the August 2026 opening represents the first tangible result of that legal outcome. Figures released around the launch show consistent daily operating hours without interruption, and the electronic gaming focus keeps the facility within the scope approved after the Supreme Court ruling. The Kano Grill operates alongside the machines, and its presence supports extended visits by offering food options on site. Those monitoring regional development point to the combined effect of the temporary site and the upcoming resort as a sustained driver for Polk County activity through at least 2028.

Conclusion

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's Naskila Casino in Leggett stands as the immediate outcome of the 2022 legal win, and its August 25, 2026, opening at 8 a.m. delivered 300 electronic gaming machines, the Kano Grill, and 100 jobs while the 95-acre permanent resort moves toward its 2028 completion. This phased strategy keeps momentum going in Polk County as construction and operations proceed in parallel.