However, Paxton stated in a December court filing regarding the Tiguas that state approval, not just federal, was required. The Alabama-Coushattas said they can operate games on its reservation, like the Tigua Indians do on the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo reservation near El Paso.Īt the moment Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has made no move against the new casino. Department of Interior and the National Indian Gaming Commission that tribes are sovereign nations and may operate casinos on their reservations, even though state law prevents expanded gambling. The tribe claims it has the authority to reopen the Class II casino based on recent rulings by the U.S. It was shut down 14 years ago after Texas officials said state law had precedence over national Indian law and casino gambling wasn’t allowed in Texas. The tribe’s bingo hall in the same location in East Texas generated $1 million a month while it was open.
The facility can hold 777 people and created 200 jobs. The new alcohol-free casino offers 365 electronic bingo machines, smoking and non-smoking areas, a restaurant and a VIP area. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe recently held a soft opening of its Naskila Entertainment Center in Livingston, Texas.
