Alabama-Coushatta Tribe faces legal fight over modest casino

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Employees of Naskila Gaming in Livingston, Texas. Photo by Alabama Coushatta Tribe

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe rejoined the Indian gaming industry after a 15-year absence and business appears to be going well for the Texas tribe.

Naskila Gaming opened its doors in May and the modest facility has continued to draw notable crowds despite offering just 365 machines. According to Houstonia, 38,000 people passed through the doors between June and August, the first full three months of operation.

“It’s a quaint little spot,” tribal member and spokesperson Carlos Bullock tells Houstonia, “and we’re proud of it.”

But the state of Texas wants to shut Naskila down, like it did when the tribe operated a casino for nine short months in the early 2000s. Even though the facility only offers Class II games -- which do not fall under state control - authorities say it is illegal.

"Their electronic bingo machines are an illegal lottery," a spokesperson for Attorney General Ken Paxton told Houstonia.

A decision in an ongoing lawsuit isn't expected until sometime in 2017, based on the briefing schedule agreed to by the parties.

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