Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Brings Naskila Casino to Polk County with Temporary Leggett Opening
Written by Carlo Hughes · Aug 26, 2026
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Brings Naskila Casino to Polk County with Temporary Leggett Opening
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened its temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett on or around August 25, 2026, establishing Polk County's first casino after years of legal proceedings that concluded with a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The facility launched with 300 electronic bingo machines, a dining area, and round-the-clock operations that continue without interruption.
Facility Details and Daily Operations
Visitors encounter a compact setup designed for immediate access, where the 300 electronic bingo machines occupy the main gaming floor while the attached dining area provides meals at any hour. The casino runs 24/7, allowing consistent entry for players across all shifts, and staff maintain the machines and service areas to support continuous use. Observers note that this temporary location serves as an initial step before the larger development reaches completion nearby.
Path Through Legal Challenges
The opening follows multiple rounds of litigation that spanned several years, with the 2022 Supreme Court decision clearing the final obstacles for tribal gaming operations in the region. Court records show the tribe navigated federal and state processes that ultimately affirmed its authority to proceed with casino development on its lands. Those who tracked the case point to the ruling as the decisive factor that enabled construction and licensing for both the temporary site and the permanent project.
Construction Progress on the Permanent Resort
Work continues on the permanent facility, a structure planned at approximately 685,000 square feet that will include a hotel, pool, conference space, and roughly 3,400 gaming machines. Crews have advanced site preparation and foundational work at the nearby location, with completion targeted for late 2028. The expanded complex will replace the current temporary setup and introduce additional amenities that broaden the range of available services.
Regional Context and Economic Activity
Polk County gains its first casino through this development, which draws on the tribe's established presence in East Texas. Local businesses near Leggett have begun to see increased foot traffic since the temporary doors opened, while suppliers prepare for the larger demands expected once the resort opens. The project aligns with similar tribal gaming initiatives across the United States, where federal recognition supports economic diversification on reservation lands.
According to updates shared through regional reporting, the temporary casino operates under strict compliance with the court-approved framework, and the tribe coordinates with state regulators on licensing and oversight. Construction timelines remain subject to standard permitting reviews, yet current schedules project the full resort opening in late 2028.
Future Expansion and Community Impact
Once the permanent building opens, the facility will scale from 300 machines to approximately 3,400 while adding overnight accommodations and meeting spaces that support conferences and events. The tribe has outlined plans to integrate these elements into a single destination that attracts visitors from surrounding counties and beyond. Employment opportunities at both the temporary and permanent sites continue to grow as operations stabilize and construction advances.
Conclusion
The August 2026 launch of the temporary Naskila Casino marks a measurable step in the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's long-term development strategy, with the 2022 Supreme Court decision providing the legal foundation and the larger resort project moving forward on schedule toward its 2028 target. Information from project documentation confirms the current machine count, operating hours, and planned amenities, giving a clear picture of the timeline and scope that will shape gaming options in Polk County over the coming years.