Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Unveils Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett as Permanent Resort Construction Advances

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened its Temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett, Polk County, Texas, on August 25, 2026, at 8 a.m., and the 24/7 facility now operates with approximately 300 Class II electronic gaming machines, a deli, plus players club amenities while creating about 100–110 new jobs, all while construction continues on the adjacent permanent Naskila Casino Resort that saw ground broken in June 2026 with full opening targeted for 2027–2028.

This development follows years of legal efforts by the tribe, and it marks the first major expansion beyond its Livingston location, so observers note the significance of the step for regional gaming operations in east Texas. The temporary site sits in Leggett, and operations run continuously with the listed machines alongside food service and membership features that support player engagement from the start.

Facility Features and Immediate Operations

Staffing at the temporary casino supports the 100–110 positions created by the opening, and these roles cover gaming floor management, deli service, and players club coordination, whereas the 300 Class II electronic gaming machines form the core offering available around the clock. Patrons access the deli for meals during visits, and the players club amenities provide tracking and rewards systems that integrate directly with machine play.

Because the facility opened at 8 a.m. on August 25, 2026, initial operations began immediately with full staffing and machine availability, while the tribe coordinated logistics to maintain 24/7 access from day one. Reports from local coverage detail how the setup allows continuous customer flow in Polk County without interruption.

Background on Legal Efforts and Expansion Timeline

Years of legal efforts preceded the launch, and those efforts cleared the path for this first major expansion outside the tribe's original Livingston site, so the temporary casino represents a direct outcome of resolved proceedings. The move into Leggett positions the operation in Polk County, and it aligns with broader plans that include the permanent resort now under construction nearby.

Ground was broken on the permanent Naskila Casino Resort in June 2026, and work proceeds alongside the temporary facility's operations, whereas the full resort opening remains targeted for 2027–2028 to allow completion of larger-scale amenities and infrastructure. This phased approach keeps gaming and employment active during the build-out phase.

Employment Impact and Regional Context

The addition of 100–110 jobs connects directly to the temporary casino's launch, and these positions fill roles across the gaming floor, food service, and guest services areas while the permanent resort construction generates further long-term opportunities in the area. Polk County benefits from the immediate staffing needs, and the tribe coordinates hiring to support ongoing operations at the Leggett location.

Because the temporary site functions as a bridge to the larger resort, employment remains steady through the transition period, and the players club plus deli components add layers of service that sustain daily activity. Data from industry briefings confirm the job figures tied to the August 25 opening.

Construction Progress on the Permanent Resort

Work on the permanent Naskila Casino Resort continues next to the temporary facility, and the timeline calls for completion between 2027 and 2028 once structural and operational elements reach full readiness. The adjacent placement allows shared access points and efficient resource use during the remaining construction phases, while the temporary casino maintains continuous service for visitors in the interim.

Groundbreaking occurred in June 2026, and subsequent months have seen steady advancement on foundational and structural work that supports the eventual resort scale, whereas the temporary operations provide revenue and experience that inform the larger project. This sequencing keeps the tribe's expansion on track without gaps in service.

Conclusion

The August 25, 2026, opening of the temporary Naskila Casino establishes the tribe's expanded presence in Polk County, and the combination of 300 electronic gaming machines, deli, players club features, and 100–110 new jobs creates immediate operational capacity while permanent resort construction advances toward its 2027–2028 target. Legal resolutions enabled this step, and the phased model connects current activities at the Leggett site with future development at the same location.