The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has received the 100th formal statement of support for its right to offer electronic bingo at Naskila Casino in Livingston, Texas, following a resolution passed by the city council of Port Arthur.
Ricky Sylestine, chairman of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Tribal Council, said, “We are grateful for the support we have received from elected officials, community leaders and our fellow Texans. The resolutions from our neighbors are very helpful as we advocate for ourselves before legislators at the state and federal levels. We are proud to show that our community supports us and understands the importance of Naskila Casino to our regional economy.”
The tribe received its first statement of support from a business, civic or governmental group in March 2018 from the All Pueblo Council of Governors. At that time, the state of Texas and the attorney general’s office attempted to shut down Naskila Casino, but the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the tribe’s right to offer electronic bingo in 2022.
City councils, county commissioner courts, chambers of commerce and political organizations have provided the 100 statements of support. Resolutions have highlighted the tribe’s contributions to the community, including assistance following Hurricane Harvey and college scholarships for tribal citizens who graduate from high school.
Naskila Casino is the second-largest employer in Polk County, providing 825 local jobs, including 400 at the facility. It also generates $212 million in annual economic activity according to a Texas Forest Country Partnership study.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell of Texas’ 8th Congressional District has introduced the Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act which would ensure the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso are regulated under the same federal structure as other tribal nations that offer gaming on their lands.
Luttrell said, “I’m proud to be a supportive voice in Congress for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, working to protect the economic well-being and sustainability of the tribe and the reservation. I’ll continue working with my colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral way to invest in the Alabama-Coushatta community by enhancing economic opportunity and fostering the relationship between the tribe and fellow Texans.”
