Alabama-Coushatta Tribe breaks ground on Naskila Casino Resort

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRE) - The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe broke ground today on a new casino resort in Livingston, marking the culmination of decades of planning and legal battles.

Tribal leaders, casino staff and community members attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Naskila Casino.

“I get emotional but, this is for our kids, this is for their kids, their kids kids,” said Rick Sylestine, Tribal Council chairman. “It took a lot of planning it took years really, it’s just something that people before us, other council members before have looked forward to.”

Sylestine said his goal has been to improve life for the tribe.

“I’m looking out for them. That’s what I want to do, I always said this is my goal to be on council I want a better life for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe,” he said.

Nita Battise, vice-chairperson of the Tribal Council, said she thought about past tribal members during the ceremony.

“I actually thought about past tribal members, our past Minkos, our chiefs, who were instrumental in getting this done who are no longer with us,” Battise said. “So their dream is becoming reality, and this reality will move forward.”

The casino is already the second largest employer in Polk County, bringing in around $250 million annually in economic impact and creating 1,000 local jobs.

Since the creation of the casino, Alabama-Coushatta has built 13 homes for the tribe, is bringing apartments, creating scholarships and more.

Battise said the casino represents opportunity for future generations.

“What it means to us, for our future, for those who are following us, an opportunity to advance themselves in education, job opportunities, beyond something I could not even imagine myself,” she said.

Keith Sherrer, interim general manager and COO of Naskila, said the project has been an ongoing legal battle with the state of Texas.

“When we opened the original casino, the state of Texas filed a lawsuit and tried to shut us down. It was roughly a five year legal fight,” Sherrer said.

For the Alabama-Coushatta and tribes across Texas, the state can no longer control tribal gaming.

Sherrer said the new resort will offer an enhanced experience.

“This is going to be a much more grand experience, a much more refined experience, where we continue to offer the same fun games that people have come accustom to playing,” he said.

Second Chief Herbert Johnson said the casino serves as a reminder of the tribe’s presence in East Texas.

“Ladies and Gentlemen we’re here today to tell you that, as Alabama Coushatta people, that we are here, we’ve been here in East Texas, and we’ll forever be your friend,” Johnson said.

The casino resort will span 95 acres with design features rooted in tribal culture. It will include a hotel, pool, event and conference center and 3,400 gaming machines.

The resort will be located on tribal land at 10450 US-59 in Leggett and is expected to open in late 2028.