Work has begun on the first resort-style casino in Texas. The Naskila Resort & Casino is located in Leggett, within reach of both Dallas and Houston.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe gained federal approval for the project, which will be the size of 12 football fields. It will feature a multi-story, 366-room hotel, a resort-style pool complex, an event and conference center, and a large gaming room.
JCJ Architecture unveiled plans for the project last month, releasing images of the facility. The firm has designed several tribal casinos, including the Foxwoods Casino Resort in Connecticut.
Plans for ‘Amazing Facility’
“It is expected to be nothing short of being an amazing facility,’’ Tribal Chairman Ricky Sylestine said.
It is located 73 miles north of Houston and just over 200 miles southeast of Dallas. Construction began at a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18, with the full opening expected in 2028, according to Dallas News.
Increased Gaming Options
The new resort will expand on the current Naskila Casino in Livingston, about 10 miles from Leggett. The Livingston venue features 835 electronic bingo machines and attracts around 1 million visitors per year.
The new venue will feature 3,400 machines. The tribe is authorized to offer Class II gaming, which is limited to games against other players, including bingo, poker, and other “non-banked” card games.
Class II gaming does not include roulette, blackjack, or other traditional against-the-house casino games. Las Vegas Sands is hopeful that lawmakers will approve changes to Texas law to allow a full-fledged casino to open in the future. The casino developer has invested heavily in lobbying efforts.
Additionally, Texas-born businessman Tilman Fertitta would also be keen to open a resort in the state following a takeover of Caesars Entertainment. The Nevada Gaming Commission has already approved the suitability of two Fertitta executives and will make a final judgment on the takeover plans on July 23.
Tribe Says Venue Will Boost Local Economy
Plans to develop gaming in Texas have faced strong opposition, but the tribe says the facility will boost the local economy.
In Livingston, the current Naskila Casino employs over 1,000 people and pays $34.5 million in annual wages. This accounts for more than 15% of private-sector wages in Polk County.
The construction and opening of the expanded facility will considerably increase that number. A temporary venue next to the resort site is slated to open next month.
“Featuring over 300 electronic gaming machines, this temporary casino brings the excitement you love to a brand-new location,” said the tribe on the casino’s website.
The post Inside Texas Casino Aiming to Bring Vegas-Style Resort to State appeared first on CasinoBeats.
Work has begun on the first resort-style casino in Texas. The Naskila Resort & Casino is located in Leggett, within reach of both Dallas and Houston. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe gained federal approval for the project, which will be the size of 12 football fields. It will feature a multi-story, 366-room hotel, a resort-style pool complex, an event
The post Inside Texas Casino Aiming to Bring Vegas-Style Resort to State appeared first on CasinoBeats.