Alabama-Coushatta Tribe sees state's opposition to Class II casino

Monday, August 1, 2016

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe opened the Naskila Entertainment gaming facility in Livingston, Texas, on May 17, 2016. Photo from Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas / Facebook

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The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe might be forced to close its new Class II gaming facility due to opposition from the state of Texas.

The tribe opened Naskila Entertainment in May but the state didn't say much at the time. That's changed as both parties are now asking a federal judge to rule on the legality of the facility, according to a joint motion that was filed in court on July 14.

A ruling, though, might not come for quite some time. The tribe and the state are proposing a briefing and hearing schedule that stretches well into March of 2017, according to another joint motion.

In 2002, the state forced the closure of the tribe's prior casino. The federal courts ruled that a provision in the Alabama-Coushatta Restoration Act places the reservation under the state's gambling laws.

Last October, the National Indian Gaming Commission determined that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act "impliedly repealed" the restoration act. The tribe and the state are seeking a decision on that argument as part of the case.

The NIGC made a similar determination with respect to the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, also known as the Tigua Tribe. But a federal judge refused to accept that determination, saying she was bound by precedent that placed the tribe under the state's gambling laws.

Get the Story:
State officials work to shut down casino-style gaming in East Texas (The Fort Worth Star-Telegram 7/27)
The State Has Finally Made a Move on the Alabama-Coushatta's Reopened Casino (The Houston Press 7/28)
Attorney general fights East Texas Indian bingo (The El Paso Times 7/28)