Naskila Casino Opens in Leggett as Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Marks New Chapter for Polk County
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened its temporary Naskila Casino in Leggett on or around August 25, 2026, and this development brought the county's first casino into operation after extended legal proceedings that ended with a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Polk County residents watched the facility open its doors with 300 electronic bingo machines, a dining area, and 24/7 service, while construction continued on a much larger permanent resort nearby that is scheduled for completion in late 2028.
Legal Path to Operation
Years of court disputes preceded the launch, yet the 2022 Supreme Court decision cleared the way for the tribe to move forward with gaming activities on its land, and observers note that this resolution allowed planning for both the temporary site and the future resort to proceed without further delays.
The temporary casino sits in Leggett, a location chosen for its proximity to the permanent site, and the tribe coordinated the opening to provide immediate access while the larger facility takes shape over the next several years.
Features of the Temporary Facility
Inside the Leggett location, guests find 300 electronic bingo machines along with food service options, and the operation runs continuously to serve visitors at any hour, which represents a notable addition to local entertainment choices in an area that previously lacked casino options.
Staff members handle daily operations with an emphasis on compliance and customer service, while the tribe maintains oversight to ensure the facility meets all regulatory standards established following the court ruling.
Scale of the Permanent Resort
Construction on the permanent resort continues nearby, and the project calls for a structure of approximately 685,000 square feet that will include a hotel, pool, conference space, and roughly 3,400 machines once it opens in late 2028.
According to project updates, the larger facility will expand employment opportunities and visitor capacity well beyond what the temporary site can accommodate, and planners have incorporated additional amenities to support conferences and extended stays.
Local Context and Timeline
Polk County had not hosted a casino prior to this opening, and the arrival of Naskila Casino aligns with the tribe's long-term strategy to develop gaming infrastructure on its property following the resolution of prior legal challenges.
Reports from local coverage indicate steady interest from regional visitors since the temporary doors opened, and the tribe expects this momentum to carry forward as the permanent resort takes form.
Future Outlook
The phased approach allows the tribe to begin generating activity while the larger project advances, and experts have observed that such interim facilities often help refine operations ahead of full-scale openings.
By late 2028 the permanent resort is projected to stand as a major destination in east Texas, complete with expanded gaming, lodging, and meeting facilities that build directly on the foundation established by the Leggett site.
Conclusion
The opening of the temporary Naskila Casino in August 2026 marks a concrete step in the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's development plans, and the transition toward the 2028 resort will continue to shape the local landscape in Polk County as construction progresses.