The state of Texas recently filed a lawsuit in federal court to shut down the Alabama-Coushatta tribe’s Naskila Gaming Center, which opened in June on the tribe’s reservation near Livingston. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial next summer but the state so far is allowing the facility to remain open.
The venue offers 365 electronic bingo machines, a restaurant and a gift shop. The tribe contends it has permission from the National Indian Gaming Commission to offer the games. However, the state claims Naskila’s bingo machines are illegal Class III slots. Furthermore, the state attorney general’s office states the Restoration Act of 1987 gives it the authority to prevent Indian reservations from offering any type of gaming that is not already offered elsewhere in the state.
Tribal spokesperson Chuck McDonald said, “The state of Texas offers charitable bingo and we are offering electronic bingo that’s benefiting the Alabama-Coushatta tribe. It’s allowing the tribe to be self-sufficient. That’s their goal.” He noted the games “do look like slot machines, let’s be honest. But they are bingo machines. We operate legally and we believe we’re on sound legal footing.” McDonalded stated Naskila created 200 new jobs with benefits.
Tribal council chairperson Jo Ann Battise said 600 people live on the reservation, which only has 100 homes. She said revenue from Naskila will help build more housing and also provide more scholarships.
Alabama-Coushatta officials tried in 2001 to open a Las Vegas-style casino on the reservation. The state sued the tribe in federal court and won, causing the operation to shut down. “We feel like we have to fight back. This time around, it’s been carefully planned,” Battise said.
