Indianz.Com >
Indian Gaming
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.
Read More on the Story:
Betting on the Fate of Gambling in Texas
(Houstonia 10/24)
Related Stories:
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe shares economic impact of new casino (09/19)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe back in court to defend gaming rights (08/17)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe sees more casino crowds as fight looms (8/15)
Alabama-Coushatta
Tribe sees state's opposition to Class II casino (08/01)
Texas
won't comment on new Alabama-Coushatta Tribe casino (06/15)
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)