Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

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In Texas, there are three tribes officially recognized by the state, and one of them is the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. If you happen to live in the southeastern part of the state, it’s likely that you have seen advertisements or signs promoting the tribe’s gambling facility called Naskila Gaming. What’s intriguing is that the tribe’s reservation lands are located not far from Livingston, towards the east, and can be reached from Houston in about an hour, provided there are no traffic delays.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas holds a significant role in the Big Thicket region and has taken their gambling dispute to the highest court in the United States. Consequently, it is important to explore the different facets pertaining to the tribe’s endeavors.

Tribal snapshot

  • This tribe is known as the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas.
  • The reservation is located around 20 miles east of Livingston.
  • The reservation measures approximately 10,600 acres in size.
  • In 1987, the federal recognition was awarded.
  • Does Naskila Gaming serve as a destination for gambling?

Federal recognition history

The path towards gaining federal recognition for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas was filled with difficulties and obstacles. After Texas became part of the United States in 1845, the tribe and the state somehow managed to coexist despite a tense atmosphere. However, this delicate peace was shattered when the US government introduced a set of policies known as Indian termination. Starting with the Kansas Act of 1940, tribes all over the country saw their ties with the federal government gradually deteriorate.

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe faced the repercussions of a major event in 1954. They became involved in an extra provision of House concurrent resolution 108 of 1953, which made termination an official policy of the US government. After a study conducted by the Department of the Interior on the effects of this law, it was recommended that the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas be terminated. As a result, another concurrent law transferred control of reservation lands back to the state. By 1965, the tribe’s affairs were under the management of the newly formed Texas Indian Commission.

President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan, initiated a change in government policy during the late 1960s. This shift was further supported by his successor, Richard Nixon, and focused on granting tribes self-determination. However, it took until 1983 for the tribe to experience any substantial relief. Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox played a crucial role in this turning point by declaring that the state’s control over the tribe contradicted the Texas Constitution. As a result, the federal government withdrew, leaving the tribe and its reservation lands in a neutral and private state, free from the control of the state government.

Ronald Coleman, a congressman from Texas, spearheaded the effort in 1985 to present a bill in the US House of Representatives. The purpose was to restore the acknowledgment of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas as a recognized Native American community. Although the bill encountered delays of two years due to amendments and disagreements about its content, the tribe persevered. Finally, in 1987, the tribe successfully attained official status, and their lands were officially designated as reservation lands.

The tribe and the state of Texas

The Alabamas and the Coushattas were originally separate tribes and did not come together in Texas until the 1850s, despite their shared ancestry and geographic roots. The Texan government purchased around 1,100 acres of land for the Alabamas to create a reservation, but failed to follow through on their commitment to do the same for the Coushattas. As a result, members of both tribes encountered various difficulties over time, such as language barriers and a lack of job prospects.

The federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, allowing federally recognized tribes to have the power to operate gambling activities on their tribal lands. This act also classifies gambling into three categories. Class I includes games related to religious ceremonies. Class II covers non-banked games like bingo and poker. Lastly, Class III includes banked games such as table games and authorized slot machines.

The authority to independently engage in Class I and Class II gambling, without state government involvement, is granted to tribes by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Consequently, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe in Eagle Pass is able to legally operate the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. Nonetheless, a formal agreement referred to as a “compact” between the state government and tribe is required for Class III gambling.

Naskila Gaming and the 1987 Restoration Act

Although the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe regained their recognized status with the federal government in 1987, they encountered challenges in providing Class II gambling. The legislation that restored their tribal status also placed limitations on gambling activities that were prohibited by Texas. At that time, the tribe did not challenge these provisions as they believed that the benefits of their restoration outweighed the drawbacks. Additionally, the legalization of gambling on tribal land would only happen in the following year.

Despite facing challenges, the tribe, along with another Texas tribe called the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, has been asserting their right to offer Class II gambling in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe has made two previous attempts to establish a gambling facility. Their first endeavor was in 2001 when they opened a slots and poker venue. Unfortunately, after only nine months, the state forced its closure due to restrictions on slots, poker, and the 1987 restoration law.

The tribe formally requested authorization from the National Indian Gaming Commission in 2002 to establish a Class II casino. However, it took the commission a lengthy 13 years to respond, ultimately granting approval in November 2015. As a result, the Alabama-Coushatta tribe inaugurated Naskila Gaming in May 2016. This newly established casino offers a variety of electronic bingo machines that resemble slot machines, ensuring compliance with Class II gambling regulations.

