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)
Related Stories:
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe sees brighter future with gaming facility (06/08)
Tigua
Tribe loses decision to offer Class II games on reservation (6/2)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe offers gaming options closer to home (5/26)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe welcomes back former casino workers (5/20)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe opens Class II facility on reservation (5/18)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe schedules job fair as casino debut nears (04/18)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe prepares to open casino in a few weeks (02/29)
Texas
opposes attempt by Tigua Tribe to reopen gaming facility (12/11)
Tribes
with special acts of Congress face hurdles for gaming (11/24)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe was making $1M a month at casino (11/11)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe aims to open casino next year (11/9)
Texas tribes
optimistic as state stays mum on gaming ruling (11/4)
Editorial:
Tigua Tribe finally gets some good news about gaming (11/3)
Tribes in
Texas win NIGC approval of Class II gaming ordinances (10/28)
Column:
Casino industry pours millions into Texas campaigns (09/15)
Tribes
contributed $1.4M to politicians amid gaming fight in Texas (09/08)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe lobbies Congress for gaming rights (07/16)
Witness list for House subcommittee's hearing on
tribal bills (7/14)
House subcommittee
schedules hearing on three tribal measures (7/13)
Bill introduced to resolve
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's land claim (06/09)
Dennis
Whittlesey: Texas tribes are pawns in much larger game (04/27)
Texas
tribes aim for level playing field with casino amendment (04/06)
Gaming
operations proliferate in Texas as state goes after tribes (04/01)
Bills
introduced to recognize gaming rights of all tribes in Texas (03/16)