Some of the employees of Naskila Entertainment in Livingston, Texas. Photo from Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas / Facebook
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is back in the gaming business after a 14-year absence but the state of Texas won't say whether it will try to shut down a new Class II facility on the reservation. The state forced the closure of the tribe's prior casino in 2002. At issue is a provision in the Alabama-Coushatta Restoration Act that places the reservation under the state's gambling laws. A federal judge has since ruled that a similar provision remains in effect for the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also known as the Tigua Tribe. Although the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe isn't a part of the case, the same legal reasoning could be cited by the state if it wanted to shut down the new Naskila Entertainment in Livingston. Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), however, isn't showing his cards. When asked by The Houston Press, a spokesperson said the office will "not be issuing a comment or statement on this matter." Naskila opened in May and it has put about 200 people back to work. The tribe plans to use the revenues to expand programs and services on the reservation. Get the Story:
Could the Alabama-Coushatta Be Forced to Close Their Just-Opened Casino Again? (The Houston Press 6/15)
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