LIVINGTON, TX – The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Naskila Casino marked its next phase of growth with the groundbreaking of the future Naskila Casino Resort. The ceremony coincides with the tribe’s 10-year anniversary at the property and the next phase of its economic and community investment plans.
The groundbreaking drew tribal leadership, Naskila Casino representatives, community members, and project partners. The program opened with a Flag Song by tribal singers and an invocation from the Tribal Princess and Jr. Tribal Princess, followed by remarks from tribal leadership including Principal Chief Mikko Kanicu Donnis Battise, Vice-Chairwoman Nita Battise, Second Chief Mikko Istimatokla Maanaatiika Herbert Johnson Jr., and Tribal Council Chairman Ricky Sylestine; Keith Sherer, Naskila GM; and partners from Yates Construction, JCJ Architecture, and the owner’s representative team. Speakers covered Naskila Casino’s history, economic and community impact, and future plans before the ceremonial turning of the dirt.
The future Naskila Casino Resort will span 95 acres on Alabama-Coushatta tribal land at 10450 US-59, Livingston, TX, and will be developed in phases. The completed resort will total approximately 685,000 sq. ft. and include a gaming floor, a 366-room hotel, entertainment amenities, dining options, a resort-style pool complex, and event and conference space.
The first phase is scheduled to open in late 2028. It will include approximately 3,400 electronic bingo machines; dedicated non-smoking, smoking, and high-limit VIP casino areas; a range of restaurants, bars, lounges, and food hall concepts; and approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of flexible event and conference space, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 guests for conferences, special events, and group gatherings.
This initial phase is intended to establish the foundation for the broader project and create economic opportunities for the tribal community. Additional phases and amenities will be announced as development progresses, allowing the resort to expand in response to guest demand and growth opportunities.
“Today marks an important milestone in Naskila’s journey and the future of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe,” said Keith Sherer, General Manager, Naskila Casino. “What began as a vision has grown into a significant economic driver for East Texas, and this next phase allows us to build on that momentum. Naskila Casino Resort will create new opportunities, attract visitors from across the region and deliver lasting benefits for the Tribe, our employees, and surrounding communities for generations to come.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas opened Naskila Casino in Livingston, TX, in 2016. The property also operates the Ischoopa Travel Center, which offers fuel, travel essentials, and additional gaming. Together, Naskila Casino and the Ischoopa Travel Center support the tribe’s economic development and contribute to the Deep East Texas regional economy.
According to a study commissioned by the Texas Forest Country Partnership, Naskila Casino generates approximately $251.7 million in annual economic impact. The casino has created more than 1,000 permanent local jobs and procures tens of millions of dollars in goods and services annually, including more than $8 million from Polk County vendors. The future Naskila Casino Resort is expected to add jobs, draw additional visitors, and expand economic activity for the tribe and surrounding communities.
As part of this next phase, the tribe will open Naskila Casino Leggett, a temporary gaming facility on the future resort site. Scheduled to open later this summer, the 24-hour facility will include 300 electronic bingo machines, dedicated smoking and non-smoking areas, a 24-hour dining venue, and the Seven Feathers Players Club.