A court battle begins

Naskila Gaming, located near Livingston, has managed to sustain its operations since its inception. However, the legal controversy surrounding its legitimacy did not cease with the tribal authorities. Following the establishment of the facility, the state of Texas initiated a lawsuit asserting that it contravened the Restoration Act. In response, the tribe contended that a) they deserved special consideration under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and b) even without such consideration, the activities at Naskila Gaming were not in violation of the Restoration Act and thus complied with its provisions.

The tribe’s first court argument failed, but their second argument successfully prevailed. In 2021, a federal judge ruled that the activities at Naskila do meet the criteria of the Restoration Act. Although the state appealed, progress has been hindered due to their ongoing legal conflict with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, another Texas tribe encountering difficulties in establishing legal gambling on tribal territory.

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe, also known as the Tiguas, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe have joined forces to support the El Paso tribe in their ongoing legal battle against the state. This collaboration was not surprising, considering that the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is eagerly awaiting the verdict of the case, which has been escalated to the US Supreme Court. The forthcoming ruling is expected to set an important precedent that will have a significant impact on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe.

Reservation information

Naskila Gaming is currently operating and serves as the nearest legal casino for people living in Houston, Austin, and southeastern Texas. However, there are other notable establishments on the reservation besides the Naskila Gaming casino. Here are some of its additional features:

  • Chief Kina Health Center
  • Cultural center
  • Day care center
  • Gift shop
  • Library
  • Multipurpose center and gym
  • Naskila Gaming
  • One Stop Ischoopa is the well-known convenience store.
  • Smoke shop
  • Welcome center

The list provided here falls short in fully portraying the incredible experience that awaits at the reservation. Spanning over 10,600 acres under the tribe’s jurisdiction, if you find yourself in the Livingston area and yearning for an exceptional adventure without going too far, we strongly urge you to make a trip and experience it for yourself.

Naskila Gaming

  • The address is 540 State Park Road 56, Livingston, TX 77351.
  • Our operations are available round the clock, 24 hours a day.
  • Experience the joy of gaming with our state-of-the-art electronic bingo machines.

Naskila Gaming, which first opened its doors in May 2016, offers an expansive collection of approximately 800 electronic bingo machines within its spacious 15,000 square feet of gambling area. These machines, reminiscent of slot machines, feature captivating titles like Pac Man, Willie Nelson: Whiskey River, and Daddy Morebucks. The only notable disparity between these titles and those found in Las Vegas lies in the mechanism utilized by the machines to generate their results, a distinction that is hardly noticeable to the player.

Casino amenities

Naskila Gaming offers two dining choices to cater to its customers. The restaurants’ opening hours are carefully arranged to guarantee that at least one is accessible at all times. Timbers Grille is a sit-down eatery that presents a diverse menu including mouthwatering steaks, burgers, salads, and seafood. It serves customers from 6 a.m. until late, ensuring a relaxed dining atmosphere. For late-night visitors, Cafe Itto Si is open, providing sandwiches and snacks until 6 a.m.

Finally, Naskila Gaming has unveiled a players club designed to show appreciation to its devoted customers. The Naskila Gaming Players Club bestows numerous benefits upon its members, including free gaming opportunities, discounted rates on food and merchandise at the gift shop, and priority seating at Timbers Grille. As individuals climb the ranks of the program, they unlock even more advantages, such as access to the exclusive VIP Lounge, exclusive event invitations, and the dedicated support of a personal host.

While Naskila Gaming does not offer accommodations, there are plenty of motels in the nearby Livingston area for those who need overnight stays. However, Naskila Gaming is primarily designed for day-trip visits. Moreover, alcohol is not available within the establishment or on reservation grounds, making overnight stays less necessary for individuals facing transportation challenges.

FAQ

Is Naskila Gaming legal?

At the moment, the state’s appeal opposing the court’s ruling in favor of the tribe has been temporarily halted. This pause is due to the state’s prioritization of its ongoing lawsuit against a Texas tribe in the US Supreme Court.

How old do you have to be to play at Naskila?

Although the venue does not serve alcohol, you still need to meet the legal drinking age requirement in order to participate.

Does the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe offer online gambling?

There are no provisions in the Restoration Act and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that permit the tribe to offer virtual gambling to individuals who live outside the reservation.

Does the tribe or Naskila Gaming have any gambling partners?

Despite engaging in cross-promotions with local news stations and other businesses, Naskila Gaming lacks partnerships with renowned gambling companies or sports franchises.

Would the tribe be involved with any future gambling expansion in Texas?

Determining the outcome proves challenging as it remains uncertain whether the federally recognized tribes in Texas would participate if sports betting or casino legislation is pursued by the state’s legislators. Moreover, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is presently entangled in a lawsuit with the state and has also joined another tribal lawsuit against it. Consequently, any potential gambling expansion in Austin might be accompanied by lingering animosity.